Doug Williams, the trailblazing Black quarterback who first started and won a Super Bowl, was deeply moved while watching the NFL Conference Championship games on Sunday.
Nearly 35 years after his groundbreaking victory with the Washington Redskins, Williams saw Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts steer the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl.
For the first time ever, two Black quarterbacks will face each other in the Super Bowl when the Chiefs and Eagles meet at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on February 12. “It was really gratifying to me,” Williams told CNN Sport, “to witness this moment today, realizing the progress we’ve made and acknowledging the journey still ahead.”
If the Eagles win Super Bowl LVII, Hurts will join Williams, Russell Wilson (2014 with the Seattle Seahawks), and Mahomes (2020) as the fourth Black quarterback to secure an NFL Championship. Mahomes has the opportunity to become the first Black quarterback to win multiple titles.
Hurts already made history by surpassing Cam Newton’s record for the most rushing touchdowns in a single season during the Eagles’ NFC Championship win against the San Francisco 49ers. On the other hand, Mahomes overcame an ankle injury to throw for 326 yards and two touchdowns against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Their performances on the field serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations. “I know those guys are going to be fired up and ready to play,” Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields told CNN. “But it’s definitely a monumental moment for many young Black QBs, showing them what’s possible and perhaps inspiring them to think: ‘That could be me one day.’”
Fields, inspired by Cam Newton growing up, has worn Newton’s iconic No. 1 jersey since eighth grade. He acknowledges how players like Hurts and Mahomes are advancing the quarterback role.
“Jalen and Patrick can do amazing things on the field, both in throwing the football and extending plays with their legs,” Fields said. “It’s just incredible to have the first Super Bowl featuring two Black quarterbacks; it’s definitely historic.”
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, who previously coached the Eagles for 14 years, emphasized the players’ talents over their race when addressing reporters on Monday.
“Eventually, questions like this won’t be necessary,” he said. “I understand the importance of asking now, but it’s truly a tribute to these players. Both of them are exceptional talents, and I’m proud of them.”