Russell Wilson become on the second African American quarterback to win a Super Bowl.Wilson threw for 206 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions for a 123.1 passer rating in the 43-8 defeat over the Denver Broncos.
Not since Doug Williams led the Redskins to a victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII has another black quarterback won it. This isn't because there haven't been or aren't currently great African American quarterbacks, it is because so few African Americans are giving the opportunity to play the position.
Many great African American quarterbacks find themselves being moved to wide receiver when they reach the pro ranks. They are often said to have great speed and great hands, but lack the mental capacity to handle the most important position on the field. It doesn't matter how well they performed in college, they more often than not will not be given the opportunity to play quarterback.
This is not a new phenomena. Warren Moon was a celebrated quarterback coming out of college. Despite his college statistics, he went undrafted by the NFL and signed to play in the CFL where he would lead the Edmonton Eskimos to five consecutive Grey Cups, be named the Grey Cup's MVP twice and the CFL's Most Outstanding Player in his final season. Only then did the NFL come calling. He is one of only two people to be named to both the NFL and CFL Hall of Fame.
While Moon had an opportunity to prove himself in the Canadian League, many African American quarterbacks do not have that opportunity. There are many great African American quarterbacks who have superb careers in high school and college who we never get to see their full potential in the NFL. Maybe with another African American quarterback winning the Super Bowl, more of them will be given a chance. We can only hope.
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