[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 94 (Tuesday, July 18, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1437-E1438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM KARNET ``BILL'' WILLIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH REGULA

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 18, 2006

  Mr. REGULA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the achievements of 
William Karnet ``Bill'' Willis of Columbus, Ohio.
  Mr. Willis was a 3-year starter for The Ohio State University and 
starred on the 1942 National Championship football team as a sophomore. 
He was twice recognized for his football talents as an All-Big 10 
honoree while at The Ohio State University.
  After college, Mr. Willis served as the Head Football Coach and 
Athletic Director of Kentucky State College in 1945. He subsequently 
signed a contract on August 6, 1946 with the Cleveland Browns to play 
professional football in the first year that the All-American Football 
Conference competed.
  Upon signing his contract with the Cleveland Browns, Mr. Willis broke 
the color barrier in professional football a full year before Jackie 
Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. With this 
landmark achievement, Mr. Willis became a role model for others.
  Continuing his role as a trailblazer, Mr. Willis played in the first 
three Pro Bowl games for the National Football League. Specifically, 
the game-winning tackle by Mr. Willis in the divisional playoff between 
the New York Giants and the Cleveland Browns propelled the Cleveland 
Browns to the 1950 National Football League Championship.
  Mr. Willis played professional football with the Cleveland Browns for 
the 8 years from 1946 to 1953.
  After his football career, Mr. Willis was appointed to the Ohio Youth 
Commission in 1963 and was named Commission Director. He is a member of 
the City of Columbus Hall of Fame in recognition of his 
accomplishments.
  Mr. Willis was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame 
in 1977 for his outstanding achievements in and contributions toward 
professional football.
  His record of remarkable leadership in helping the young people of 
Ohio will be a lasting legacy of achievement.

[[Page E1438]]



                          ____________________