Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts will be the first-ever African-American duo to face off in a Super Bowl. In the 57 years of the Super Bowl era, two African-American quarterbacks have never started in the Super Bowl. For various reasons, this stat is quite fascinating. As well, this history-breaking moment comes at a perfect time. It comes in February which is black history month. In addition, as a sports world, we have begun to recognize what has been ignored and pushed under the rug. This year’s Super Bowl will be a monumental game that many believe is just the first of many.
History Will Be Made
Mahomes and Hurts will both be featured as starting quarterbacks for their respective teams during this game. As stated above it will be the first of its kind. Mahomes is 27 years old and Hurts 24 years old. In other words, the age of the young quarterbacks is a feat of themselves. Mahomes is currently under contract with one of the richest deals in the history of the NFL. That deal is ten years and worth half a billion dollars. Hurts is the new man on the scene hoping to have a contract like Mahomes. However, both quarterbacks, have faced their fair share of doubters but will be elevated on national television. One quarterback will win which will add to more African-American quarterbacks playing in the Super Bowl and winning it.
Black Quarterbacks That Won Super Bowls
Three quarterbacks that are African-American have previously won the Super Bowl. Those players besides Mahomes, are Doug Williams and Russell Wilson. Williams is the pioneer. For instance, Williams was the very first black quarterback to win a Super Bowl with Washington in 1987. In 1987 that accomplishment was monumental and a rare moment. That is because black quarterbacks were not given opportunities to play the position let alone win a Super Bowl.
Other Black Quarterbacks That Played In The Super Bowl
For Donovan McNabb, he had a historic game when he and Michael Vick faced off against each other. It was the NFC championship game in 2005 that featured two black starting quarterbacks for the first time ever. As a result of that game, it shaped an entire generation and changed the style and athletic play of quarterbacks. Above all, Mahomes has a chance to be the first black quarterback to win multiple Super Bowls. While Hurts is looking to become the fourth African-American quarterback to win a Super Bowl.
Progress Does Not Come Easily Or Even Quickly To The NFL
Thirty-five years ago Williams made history and won the Super Bowl with Washington 42-10 over Denver. Williams says “progress does not come easily or even quickly to the NFL. But this is a sign of progress.” Many quarterbacks came before Williams however, they were forced to change positions. For years NFL powers had bought the lie that black men were not smart enough to be quarterbacks. Another key point is that the myth was upheld that black men were not good leaders or simply would not allow a black man to be the face of the franchise. In recent years this narrative has changed slowly.
Things To Come
Black quarterbacks have been an anomaly for years and if not decades. It has taken decades but many owners, coaches, and coordinators have realized that the skill set of some black quarterbacks is a plus. Similarly, for years those same men in places of power have not known how to utilize that skill set. Some even choose not to use that skill set and wanted these athletes to fit a certain mold. Given that within the last five to six seasons the style of quarterback play has changed. On the first day of the 2020 season, ten teams had black quarterbacks in starting roles. That was the most ever in NFL history.
Conclusion
There have been many black quarterbacks that came before Mahomes and Hurts. Those players paved the way. For many players before and after Williams. Those quarterbacks did not get an opportunity to play the position. They were forced to change positions because of the lack of vision for African-American quarterbacks. Those players that came before allowed this moment to be able to happen. Mahomes is one of the highest-paid quarterbacks right now compared to Williams. Where Williams was being paid less than, backup quarterbacks. That shows progress. All those quarterbacks that came before have made this Super Bowl an opportunity.
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