Epix will put the four African-American athletes known for integrating the NFL back on the field with a documentary recounting their lives and careers, the cabler announced on Monday.
The documentary, “Forgotten Four: The Integration of Pro Football,” will focus on the lives of Kenny Washington, Woody Strode, Marion Motley and Bill Willis. The players broke the color barrier in pro football in 1946 — one year before it was broken Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey broke it for professional baseball. “Hunger Games'” Jeffrey Wright will narrate the series.
“We believe ‘Forgotten Four’ presents an insightful and informative account of the profound impact these courageous men had on the sport,” Epix president and CEO Mark Greenberg said.
Since the spotlighted players have passed away, the program will include interviews from the players’ families, historians and fellow football stars.
The project will be produced by Ross Greenburg.
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The hourlong doc series will air at 8 p.m. Sept. 23. Leading up to its TV debut, Epix is partnering with NFL teams to host screenings of the documentary nationwide, followed by panel discussions on present-day race relations and athletics.
