[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 14883-14884] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM KARNET ``BILL'' WILLIS ______ HON. RALPH REGULA of ohio in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 18, 2006 Mr. REGULA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the achievements of William Karnet ``Bill'' Willis of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Willis was a 3-year starter for The Ohio State University and starred on the 1942 National Championship football team as a sophomore. He was twice recognized for his football talents as an All-Big 10 honoree while at The Ohio State University. After college, Mr. Willis served as the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director of Kentucky State College in 1945. He subsequently signed a contract on August 6, 1946 with the Cleveland Browns to play professional football in the first year that the All-American Football Conference competed. Upon signing his contract with the Cleveland Browns, Mr. Willis broke the color barrier in professional football a full year before Jackie [[Page 14884]] Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. With this landmark achievement, Mr. Willis became a role model for others. Continuing his role as a trailblazer, Mr. Willis played in the first three Pro Bowl games for the National Football League. Specifically, the game-winning tackle by Mr. Willis in the divisional playoff between the New York Giants and the Cleveland Browns propelled the Cleveland Browns to the 1950 National Football League Championship. Mr. Willis played professional football with the Cleveland Browns for the 8 years from 1946 to 1953. After his football career, Mr. Willis was appointed to the Ohio Youth Commission in 1963 and was named Commission Director. He is a member of the City of Columbus Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments. Mr. Willis was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1977 for his outstanding achievements in and contributions toward professional football. His record of remarkable leadership in helping the young people of Ohio will be a lasting legacy of achievement. ____________________