The second article for African American History Month discusses the significance of Hurts and Mahomes facing off in Super Bowl LVII.
First things first – if you find yourself saying color doesn’t matter, why do we need to point out the race of Hurts and Mahomes? Remember, not everyone has the luxury to ignore race and racism or suggest it doesn’t matter.
Hurts and Mahomes – trailblazers
Two of the most arguably talented quarterbacks in the League, Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes, will face off on February 12th for the 2023 Super Bowl.
This will be the first time ever that two starting African American quarterbacks will face off against each other in a Super Bowl.
Both quarterbacks acknowledge the enormity of this moment in NFL history.
Jalen had this to say: “It’s a historic moment. To be on this platform and to give so many others so much inspiration moving forward, telling them that they can do it, too… it’s a proud moment.”
Too true, Mahomes
Mahomes mentioned in his comment regarding the importance of this Super Bowl that black quarterbacks are stereotyped as being unable to have sustained success.
He’s not wrong. Research has found that black quarterbacks are twice as likely to be benched the week after a subpar performance (after considering factors like age, experience, injury, etc.). Interestingly, the team’s success improves when a Caucasian quarterback is benched when compared to African American quarterbacks being benched. As the authors state, discrimination has a cost.
Other research has indicated that performance-related salary discrimination exists for black quarterbacks.
How close have we gotten before?
In NFL history, prior to 2023, only seven starting black quarterbacks have played in the Super Bowl ever. These men have played in 9 super bowls (some of these men have appeared more than once).
To frame that differently – this is our 57th Super Bowl. In 56 super bowls, 45 have had two starting Caucasian quarterbacks facing off. Jim Plunkett was the first and only Hispanic quarterback to play in the Super Bowl twice- making this number 45 and not 47.
Historical indeed.
A walk down memory lane
In honor of this historic event, we will look at the black QBs in Super Bowls past.
Super Bowl XXII – 1987 Season
Washington Doug Williams was the first starting black QB to play (and win) in a Super Bowl.
Mr. Williams had his thought about this historic event: “What a treat, number one. For me last night was a humbling experience. It was something that in my mind coulda happened a long time ago if a lot of black guys were allowed to play the position. And to see it come to fruition, it’s like a dream come true, to be honest with you. To sit there and realize that there’s gonna be two African-American quarterbacks playing in the Super Bowl whereas two years ago people didn’t think it could happen. And for me, that’s a sight to see.”
Super Bowl XXXIV – 1999 Season
Titan Steve McNair played (and lost) to the St Louis Rams.
It’s nice to remember McNair for something other than his untimely demise (although it will be an edition of Homicide Brides in the future).
Super Bowl XXXIX – 2004 Season
Eagle Donovan McNabb played (and lost) to the New England Patriots in the 2004 season.
McNabb feels Superbowl 2023 is an important moment for the NFL. He also feels this is important representation for young people – a crowd he has a particular heart for. McNabb is a Girl’s Softball Coach and runs football camps for children regularly.
Super Bowl XLVII – 2012 Season
49ers Colin Kapernick played (and lost) to the Baltimore Ravens.
Rumor has it we may see him in the League again.
Super Bowl XLVIII – 2013 Season, Super Bowl XLIX – 2014 Season
Russell Wilson was the first black QB to be in the Superbowl twice as a Seattle Seahawk (one win against the Broncos in 2013 and one loss against the New England Patriots in 2014).
Super Bowl L (50) – 2015 Season
Panther Cam Newton played (and lost) the Denver Broncos.
Newton hasn’t mentioned the historical moment (yet) – this might be because the NFL excluded him from a tribute to black legacy QBs ahead of Sunday’s game.
Super Bowl LIV – 2019 Season, Super Bowl LV – 2020 Season
Chiefs Mahomes will be making another record – this upcoming Sunday, he will be the first black QB to be in the Super Bowl three times.
Mahomes played and won against the 49ers in 2019 and played (and lost) against the Buccaneers in 2020.
The first article for African American History Month can be viewed here.
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