Iconic Era
The two-story house at 1345 Geddes Avenue became home to seven Black football players—the largest group in a single recruiting class in University of Michigan history—who lived there from 1970 to 1972. They proudly dubbed it “The Den of the Mellow Men.”
In the fall of 1968, seven African American student-athletes—William “Billy” Taylor, Glenn Doughty, Thomas Darden, Reggie McKenzie, Michael Oldham, Michael Taylor, and Alden "Butch" Carpenter—arrived in Ann Arbor to play football. Forming an instant brotherhood, they soon began calling themselves “The Mellow Men.” The following year, they became key contributors to Bo Schembechler’s first Michigan team. After two years living in the West Quad dormitories, they sought to live together off-campus. However, university policy required athletes to reside in dorms. Undeterred, the group told the Athletic Director that Coach Schembechler had approved their move—though he had not. Fortunately, no repercussions ever followed, and their home on Geddes Avenue became the legendary “Den of the Mellow Men.” The Den wasn’t just a residence—it was a hub of thought and unity. The Mellow Men gathered nightly to discuss world events and campus issues. While known for their memorable parties, they also maintained structure and discipline. As Billy Taylor recalled, “The house was a wreck for six days, but we wanted it nice for Saturday because that’s when our parents would visit after the game.” There was much to celebrate on those Saturdays. During their three seasons on the varsity team, the Mellow Men helped lead Michigan to a 28–4 record and two Big Ten Championships.
In the fall of 1968, seven African American student-athletes—William “Billy” Taylor, Glenn Doughty, Thomas Darden, Reggie McKenzie, Michael Oldham, Michael Taylor, and Alden "Butch" Carpenter—arrived in Ann Arbor to play football. Forming an instant brotherhood, they soon began calling themselves “The Mellow Men.” The following year, they became key contributors to Bo Schembechler’s first Michigan team. After two years living in the West Quad dormitories, they sought to live together off-campus. However, university policy required athletes to reside in dorms. Undeterred, the group told the Athletic Director that Coach Schembechler had approved their move—though he had not. Fortunately, no repercussions ever followed, and their home on Geddes Avenue became the legendary “Den of the Mellow Men.” The Den wasn’t just a residence—it was a hub of thought and unity. The Mellow Men gathered nightly to discuss world events and campus issues. While known for their memorable parties, they also maintained structure and discipline. As Billy Taylor recalled, “The house was a wreck for six days, but we wanted it nice for Saturday because that’s when our parents would visit after the game.” There was much to celebrate on those Saturdays. During their three seasons on the varsity team, the Mellow Men helped lead Michigan to a 28–4 record and two Big Ten Championships.
Their impact was undeniable. Their achievements—and the house they called home—were celebrated not only in Michigan but also in national sports publications like Sports Illustrated. Six of the seven would go on to play in the National Football League.
- The University of Michigan’s football program featured the first and largest class of African American athletes on scholarship in 1968.
- In 1969, the iconic Michigan–Ohio State rivalry was born. The Mellow Men, along with Bo Schembechler, defeated Woody Hayes in what is considered one of the greatest upsets in NCAA history.
- Billy Taylor and Glenn Doughty were selected by the U.S. Department of the Armed Forces and the NCAA as ALL Americans to travel to Vietnam and visit American troops. Upon returning, they joined students in protest movements to end the Vietnam War and participated in the Michigan Black Action Movement (BAM) strike.
The Den of the Mellow Men of Michigan
“Where our Champions inspire student / athletes 2 WIN… TODAY, on and off the field!”
- Warde Manuel
Michigan AD
- The New Den: The first college campus recruitment facility of its kind in the nation!
The Campus Management Family: We are proudly running today’s former “Famous Den” property and fully supports The Historic 7 Mellow Men and Mayor Taylor’s Proclamation and the placement of this Historic Marker at 1345 Geddes Rd.