Doyle Orange to Join Football Hall of Fame

The record-breaking former Waycross standout will be honored at a ceremony in Atlanta this Saturday.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Football

Doyle Orange to Join Football Hall of Fame

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Waycross football legend Doyle Orange will be inducted into the Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame this Saturday. The ceremony honoring the 75-year-old trailblazer will take place at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

Why it matters

Orange holds a significant place in Georgia football history as the state's first Black Parade All-American and a key player on Waycross High School's first integrated team. His career serves as a bridge between early school integration and the professional ranks.

In his historic 1969 season, Orange rushed for 2,289 yards over 10 games. Later in his professional career, he recorded over 1,000 rushing yards for the Toronto Argonauts during the 1975 season.

The players

Doyle Orange

He is a former professional football player who was the first Black Parade All-American from Georgia.

Waycross High School

This educational institution is where Orange played for its first integrated football team.

Atlanta Falcons

This professional NFL franchise drafted Orange in 1974.

Toronto Argonauts

This professional Canadian Football League team featured Orange as a running back in 1975.

The details

Orange was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1974 after his record-setting performance at Waycross High School. Following his professional stint in Canada, he spent nearly 40 years working for the City of Toronto Parks and Recreation Department.

1955: Jimmy Barfield became the state's first 2,000-yard rusher.
1966: GHSA integrated its membership.
1969: Doyle Orange rushed for 2,289 yards at Waycross.
1974: Atlanta Falcons drafted Doyle Orange.
Saturday: Induction into Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame.

Season Trajectory

This induction honors the historical figures who defined the path for modern Georgia high school football legends. It acknowledges a transformative era in the state's athletic history following the integration of the GHSA in 1966.

Fans attending the ceremony can witness the formal recognition of one of Georgia's most prolific rushers. The event celebrates a career that includes being drafted in the sixth round of the 1974 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Doyle Orange's journey from an integrated high school team to professional sports highlights the power of early athletic trailblazers. His long-term commitment to public service in Toronto offers a secondary example of his dedication beyond the football field.