Nate Borden

Nathaniel Borden (September 22, 1932 – September 30, 1992) was a professional American football defensive end in the National Football League and the American Football League.

Early life
Borden moved to Jersey City, New Jersey where he played high school football at Lincoln High School. He then received a scholarship to play college football at Indiana University, where he became an All-American.

Professional career
Borden was drafted in the 1955 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers under Coach Lisle Blackbourn. He played with the Packers from 1955-1959. During this early period, Borden was one of the only black players on the Packers along with Frank Purnell who played in 1957. When he could not find housing within the city limits, he had to room at a rundown motel just outside of Green Bay. A number of Packers were also staying at the motel. They told the manager he would lose their business if Borden could not room there. Quarterback Bart Starr befriended Borden and frequently had him and his family at Starr's home for dinner. Joining the team a few years later, Emlen Tunnell described the Borden residence as "a place where you wouldn't keep your dog." When Vince Lombardi became the Packers coach, he helped Borden find a decent place to live. Due to a knee injury, he was put on waivers by the Packers and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960 NFL Expansion Draft. He played with the Cowboys until 1962. After the Cowboys, he played one year with the AFL's Buffalo Bills in 1963.

After he retired from playing football, Borden scouted with the Atlanta Falcons for the next twelve years. The Falcons first season was 1966 and was led by former Green Bay Packer coach Norb Hecker. Hecker was fired after two and a half seasons.

After football
After his scouting with the Falcons, Borden became the assistant to the mayor of Jersey City (Jim Sutcliffe was the mayor at that time.) After Sutcliffe lost a bid for re-election, Borden moved to Las Vegas, where he was assistant to the mayor, Russ Dorn. He was also the Officer of Urban Development in the city of Las Vegas.

Borden died of cancer in Las Vegas on September 30, 1992. He left behind two sons and a daughter.