With only a few Black quarterbacks in the NFL, there has been a lot of controversy over whether or not the league (or even all of professional sports) is still behind the times, and not keeping pace with the nation’s turn toward more diversity and inclusion. Starting quarterbacks are historically among the top earners in the National Football League – creating a position that is obviously coveted by many in the league.
In spite of serious competition and questionable commitments to diversity among the teams they’ve been fortunate enough of which to be members; the following African American players have excelled and have earned the title of quarterback on their respective teams.
- Michael Vick, NY Jets: Rising from his past controversy like the mythical Phoenix, Vick has worked hard to prove that he belongs where he is. Vick has also played professionally for the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles.
- Robert Griffin III, Redskins: RG3 is the quarterback for the NFL’s Washington Redskins. He is a Heisman trophy winner (2011) who played college football at Baylor University.
- Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings: Bridgewater, 21, was a first-round draft to the Vikings in 2014. His college playing days were enjoyed at University of Louiville.
- Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers: Cameron “Cam” Newton is the QB for the Carolina Panthers. Newton’s game time may be in jeopardy, as the Panthers have become concerned with the risk of him being injured again.
- Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers: Kaepernick is a former player for the University of Nevada, and now stands tall (quite literally — at 6’4”) as the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers — where he has been since getting drafted in 2011.
