Legendary NFL Quarterback Doug Williams Speaks on the Absence of Black Coaches

 

Doug Williams

There’s
one fact in black history that remains unrivaled. Doug Williams is the
only black quarterback to win the Super Bowl and he has held this
distinction since 1988. Although, the quarterback position has been
dominated by white players in the NFL and there’s a great need for
diversity, Williams has influenced black players for more than two
decades. His preternatural talent has paved the way for them to aspire
to become great quarterbacks. rolling out caught up with Williams, who
was taking a break from Super Bowl festivities, on a golf course to
discuss the progress of black professional quarterbacks.


What progress for black have you noticed since you played in the NFL?
“When I first came into the League, the first thing they used to write
in the newspaper was ‘a black quarterback for the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers.’ Today you don’t read that. You read in Washington, ‘it’s
Jason Campbell;’ or in Philadelphia, ‘it’s McNabb.’ They don’t use the
same adjectives. Now it’s about winning. If an African American
quarterback can come into the League and win, then they are going to
get that opportunity.”


Ten
years ago we couldn’t imagine having a black President and a black
coach in the Super Bowl, simultaneously. How does that make you feel?

“It shows that times are changing and that if we keep knocking down
walls, which certainly President Obama has, then with that we know ‘yes
we can.’”

What are three keys to success for someone who aspires to be where you are?
“One, you have to be humble. Two, you have to know who you are in life
and you have to go out and achieve it. Three, you have to respect the
people that are trying to help you along.”


Why is there a lack of black coaches within Division 1 Schools?
“I had the opportunity to have the coaching job at the University of
Kentucky. As an African American, if you look at the stats for jobs in
Division 1 Schools there aren’t many. I felt like I had a better chance
with the National Football League. The boosters have to get away from
the good-old-boy network and realize that the best man should get the
job.”
There are currently 16 black quarterbacks in the NFL. When more
quarterback positions open up to African Americans, then the scales
will be truly balanced. kim smith

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Join our Newsletter

Sign up for Rolling Out news straight to your inbox.

Read more about:
Also read