Black quarterbacks have been treated unfairly in the NFL for the last forty years, and that still hasn’t changed today. In 1978, quarterback Warren Moon out of Washington College, went twelve rounds without being drafted. Moon was a successful quarterback in college, while teams still featured a more run-heavy approach on offense. Moon refused to play any other position than quarterback, and went to play in the Canadian Football league. In six seasons in the CFL, Moon threw for 21,228 yards and 144 touchdowns, and then would make the jump to the NFL in 1984. Moon is now known as one of the greatest undrafted quarterbacks, making the NFL Hall of Fame.
Despite the amount of successful black quarterbacks over the last thirty to forty years, they are still viewed differently than white quarterbacks. Any time a dual-threat black quarterback comes out of the draft, the talking points are all the same, accuracy issues, doesn’t have an NFL arm, not pro ready, and lots of injury concerns. This leads to many “experts” suggesting a move to wide receiver, or running back. Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts were subjected to this during their draft process. Jackson, a member of the 2018 class was constantly told to switch to a back or receiver, despite winning the Heisman Trophy in 2016 while at Louisville.
Lamar would be drafted 32nd by the Baltimore Ravens, the last quarterback taken in a first round that featured quarterbacks such as Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Josh Rosen. Jackson would come into the season the backup behind Joe Flacco, but would be used by the Ravens in read option situations. However, Jackson would make his first start in week 11, as Joe Flacco would suffer a hip injury. The Ravens were 4-5 before Jackson took over, and would close out the season going 10-6 , with Lamar going 6-1 as a starter. The Ravens would lose to the Chargers in the Wildcard round, and Jackson struggled. This fueled Jackson’s doubters even more, but he would respond. Jackson would win the NFL MVP unanimously, being the second player to ever win the award unanimously. Jackson is 39-13 as a starter for the Ravens, and has undoubtedly been one of the best quarterbacks since winning the MVP.
Despite his success, fans, who in my opinion simply don’t know the sport as well, still call Lamar a running back. Lamar gets flak from fans for his running ability, while white quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Daniel Jones are praised for their mobility. This season, through three games Lamar leads the NFL in passer rating, with an 119 rating. Quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, Justin Fields, and Kyler Murray are treated similarly. Hurts and Jackson are currently favorites early in the season to possibly win MVP, as they are off to hot starts. Despite the success of black quarterbacks like Lamar, Hurts, Mike Vick, Randall Cunningham, Steve McNair, Cam Newton, and Colin Kaepernick, the narrative just doesn’t change.
