By Emily Evans
The Truth Reporter
The African American Legacy Project announced the Sports Legends Class of 2025 on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at The Back Forty Catering. The location was a perfect setting to formally unveil the latest Class of Champions. The honorees shared great conversations of success, memories and stories of their journeys.
“We are thrilled to recognize these trailblazing athletes and leaders,” said Leroy Bates, spokesperson for the African American Sports Legends of Northwest Ohio. “Their legacy is not just one of victories and records, but of resilience, mentorship, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”
The Class of 2025 inductees are: Nate Washington – football (Scott High School, Tiffin University, Pittsburgh Steelers,
Tennessee Titans); Todd Mitchell – basketball (St. Francis de Sales, Purdue University); Ted Jobe – track & football (Scott High School, University of Michigan); Chris Wormley – football (Whitmer High School, University of Michigan, Baltimore Ravens,
Pittsburgh Steelers); Dan McLemore – basketball (Libbey High School, Bowling Green State University; Coach Willie Oliver – track & field (Scott High School); Mahogany Green – basketball (Bowsher High School, Cleveland State, head coach at
Hamilton College); Ann Archer – basketball (Waite High School)
Additionally, the evening celebrated three previously inducted legends who will be formally presented with their official Hall of Fame Red Jackets:
- Linda Jefferson – Libbey HS, Toledo Troopers; Woman Sport Magazine Athlete of the Year. Before Title 9, women had few opportunities to participate in sports. Jefferson paved the way for women and helped to change the mentality of others when it came to women playing sports that were dominated by men. Jefferson was one of the unsung heroes that made a huge difference.
- Curtis Johnson – Waite HS, member of University of Toledo football team’s 35 & 0 campaign in the early 1970s, later with the Miami Dolphins. He was the only athlete to go undefeated in a season in both college and in the pros. In college he was named to the Associated Press All American first team. He started out as an All City team member and then All MAC and All American by the time he departed The University of Toledo. He then went on to win the Super Bowl in Miami. He’s one of the greatest Athletic leaders.
- Mel Long – Macomber HS, member of University of Toledo 35 & 0 campaign and then the Cleveland Browns. Long joined the military service before going to college. He walked on the team then was immediately awarded a scholarship. He was a true leader of the team and spent a lot of time guiding his brothers to multiple victories.
He was an All American on five different All American teams and was the first one in the history of the University of Toledo. During his Marine Corps service in Vietnam, he was awarded the Navy Cross, which is the most prestigious award that a Marine can win.
All of the legends received beautiful red sports jackets and smiled for pictures among family and friends who came to celebrate them.
The Sports Legends will host a Smoker on Friday June 13, 2025 at the Pinnacle in Maumee. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through team members or by calling 419-720-4369.
The public is invited to a free ceremony to witness the Class of 2025 receive their Hall of Fame Red Jackets 1:00 p.m, Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Jerusalem Baptist Church.
