John Gilliam

Joe Gilliam (December 29, 1950 – December 25, 2000) was a quarterback who played four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Born in Charleston, West Virginia, and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, he became the Steelers' starter in 1974, opening that season as the first African American quarterback to start an NFL season opener. He was benched midseason, with Terry Bradshaw reclaiming the role. Gilliam remained on the roster through the Steelers' Super Bowl X victory before being waived ahead of the 1976 season. He later played briefly with the USFL's Washington Federals in 1983 and was inducted into the American Football Association's Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.