Film about Pres. Ford's football days | News

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM)- At the Ford Presidential Museum, students are learning about a relationship formed 80 years ago. 

"Their relationship formed as college freshman in 1931 playing football. Both were stars in their own right. One was from Detroit one from Grand Rapids," says Buzz Thomas, grandson of Willis Ward.

President Gerald R. Ford joined the University of Michigan's football team and despite a racist era became best friends with Willis Ward. Ward was a talented black player. Buzz Thomas remembers how his grandfather talked about Ford. 

"He was always tremendously supportive of Gerald Ford, and defend him if anyone was to criticize him of anything." 

Willis defended Ford, just as Ford stuck up for him on the field when Willis was benched for being black.  A team from the south, Georgia Tech, said it wouldn't play if Willis was on the field.

Thomas says, "Gerald Ford said 'I won't play either. I quit.' Willis Ward convinced him to play. It was a win, and the only victory for the university that year. It's one that cemented the bond of friendship that did last a lifetime." 

Two generations later that favor was returned. Willis' grandson Thomas became a democratic lawmaker. During a debate about whether to include President Ford's statue at the capital. Republican lawmakers argued Ford never took a stand on racial issues. That's when, Thomas crossed political lines, stood up, and told his family's story.

"People needed to hear the story of how Gerald for was a man of character, had very strong and committed belief in racial equality." 

Republican's agreed with their Democratic counterpart. And Ford's statue is now at the capital. And Grand Rapids is now learning from the film that teaches us to reach beyond social boundaries.