In Sam “Bam” Cunningham’s University of Southern California debut, he ran for 135 yards and scored two touchdowns against Alabama. It was Sept. 12, 1970, and when USC defeated Alabama 42-21, it was more than a victory. USC was integrated, and Alabama’s team was all white. Cunningham’s performance is credited with changing public perception, pushing Alabama to integrate the following season. More than 50 years later, Cunningham revisits that game, its legacy that continues to grow and sports as an agent for real change.

Patriots Off Topic is a weekly podcast for all things New England Patriots off the field and off topic.  For more information about New England Patriots official podcasts, visit Patriots.com/podcasts.

Do Your Part

Do Your Part, Episode 6: Sam 'Bam' Cunningham and the 1970 USC-Alabama game that helped change college football in the South

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/dc08a0c9-1349-4158-85ff-aea90111e52a/transcript

Advertisement