Posted by By Sam Lawrence, Staff Writer
The National Football League (NFL) consists of 32 teams divided into the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). It’s the most popular sports corporation in America and has maintained its popularity for decades.
The NFL organization was founded on September 17, 1920. Today, it’s become one of the most popular sports in America and the world, to almost all people. But, it wasn’t always this open to other cultures. In the early days of the NFL, there was an African-American man named Fritz Pollard who was the first to play in the league. However, in the years after his departure, there was a “gentlemen’s agreement” made by the NFL owners to prevent any black men from playing in the NFL again. African-Americans weren’t re-integrated back into the league until 1946, and even then things were restricted.
Kenny Washington and Woody Strode were two black football players that signed with the Los Angeles Rams in the 1940’s, and they played a huge part in breaking the color barrier that was present in the NFL. Washington was a star for the three seasons he was with the Rams, averaging 7.4 rushing yards per attempt, and he even holds a 92-yard running record for the Rams. Strode played one season in Los Angeles, but departed to pursue different goals. Strode cited the constant racial abuse he received from others in the NFL as a contributing factor to his leave.
Bill Willis and Marion Motley joined the Cleveland Browns in 1946 as well. Willis’ style of play was unique in that it helped to develop the “linebacker” position. Motley finished his four-year career with over 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns. They both spoke on the racism they encountered and how they had to overcome it. Both WIllis and Motley were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in later years.
The most important position on the football field is the Quarterback. After the re-integration of the aforementioned men, the first African-American quarterback came into the league in 1953. Willie Thrower replaced George Blanda, the quarterback for the Chicago Bears, in a loss to the 49ers, and he played one more game before being released by the organization after the season. Even though Willie’s time in the NFL was short, his impact was great and he gave way to many black quarterbacks in the future of the NFL.
Today, there are many more people of color who play in the NFL. Inclusion and integration is at an all time high for quarterbacks, yet there is still racism present in the league and from the fans. Highlighted below are some of the best and most famous black quarterbacks in the NFL.
Patrick Mahomes
Coming off last year’s Super Bowl win with the Kansas City Chiefs, the two-time MVP winner Patrick Mahomes is regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, if not the best. He’s had his struggles this year, but his skill is still there, and he will eventually be regarded as an all time great.
Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson is the franchise quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, and he is having a fantastic year. The 2019 MVP winner is the favorite to win another MVP this year, and he has helped make the Ravens one of the best teams in the NFL, the current favorites to win the Super Bowl.
Dak Prescott
As the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, Dak Prescott has had a fantastic season, launching the Cowboys to one of the top playoff seeds in the NFL. The Cowboys are one of the most popular NFL teams, and Dak has a chance to bring the Super Bowl back to the organization and the fans.
The game of football has evolved so much since its creation, in the way it’s played and in the inclusion and multicultural ideas that have been brought about. What was once a very racist league and fanbase, has now become one of the most popular sports to watch and play for all cultures, races, and ethnicities. The representation in the NFL is at an all time high.
The Maroon 