As we enter into the 57th Super Bowl, the players and teams are still breaking records. Although we leap for joy when a linebacker reaches new jaw-dropping speeds, this record is a little different.
As the players touch the field, history will be made. By looking at the Super Bowl 57 info alone, you can see where this accomplishment has come from.
For the first time in Super Bowl history, the two starting quarterbacks will be black players. These amazing African American QBs should be proud to start the intense game anyway, but knowing that this is the first time when two black players take the lead is something else.
The History Of Player Positions And Race
Although African American players aren’t a rare sight in football, most are encouraged to become running backs, defensive backs, defensive linemen, or wide receivers. In fact, this area of football is disproportionately black.
White players are more likely to be quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and kickers or punters.
Although this issue is prevalent in the NFL, you can see segregation happening in college football too.
99.4% of cornerback players are black. This is a ridiculous finding, considering that most NFL players are actually white.
In Superbowl history, only 8 quarterbacks have been black. We are on Super Bowl 57. Those numbers don’t add up.
Black players are encouraged to become fast or defensive players, instead of accurate players. This comes from the racial stereotype that black people are naturally fast or naturally robust.
Although many end up doing well in their position, they may be just as good or even better in other roles.
Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts are some of the few black players who have proven their worth as a quarterback. They have kept their position despite naysayers or subconsciously racist career advice.
How The Players Feel About This Historic Moment
When Hurts was asked how he felt about this momentous moment he told reporters:
“It is history. It’s come a long way. I think there have only been (eight) African American quarterbacks to play in a Super Bowl. To be the first for something is pretty cool. I know it’ll be a good one,”
Mahmones felt the same way, stating:
“To be on the world stage and have two Black quarterbacks starting in the Super Bowl, I think it’s special. I’ve learned more and more about the history of Black quarterbacks since I’ve been in this league and the guys that came before me and Jalen set the stage for this. I’m glad we can set the stage for kids that are coming up now.”
Mahomes is also hoping to become the first black starting quarterback to have more than one Lombardi Trophy.
Although these moments show how far we have come as a nation, it's a bittersweet triumph. These accomplishments should have happened decades ago. It’s taken 57 Super Bowls for us to reach this point.
Andy Reid, the chief coach, made a statement on the topic too. He said:
“I don't really care what color you are. You are a good player. In that position, it takes a tremendous amount of time and effort. I can really appreciate that. I’ve never been one to look at the color part of it.”
Although Reid is likely speaking the truth, we cannot deny the statistics in front of us. Too many black players have been denied a position they could have excelled in. Hopefully, this match will encourage more black players to hold tightly onto their roles and stop coaches and trainers from discouraging black quarterbacks.
History Of Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes is the son of Pat Mahomes, a famed Major League Baseball player. During his sophomore year of college, Mahomes dropped baseball and stuck to football.
The change put him on the path to the NFL. He was picked 10th overall and became the backup to Alex Smith in his rookie year.
Mahomes’ first record break was his 5,000-yard throw. He was the first-ever quarterback to throw that many yards in one season.
In 2019, Mahomes led the Chiefs to the Super Bowl, their first appearance in 50 years.
Mahomes has been breaking records ever since he joined the NFL.
History Of Jalen Hurts
Hurts didn’t have a famous father like Mahomes, but his dad was the football coach for Channelview High School. His constant encouragement allowed Hurts to follow his passion and bat away non-believers.
In 2020, Hurts was picked in the second round. He was encouraged to take a running position, but when Carson Wentz was benched in a game against the Green Bay Packers, Hurts took his shot. Hurts made 109 passing yards and a touchdown, winning the game.
Since then Hurts has taken on the number 1 jersey and become the top quarterback for the Eagles!
Final Thoughts
The upcoming Super Bowl is going to be historic regardless of the outcome. For the first time in Super Bowl history, the starting quarterbacks are both African American.
This is both a day of triumph and a day of thought. Why did it take so long for the NFL to reach this point?
