Perspectives S34/Ep33: Rise of the Black Quarterback: What it Means for America

The Rise of the Black Quarterback: What It Means for America by NFL journalist Jason Reid, chronicles the history of the treatment of Black Players in the NFL, and the breakout careers of a thrilling new generation of Black quarterbacks. The quarterback is king in the NFL. He’s the smartest guy in the room and the coolest one to boot. Nearly all of the team’s major decisions, both on and off the field—roster construction, offensive philosophy, marketing strategies, etc.—are made to capitalize on his strengths. For decades though, those “faces of the game” in the pro game were exclusively white due to positional segregation. They were told they lacked the work ethic and intelligence to comprehend NFL playbooks, couldn’t lead white men, or summon the toughness to play through pain. But after nearly a century of struggle, overcoming relentless pressures, bigotry and those racist tropes, things are quite different in today’s NFL.