Burl Toler, NFL's first black official, dies Aug 19, 2009
(08-17) 22:58 PDT -- On the legendary 1951 USF football team were 10 men who would play in the NFL. Three of them - Ollie Matson, Gino Marchetti and Bob St. Clair - eventually were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a record for one college team. Images. (San Francisco Chronicle)
USF Legend of the Hilltop Burl Toler Passes Away at 81 Aug 18, 2009
Honored as a "Legend of the Hilltop" as one of the top 75 athletes in USF history at the institution's 150th anniversary in 2006, Toler became the third member of the 1951 Dons Football team inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, joining Matson and NFL Hall-of Famers Gino Marchetti and Bob St. Clair. Toler is survived by his brother Arnold of Memphis and six children - Valerie, Burl Jr., Susan, Gregory, Martel and Jennifer along with eight grandchildren. (Usfdons.com)
Burl Toler; referee was NFL pioneer Aug 18, 2009
Mr. Toler was one of four members of the 1951 Dons team inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame, joining NFL Hall of Famers Matson, Gino Marchetti, and Bob St. Clair. Mr. Toler s son, Burl Jr., and his grandson, Burl III, played college football for the California Golden Bears. (Boston Globe)
Defense highlights new Hall of Fame class Aug 9, 2009
l Gino Marchetti, defensive end. l Dan Marino, quarterback. (The Augusta Chronicle)
USF Athletics Announces Hall of Fame Inductions For Its... Feb 18, 2009
The Dons featured three players who would be enshrined at Canton in the Pro Football Hall of Fame - Gino Marchetti, Ollie Matson and Bob St. Clair - still the only team in NCAA history to feature a trio. Pete Rozelle, the publicity director for the 1951 team was also was inducted into the Hall of Fame after serving as the NFL Commissioner where he elevated the league to unprecedented heights. (Usfdons.com)
