They sensed a turning point in 2015 when Riley was elected to the Black College Football Hall of Fame, a shrine that has 34 members in Canton. Some of those players, such as former Steelers wide receiver John Stallworth, spoke on Riley’s behalf. A one-time Hall foe and current Hall voter, wide receiver James Lofton endorsed him. So did Mel Blount, the Steelers Hall-of-Fame cornerback, as did another Hall-of Fame cornerback named Dick LeBeau, the position coach Riley credited for reviving his career during his last four seasons.
The support grew in the fan base, where BengalJim Foster organized Hall rallies on behalf of worthy Bengals, the trips that Riley II politely turned down.
“Guys like Willie Anderson, all the support has been really wonderful,” Riley said.
And the support came from unlikely sources. Such as Elaine Anderson, a member of Riley II’s church in Houston, Texas. She is the sister of the late Cliff Branch, the Raiders’ long-ball ace who was the senior candidate elected last year after his 2019 death.
“When you think about it, it really is a small world,” Riley said. “It’s very similar. He passed away before he got in and she not only told us what to expect, but gave us the support.”
What’s next is the annual Hall of Fame luncheon here on Friday and then a visit with the sculptor to talk about crafting Riley’s bust that’s going to study museum visitors like he did opposing quarterbacks. Thanks to advice from Elaine Anderson, Riley II is bringing some extra pictures.
Most of the family made the trip here. Barbara. Riley II’s wife Tiffany and sons Ken III and Kaden. His sister Kenisha Avery. Ken and Barbara’s youngest, Kim Connor, couldn’t be here, but is expected in Canton.
It’s going to be quite a trip for them. Not like the 2019 week-long celebration Riley II staged in Mexico for his parents’ 50th anniversary. He remembers his father turning to him and saying, “Man, we’re going to have a hard time topping this trip.”
“We’ll never forget that trip,” his…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at News…