‘Mr. Gilchrist was one of 21 black players selected to play in the game. But when white cabbies refused to drive Mr. Gilchrist and other black players into the city — and after French Quarter businesses wouldn’t let his black teammates in the doors — he and others decided to boycott the event. Ron Mix, Hall of Fame tackle for the San Diego Chargers, befriended the running back as a result. “The truth is, New Orleans should erect a statue to Cookie,” Mr. Mix said in the 2003 profile of Mr. Gilchrist. “The city wanted an NFL team, but it was not going to get it unless it desegregated. The boycott led to a change in the laws.”‘