Linda Jefferson

Linda Jefferson is a graduate of Libbey High School, and she began playing with the Toledo Troopers in 1972, remaining with the team as their star running back through 1979. Her impressive record began with her first season, in which she ran over 1,300 yards and scored 32 touchdowns. Linda had to sneak out of the house for the first five games that she played, since her mother was against her playing football in fear of the injuries she might incur, though after seeing Linda’s talent, her mom became her biggest fan. During the 1970s, she made many national appearances including the game show To Tell the Truth, as well as The Today Show and the Dinah Shore Show. In 2002, she was inducted into the Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame, becoming the first African American woman to receive the honor, and one of only four women to ever be inducted.

Linda loaned The Toledo Lucas County Public Library several of her personal items for digitization. The awards she loaned us include the Toledo City Athletic League Hall of Fame (2014) and The African American Sports Legend Award (2017). The Toledo Free Press featured a story on Linda in 2011, the front cover of that issue is included. Linda also appeared in the very first issue of the national magazine, WomenSports in 1975; that cover is included as well. Linda also loaned us a promotional button made to promote a proposed movie about the Troopers in 2014 titled A Perfect Season. She had thrown away her game jersey after the Toledo Troopers’ last game, but fortunately, another team member, Eunice White, saved it for her and it was returned to Linda years later. It is now framed for preservation.