NFL Quarterbacks

 

 

 

Since American football has become an American pastime, the racial inequality throughout the quarterback position continues to be an issue in the NFL. Since the National Football League was founded on August 20, 1920, there has only been two African American starting quarterbacks, who have won Super bowl rings throughout the forty eight years of existence. Because there is no significant physical advantage to being either black or white, then it makes society question why Doug Williams of the Washington Redskins, and Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks are the only two. In our lifetimes the percentage of black quarterbacks has consistently been below twenty five percent of the starters in the league. Racism has been an issue in the NFL for as long as can be remembered. Whether it be racism between coaches and players, or between players themselves, African Americans have struggled to be seen as equals to Caucasian players regardless of ability.

 

 

The issue starts well before potential NFL quarterbacks even reach high school. Because football positions are each so specialized, kids are being trained earlier and earlier for their specific positions. The quarterback position is unique in the way that the quarterback has to have a beyond excellent understanding of the game itself. They must be able to read hundreds of types of defenses, and be able to communicate what they see efficiently and effectively to the rest of their offensive line. The quarterback is usually seen as a leader on the field, seeing as they are the ones calling the shots whether they receive orders from the coach or not. This ability to both lead successfully, and communicate the intended goal effectively, takes more than simply raw athleticism. A great deal of educational skills are needed to be able to be an effective leader, so we see a great deal of African American quarterbacks lose their potential at being successful at the quarterback position due to the lack of education in minority lower class neighborhoods. Kids who are not regularly attending school are not learning the same lessons about responsibility and holding one’s self accountable. This vicious cycle of kids not being able to live up to their potential ability at the quarterback position is heavily due to the inequality in education in America. For example, private school quarterbacks are able to receive one on one attention, which results in some members of the staff are paid is simply to make sure the teenager is as successful as possible in the future. This investment in these kids’ ability to know the game and control the offensive side of the ball, builds reputations amongst specific schools, making them more attractive to future quarterbacks. Because these high school teams build such a reputation for being quarterback powerhouses, big college football teams then have an easier time recruiting because they know how vital quality education is to being a successful quarterback. Russell Wilson and Cam Newton, both elite African American quarterbacks starting for their teams this year, each attended very well respected schools athletically but more importantly academically. University of Wisconsin and Auburn University respectably provided the two young quarterbacks with the knowledge and tools to become successful leaders in the NFL.

 

 

               

 

Wilson winning the Super bowl in 2014 was a massive step for African American quarterbacks in the NFL. This was the first Super bowl victory lead by an African American quarterback since 1988. Reinforcing the fact that African Americans cannot only be successful at the quarterback position, but can lead their teams past some of the most defensively stout teams in NFL history. By closing the wealth gap in our country, kids of all ethnicities will be put in more of an even playing field for athletics. The direct correlation between socioeconomic status, education level, and athletic potential is apparent across all sports. By creating a more even playing field there will be less debate regarding if someone truly deserves the recognition that they are receiving for the accomplishments they have done. It would allow for truly the best quarterback to be seen by the whole country, rather than just the ones who were able to get themselves in the system of creating competitive advantage.

 http://www.shmoop.com/nfl-history/race.html
http://www.footballperspective.com/the-history-of-black-quarterbacks-in-the-nfl/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2014/02/07/a-black-quarterback-won-the-super-bowl-and-hardly-anyone-mentioned-it/