Career
He played college football at Indiana University. Borden moved to Jersey City, New Jersey where he played high school football at William L. Dickinson High School. He also practiced track, doing the discus throw, the shot put and the two-mile run.
He accepted a scholarship from Indiana University, where he played as an offensive and defensive education
As a senior he was moved to tackle and received honorable-mention All-American and second-team All-Big Ten honors. Green Bay Packers
Borden was selected in the 25th round (293rd overall) of the 1955 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers under Coach Lisle Blackbourn, becoming the first African-American to play for the franchise.
During this early period, Borden was one of the few African-American 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 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 Baronet Starr befriended Borden and frequently had him and his family at Starr"s home for dinner. When Vince Lombardi was hired as the new head coach for the 1959 season, Borden was the only African-American player on the roster and Lombardi would help him find a decent place to live.
He wasn"t protected for the NFL Expansion Draft due to a knee injury.
Dallas Cowboys
Borden was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960 NFL Expansion Draft and became the first starter at left defensive end in franchise history. The next year he was moved to the right side, after John Gonzaga was traded and Bob Lilly was drafted.
He was released on September 11, 1962. Buffalo Bills
In 1962, after the Cowboys, he played one year with the Buffalo Bills of the American Football League.