The Upside Blog

The Syracuse 8 Sacrificed Their Football Dreams for Equality 

1969 photograph of [standing left to right] Tom Smith (not part of Syracuse 8), Duane Walker, A. Alif Muhammad, Clarence “Bucky” McGill; [kneeling left to right] John Lobon, Dana “D.J.” Harrell, Greg Allen, John Godbolt.

​​Would you give up your future to fight for what you believe? John Lobon, a college student, and his seven football teammates would confront this life-altering question head on, like a linebacker crashing into the offensive backfield. 
 
Sacrifice is defined by Merriam-Webster as the act of giving up something that you want to keep, especially for something you consider more worthy or to help someone else. As a member of the Syracuse University football team in 1970, John Lobon, Gregory Allen, Richard Bulls, Dana Jon “D.J.” Harrell, John Willie Godbolt, Clarence “Bucky” McGill, Abdullah Alif Muhammad (then known as Al Newton Jr.), Duane “Spoon” Walker—all Black players—made a personal sacrifice that would change their lives, strengthen their bond, and line them up against their university. They would come to be known as the Syracuse 8. Ron Womack had been removed from the roster due to an injury, but he supported them through the whole boycott and is considered a ninth member .  

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