How Many Black Quarterbacks In the NFL?
Contents
There are currently seven black quarterbacks in the NFL. They are Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, Dak Prescott, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, Deshaun Watson, and Patrick Mahomes.
The NFL’s Black Quarterback Problem
In recent years, the National Football League has been criticized for its lack of diversity among its quarterbacks. According to a 2017 report by The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport, only 6.7 percent of NFL quarterbacks were black. This number has remained relatively static over the past few years, even as the percentage of black players in the NFL has increased.
The lack of black quarterbacks in the NFL is often referred to as the “NFL’s Black Quarterback Problem.” Some have argued that this is due to a lack of opportunities for black quarterbacks, while others have pointed to disparities in the way black and white quarterbacks are treated by coaches and scouts. Whatever the cause, it’s clear that the NFL has a diversity problem when it comes to its most important position.
The NFL’s treatment of black quarterbacks
The treatment of black quarterbacks in the NFL has been an ongoing issue since the league’s inception. There have been numerous studies and articles written on the subject, and it remains a hot-button issue today.
According to a 2017 study by The Undefeated, “African American quarterbacks make up only 2 percent of NFL starters, despite comprising nearly 70 percent of the league’s players.” This statistic is even more alarming when you consider that black QBs have historically been treated unfairly by the league.
A number of factors contribute to the NFL’s treatment of black quarterbacks, including:
-Racial bias: A 2018 study by Stanford University found that NFL coaches and GMs are significantly more likely to perceive black quarterbacks as “intelligent” and “hardworking” than their white counterparts. However, they are also more likely to view them as “athletic” and “aggressive.” This racial bias can lead to black QBs being passed over for starting roles in favor of less qualified white players.
-Stereotypes: Black quarterbacks are often pigeonholed into certain stereotypes, such as being “athletic” but not “intelligent,” or being “mobile” but not able to read defenses. These stereotypes can make it harder for black QBs to get hired, as well as lead to them being underestimated by their coaches and teammates.
-Lack of opportunities: Even when they do get hired, black QBs often don’t get the same opportunities as their white counterparts. They may be relegated to backup roles, or only given a chance to start if the team is struggling. This lack of opportunity can make it difficult for black QBs to develop their skills and succeed in the NFL.
Despite these challenges, there have been some black quarterbacks who have managed to find success in the NFL. Here are a few notable examples:
-Doug Williams: Williams was the first black quarterback to start in a Super Bowl (Super Bowl XXII). He was also named Super Bowl MVP after leading the Washington Redskins to victory over the Denver Broncos.
-Desmond Howard: Howard became the first (and only) black quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy (college football’s most prestigious award) in 1991. He went on to have a successful career in the NFL, winning Super Bowl MVP honors with the Green Bay Packers in 1997.
-Russell Wilson: Wilson has been one of the most successful quarterbacks in recent years, leading the Seattle Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl XLVIII and being named Super Bowl MVP in 2014.
The NFL’s lack of diversity
There is a huge lack of diversity in the NFL. Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about how many black quarterbacks there are in the NFL. The answer is not as simple as it seems.
As of the 2017 season, there are only 7 black quarterbacks who are starters in the NFL. This number includes players who are currently on injured reserve or suspended. In total, there are only 12 black quarterbacks who are on an NFL roster. This number represents less than 3% of all NFL quarterbacks.
The lack of black quarterbacks in the NFL is a direct result of the lack of diversity in coaching and front office positions. There are very few black head coaches and even fewer black general managers. This means that black quarterbacks are not given the same opportunities to succeed as their white counterparts.
The lack of diversity in the NFL is an issue that needs to be addressed. The league needs to do more to promote diversity among its players, coaches, and front office personnel.
The NFL’s black quarterback stats
As of the 2017 season, there are seven starting black quarterbacks in the NFL:
– Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers
– Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks
– Tyrod Taylor of the Buffalo Bills
– Jameis Winston of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
– Derek Carr of the Oakland Raiders
– Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys
– Marvin Lewis Jr. of the Baltimore Ravens
In addition, there are several back-up and reserve black quarterbacks across various teams. The NFL has seen a steady increase in black starting quarterbacks over recent years, with many attributing this to greater opportunities and coaching at younger levels.
The NFL’s future with black quarterbacks
In recent years, the National Football League has seen an influx of young, talented black quarterbacks. Players like Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, and Dak Prescott have not only excelled on the field, but have also become some of the league’s most popular players. This trend looks likely to continue, as more and more black quarterbacks are drafted into the NFL each year.
The future of the NFL is bright for black quarterbacks. These young players have proven that they can not only play at a high level, but also be popular and marketable faces of the league. As the number of black quarterbacks in the NFL continues to grow, we can expect to see even more great players emerge from this talented group.