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Hall of Fame football star Richard Night Train Lane talks about his days as a football player for the Detroit Lions in this photo taken in Austin, Texas, Jan. 17, 2001. Lane, who went from Army soldier to record-setting rookie defensive back with the Los Angeles Rams in 1952, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2002, of a heart attack in Austin. He was 73. A member of the NFL's All-Time Team for its first 75 years, Lane was an aggressive tackler whose ferocious signature hit, a clothesline-type move dubbed the``Night Train Necktie,'' was banned by the league as too dangerous. (Brian K. Diggs/Austin American-Statesman file)
For decades, the UIL was segregated, meaning Black high school athletes in Texas played in the Prairie View Interscholastic League. Several players who went on to star in college and professional football. As Black History Month nears its end, the American-Statesman lists 10 of the best who made a big impact after leaving the PVIL.
Cliff Branch, Houston Worthing:A three-time Super Bowl champion with the Oakland Raiders, he led the NFL in TD receptions twice (1974, 1976).
Mel Farr, Beaumont Hebert: Earned NFL rookie of the year honors as a safety in 1967 with the Detroit Lions and was a two-time Pro Bowler.
MORE:Central Texas schools fare well at UIL state swimming meet
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers player Joe Greene announces the Steelers pick in the first round at the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (Austin American-Statesman)
Joe Greene, Temple Dunbar: A 10-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle with the Pittsburgh Steelers, "Mean Joe" was the defensive catalyst for the team that won four Super Bowls.
Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson, L.C. Anderson:Best known as the flamboyant linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, he helped the team win Super Bowl XII and played in the 1978 Pro Bowl.
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Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson, on last day of his fast to raise money to build a track around the East side football field. 10/1/97 (David Kennedy/American-Statesman)
Dick "Night Train" Lane, L.C. Anderson: The seven-time NFL All-Pro and Hall of Fame cornerback still holds the league record for most interceptions in a season (14).
Harvey Martin, Dallas South Oak Cliff: The NFL defensive player of the year in 1977 made the 1970s' all-decade team as a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys.
MORE:UIL realignment changes competitive landscape in Austin area
Charles "Bubba" Smith, Beaumont Charlton-Pollard: The 10-year veteran was voted the UPI's NFL defensive lineman of the year in 1966 and was instrumental in the Baltimore Colts' victory in Super Bowl V.
Charley Taylor, Grand Prairie Dalworth: A 14-year receiver with the Washington Redskins, he played in the Pro Bowl eight times.
Gene Upshaw, Robstown:A six-time Pro Bowler, the offensive guard was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
Warren Wells, Beaumont Hebert: Drafted by Detroit in 1964, he was a first-team All-AFL player with the Raiders in 1968 and a Pro Bowler in 1970.
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