NFL Career
Because he was not selected in the 1965 NFL Draft, Piccolo tried out for the Chicago Bears as a free agent. He made the team for the 1965 season, but only on the taxi squad (better known today as the practice squad), meaning he could practice but not suit up for games. In 1966, he made the main roster but his playing time was primarily restricted to special teams. In 1967, he got more playing time backing up superstar starting tailback Gale Sayers, and in 1969 was moved up to starting fullback, with Sayers still the tailback.
Players at that time were still segregated by race for hotel-room assignments. At the suggestion of the Bears' captain, the policy was changed and each player was reassigned by position, so that wide receivers would room together, quarterbacks would room together, etc. Running back was the only position on the 1969 Bears with one black and one white player, Sayers and Piccolo respectively.
Read more about this topic: Brian Piccolo
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