Sidney (Sid) Blanks

Sidney (Sid) Blanks, former Texas A&I football player and seven-year NFL running back, passed away on Sunday evening in his home in Webster, Texas near Houston, where he was surrounded by his loving caregivers. Sid was 80 years old. Sid, the youngest of 10 children, was born in Del Rio, Texas on April 29, 1941, and raised by his parents, Roscoe and Leona. In 1960, Hall of Fame Head Football Coach Gil Steinke offered Sid a football scholarship to play at Texas A&I University. Sid’s acceptance made him the first African American to play at an integrated school on a football scholarship in the state of Texas. In 1989, Steinke told the Houston Chronicle, “We integrated football in Texas. We had Sid Blanks before anyone else integrated.” In spite of being the only African American player on the football team, Sid would eventually lead as team captain. Sid went on to become an All-American member of the Texas A&I football team from 1960 through 1963 before he was drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1964 where he would begin his American Football League (AFL)/National Football League (NFL) career. His success continued as a pro which led to Sid being selected to the1965 AFL All Star game. Before the All Star game was played in New Orleans, La. Sid took part in a player boycott that was triggered by racist acts targeted at African American players who were to play in the All Star game. The boycott was so impactful that the game was ultimately moved from New Orleans to Houston, Tx. Sid's charm off the field was magnetic in the Houston community. In 1967 he spent a significant amount of time with both Muhammad Ali and Ernie Terrell leading up to their Heavyweight Championship fight that took place in the Houston Astrodome on February 6, 1967. He went on to play professional football for a total of eight seasons. He played seven seasons (1964-1970) in the NFL and one season (1974) in the World Football League (WFL). Sid was inducted into the Texas A&I Hall of Fame (1981), Lone Star Conference Hall of Fame (2002), and Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame (2011). After his playing career, Sid spent an inordinate amount of time volunteering and coaching his sons with the South Main Mustangs in little league football in Houston, TX. In 1986 Sid founded a successful sports agency, representing both NFL and National Basketball Association (NBA) players. His roster of clients included his youngest son Lance who he guided to the 1990 NBA draft where he was selected in the first round by the Detroit Pistons. In 2015, the San Felipe Exes, through the town of Del Rio, built a park in honor of Sid’s life and legacy. Sidney's accomplishments in Texas helped pave the way for many people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to follow in his footsteps. Sidney is considered one of Del Rio's first community legends. He was loved for his steadfast leadership, soft-spoken manner, and loyal commitment to family and friends. His ability to speak Spanish fluently helped him connect with people and build strong bonds in his community. In one of Sid’s last public interviews, in the book “Black Man in the Huddle” (published in 2019), Sid reflected positively on his time at San Felipe High School growing up in Del Rio and how the “barrio” helped develop him for later success in life. Sid is survived by his sons Sidney Junior and Lance, their mother, Clarice, and his four grandchildren, Courtney, Riley, Tatum, and Bryn. Sid and his family have made a significant investment in the Del Rio community over the past decade through real estate, community building and more. Sugarbear Estates, established in 2020 in South Del Rio, was founded by Sid’s son, Lance, to live as a physical remembrance of Sid, whose nickname was Sugarbear. The estate was originally built the same year Sid was born in 1941 and it has long been a staple in the community. With a deep passion for the people and history of the Del Rio community, Sid’s family has and will continue to invest in the town that will always be his home. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 19, 2021 from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Trinity Chapel of Faith. A Chapel Service is scheduled for Monday, December 20, 2021 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home Chapel. Burial will follow at Westlawn Cemetery. A Remembrance Gathering will be held after the burial at the "Sidney Blanks Park", located at 215 Bridge St. in Del Rio. All are welcomed to attend and share memories of Sid.

Sidney (Sid) Blanks

April 29, 1941 - December 12, 2021