Black quarterbacks are no longer relegated to the sidelines; they are now taking center stage in the NFL. However, this shift doesn’t come without its challenges, as many have had to conform to a mainstream narrative.

Recently, I had the chance to sit down with Doug Williams and Michael Vick at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium at Grambling University, where they reflected on their groundbreaking journeys in football. Williams made history in 1988 as the first Black quarterback to start in a Super Bowl, leading the Washington Redskins to victory over the Denver Broncos and earning MVP honors. Vick, on the other hand, etched his name in history in 2001 as the first overall pick in the NFL draft. Both have left an undeniable mark on the path for Black quarterbacks, and their influence continues to resonate today.

During our chat, Williams, with his distinctive Louisiana charm, made a bold prediction: “Look around this league now. I could be wrong, but in the next five to seven years? Half of the quarterbacks in this league gon’ be Black.” His statement holds weight, especially with a record 15 Black quarterbacks starting in the NFL this season—a historic milestone signaling a new era. Among them are rookies like Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, and Anthony Richardson, all of whom were selected among the top four picks in the 2023 draft. This transition was further highlighted when Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts, both Black quarterbacks, faced each other in the 2023 Super Bowl.

At just 29, Mahomes is already being regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, while Dak Prescott proudly represents the Dallas Cowboys. Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson continues to turn heads after winning the league MVP award for the second time last season. The landscape of the NFL has been clearly transformed; being a Black quarterback no longer raises eyebrows but showcases talent on the field.

We’ve moved beyond the days when the announcement of a Black starting quarterback sparked debates about acceptance among fans and the broader community. The current generation steps onto the field with confidence, a significant shift from previous years. This evolution is powerfully portrayed in two recent projects that examine the journey of Black quarterbacks toward mainstream acceptance.

In “The Great Black Hope,” historian Louis Moore reflects on the 1979 game between Chicago and Tampa Bay, the first to feature two Black starting quarterbacks: Williams and Vince Evans. Moore describes this match as “one of the most monumental contests in NFL history,” symbolizing a promise for change, not just in sports but in society at large.

Similarly, in the Prime Video docuseries “Evolution of the Black Quarterback,” Vick travels across the country to trace the journey from the first Black quarterback, Willie Thrower, to current stars like Young. Vick candidly shares his own complex path, from fame to controversy and redemption after serving time for his involvement in a dogfighting ring. His story highlights the resilience required to thrive in a league that has, at times, marginalized Black quarterbacks.

As our conversation unfolded, it became clear that Black quarterbacks have faced unique challenges. Many have been unjustly dismissed as incapable of leading a team, often being pushed into other positions like defensive backs. Deion Sanders, a Hall of Fame cornerback, shared his experience of being forced to change positions when he entered college football, illustrating the long-standing biases that have plagued the NFL’s perception of Black players.

A memorable sketch from Richard Pryor’s 1977 variety show humorously captures these societal barriers. In it, Pryor envisions a future with more Black quarterbacks and coaches, highlighting the absurdity of the status quo at the time.

Despite the NFL making strides in diversifying its quarterback pool, challenges remain for Black coaches and executives. Their numbers continue to be limited, despite demonstrating capabilities equal to their white counterparts. Ownership remains skewed, with figures like Magic Johnson and Lewis Hamilton representing only a small, influential group.

In today’s NFL, the dynamics have shifted. Teams are increasingly willing to invest in Black quarterbacks, even signing multiple Black players to ensure a solid backup plan. This was evidenced when Andy Reid brought Vick onto the Eagles to mentor Donovan McNabb, reflecting a dedication to inclusivity in playstyles.

Vick highlights the progress made, crediting the modern NFL for its embrace of diversity. However, he and others are acutely aware of the hard-fought battles that paved the way for this moment.

The reunion of Williams and Vick at Grambling carries deep significance. The university has played a crucial role in developing Black quarterbacks, thanks in large part to pioneering coach Eddie Robinson, who advocated for a pro-style passing offense that prepared players for the NFL.

Still, some Black quarterbacks face pressure to downplay their voices regarding issues of racial justice, concerned about backlash from ownership and fans alike. Vick openly wrestles with complex feelings about his legacy, often feeling the weight of past controversies compared to the relative ease experienced by white quarterbacks in similar situations.

In our engaging discussion, Williams expressed pride that the term “Black quarterback” no longer carries a modifier. “Now you just have a chance to watch ‘em play,” he said, capturing a sentiment that reflects the league’s evolution. The Black quarterback is no longer an outlier; he is now a central figure in a sport that has worked hard to reshape its narrative—though not without sacrifice along the way.