Once a rarity, is now a common site in the NFL, black starting quarterbacks. While there were starting quarterbacks that weren't white in the last several years, such as Doug Williams and Mike Vick, African American quarterbacks leading their offense onto the field every week was not a common site. Well, that has truly changed.
We are truly in the 'Era of the Black Quarterback' in the NFL. You cannot turn on the TV and not see a commercial with Patrick Mahomes. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback is not only the face of the NFL, but, at 28, is already an all-time great. His record in the playoffs is an amazing 15-3, which among current QB's is miles ahead of anyone in the league. In fact, he trails only Tom Brady and Joe Montana, who were each 35-16 in the playoffs.
Mahomes has a pair of Associated Press NFL MVP awards to his name. He is also a 3-time Super Bowl MVP. His Chiefs are the first team since the 04-05 Patriots to get back-to-back titles. Kansas City could become the first NFL team in the Super Bowl era to win three straight titles.
While Mahomes is the face of the league, he's certainly not alone, as there are other black quarterbacks who have been plenty dominant in the league. Lamar Jackson, 27, of the Ravens, is coming off his second MVP in five seasons. Houston's C.J. Stroud, just 22, was named AP Offensive Rookie of the Year last season.
Deshaun Watson, 28, is looking to lead the Cleveland Browns to a big season in 2024. He already has the biggest guaranteed contract in NFL history. Then, there's Green Bay's Jordan Love, 25. Love just earned an NFL record $75 million signing bonus with his new deal.
If you look at the NFL draft, black QBs were selected first overall, and three were picked in the opening round. Over the last two seasons, black quarterbacks were named to the first and second-team All-Pro.
If you think this is just a fad and will be ending soon, think again. Black quarterbacks occupy the top two spots on the ESPN 300 ranking of high school football players for the class of 2025.
Since the NFL draft began in 1936, it wasn't until 1978 that a black quarterback was taken in the first round. Doug Williams was taken then. Since that time, there have been only 31 African American signal callers taken in the first round. Since 2011, 19 have been taken.
The NFL once featured battles between Montana and Elway, which turned to Manning and Brady. Now, it's Mahomes and Jackson, which we will see opening the season on Thursday night. Times, they are a changin'.
Below is a list of the black quarterbacks who will be starting on opening day for their respective teams:
Eagles-Jalen Hurts
Commanders-Jayden Daniels
Cowboys-Dak Prescott
Patriots-Jacoby Brissett
Chiefs-Patrick Mahomes
Ravens-Lamar Jackson
Cardinals-Kyler Murray
Packers-Jordan Love
Panthers-Bryce Young
Steelers-Russell Wilson
Bears-Caleb Williams
Browns-Deshaun Watson
Colts-Anthony Richardson
Texans-C.J. Stroud
Seahawks-Geno Smith
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