By Tamara Shiloh Charles W. Follis, also known as "The Black Cyclone," was a trailblazing athlete born on Feb. 3, 1879. He became the first Black professional American football player. Follis played for the Shelby Blues in the “Ohio League” from 1902 to 1906. On Sept. 16, 1904, Follis signed a contract with the Shelby