As a sports fan and teacher, the significance of two Black quarterbacks in the Super Bowl this year cannot be overstated. Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles represent a breakthrough in the NFL and American society.
Black athletes have been denied opportunities in leadership positions for years, particularly at the quarterback position. The notion that Black athletes lack the intelligence and leadership skills necessary to play the quarterback position has been used as a tool of oppression and a means of maintaining the status quo.
However, the emergence of great Black quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Jalen Hurts, as well as the increasing number of Black quarterbacks starting in the NFL in recent years, serves as a challenge to these oppressive notions. These athletes represent a shift in the NFL and a signal to the world that Black athletes are just as capable and deserving of leadership positions as their white counterparts.
We must also recognize the great Black quarterbacks of the past, including Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl. Randall Cunningham was ahead of his time with his style of play. Warren Moon, Steve Mcnair and Michael Vick, broke barriers and paved the way for future Black quarterbacks.
However, there is still much progress in the NFL, particularly concerning Black head coaches. We must continue to push for equality and representation in all aspects of the NFL, including coaching positions so that Black athletes can achieve their full potential in leadership roles.
The presence of two Black quarterbacks in the Super Bowl this year serves as a triumph for Black athletes and a testament to their skill and perseverance. It represents a shift in the NFL and a signal to the world that Black athletes are just as capable and deserving of leadership positions as their white counterparts. We must continue to push for progress and break down the barriers that prevent Black athletes from achieving their full potential in the NFL.
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