Sports Then and Now

The 1965 American Football League (AFL) All-Star Game was unlike any other in professional football history. Scheduled to be played in New Orleans on January 16, 1965, the game became a defining moment in the civil rights movement within sports. Instead of being remembered for what happened on the field, the 1965 AFL All-Star Game is remembered for what didn’t happen—the players’ refusal to participate due to racial discrimination they faced upon arriving in New Orleans. This protest, led by the league’s African American players, forced the AFL to relocate the game to Houston, marking one of the earliest instances of professional athletes taking a stand against racial injustice.

The AFL and the Significance of the 1965 All-Star Game

The AFL, founded in 1960 as a rival to the NFL, was known for being more progressive in its approach to racial integration. While the NFL had long-standing unofficial policies that limited Black players in certain positions, the AFL was more open to signing Black talent, giving opportunities to players who had been overlooked by the more established league. The 1965 AFL All-Star Game was meant to be a showcase of the league’s brightest stars, including many of its top Black athletes.

The game was originally set to take place at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, a city that had never hosted a major professional football event. For the AFL, choosing New Orleans as the host city was strategic—the league was looking to expand and hoped to establish a franchise in the Deep South. However, despite assurances from local officials that Black and white players would be treated equally, the reality was far different when the players arrived.

Racial Discrimination in New Orleans

When the African American players arrived in New Orleans, they quickly found themselves subjected to blatant racism. Many were denied cab service, refused entry into restaurants, and treated with open hostility by locals. This was a stark reminder that, despite the Civil Rights Act of 1964 having been passed just months earlier, segregation and discrimination were still deeply ingrained in parts of the country.

Some players initially brushed off the treatment, hoping to focus on the game. However, as more and more instances of discrimination occurred, frustration grew. Players like Cookie Gilchrist, Ernie Warlick, and Abner Haynes, who had already experienced racism throughout their careers, began discussing taking action. The tipping point came when Black players attempted to get cabs and were ignored in favor of white players or refused service outright.

The players gathered in a meeting to discuss their options. Gilchrist, a powerful fullback known for his outspoken nature, emerged as a leader of the protest. Along with other prominent Black players such as Clem Daniels, Earl Faison, and Buck Buchanan, he argued that they should not tolerate such treatment. After a heated discussion, the African American players voted to boycott the game unless it was moved from New Orleans.

Support from White Teammates and League Officials

While the protest was led by the Black players, several white teammates and league officials also supported their stance. Jack Kemp, the Buffalo Bills’ quarterback and future U.S. congressman, was among those who backed the boycott. Kemp had long been a supporter of racial equality and saw the protest as a necessary step. Other white players, including Ron Mix, also voiced their solidarity.

AFL commissioner Joe Foss initially tried to salvage the situation, speaking with New Orleans officials to address the players’ concerns. However, it quickly became clear that local authorities were either unwilling or unable to guarantee fair treatment. With the players standing firm in their refusal to play in New Orleans, the league had no choice but to relocate the game.

Relocation to Houston and the Impact of the Boycott

The AFL swiftly moved the game to Houston’s Jeppesen Stadium, ensuring that the All-Star event could still take place. While the abrupt change of venue disrupted plans, the game proceeded as scheduled on January 16, 1965. The East team, led by Buffalo Bills quarterback Jack Kemp and running back Cookie Gilchrist, defeated the West team 19-7.

Though the game itself was largely forgettable, the decision to relocate it had far-reaching consequences. The players’ successful boycott sent a powerful message about the influence of Black athletes and their unwillingness to tolerate discrimination. It also dealt a significant blow to New Orleans’ hopes of securing an AFL franchise, as the league recognized that the city was not yet ready to support an integrated team.

It would take another two years before New Orleans was awarded an NFL franchise—the New Orleans Saints in 1967. However, the city had to demonstrate a commitment to racial integration before the league agreed to grant them a team. The boycott of the 1965 AFL All-Star Game played a key role in forcing New Orleans to make those changes.

Paying the Price

Though the players ultimately got their way with having the game moved, it did come with a high cost for some of the participants.

Abner Haynes, a two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl pick for the Kansas City Chiefs, would never play another game for the Chiefs. According to Haynes, he received a letter from the Chiefs organization soon after the game reprimanding him for his actions in refusing to play in New Orleans. He was traded to the Denver Broncos before the 1965 season and spent two seasons with the team before finishing his career splitting time with the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets in 1967.

Fellow running back Cookie Gilchrist was also traded to Denver before the 1965 season after twice leading the AFL in rushing yards in three seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He rushed for 954 yards and was named first team All-Pro in 1965 but was sent to the expansion Miami Dolphins for the 1966 season where he played in just eight games. He returned to Denver and played in just one game in 1967.

While several other players who appeared in the game were traded within the next year or were soon out of the league, it is not possible to directly connect those actions to their participation in the boycott. However, there is no question that while the league accommodated the move of the game to Houston, not everyone agreed or appreciated the players taking a stand.

Legacy of the 1965 AFL All-Star Boycott

The decision by the players to boycott the game remains one of the earliest examples of professional athletes using their platform to fight racial injustice. At a time when speaking out against racism carried significant risks, these athletes took a stand and forced meaningful change. Their actions foreshadowed later protests in sports, including Muhammad Ali’s refusal to be drafted, the raised fists of Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics, and more recent movements like Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling protest.

Beyond its impact on civil rights, the boycott demonstrated the growing power of athletes in shaping the business and culture of professional sports. It showed that players were more than just entertainers—they had voices, and when they united, they could influence policy and decision-making at the highest levels. However, the fact that multiple players were soon traded or out of the league indicates that there was a price to pay for their protest.

The 1965 AFL All-Star Game was meant to be a simple exhibition of football talent, but it became a pivotal moment in sports history. By refusing to play in a city that failed to respect their basic rights, the Black players of the AFL took a courageous stand that resonated far beyond the football field. Their protest led to the game being moved, exposed racial injustice in New Orleans, and set a precedent for athlete activism that continues to this day.

While the players who participated in the boycott may not have realized it at the time, their actions helped shape the future of both professional sports and the civil rights movement. More than half a century later, their stand remains an inspiring example of the power of unity, courage, and the fight for equality.