The 2025 NFL season marks a historic milestone for Black athletes and for the game of football itself. For the first time in league history, 16 Black quarterbacks are slated to start in Week 1—an unprecedented moment that reflects both progress and perseverance across generations. The NFL is in a good place.
According to USA Today, Bryce Young, Caleb Williams, Cam Ward, C.J. Stroud, Dak Prescott, Geno Smith, Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels, Jordan Love, Justin Fields, Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson, Michael Penix Jr., Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, and Spencer Rattler are all listed as QB1 for their respective teams to begin the season. The sheer depth of talent at the position speaks to a transformation that once seemed nearly impossible.
Photo Cred: Sportico
Troy Vincent Sr., NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, reflected on the significance of this milestone, emphasizing that it represents far more than just numbers on a depth chart.
“This milestone speaks to the normalization of how access, talent, perseverance, and leadership meet opportunity,” Vincent told BET. “It reflects the inclusive nature of the game, and it will continue to inspire the next generation to lead and compete at the highest level of football.”
The journey to this moment was not without struggle. For much of its early history, the NFL limited opportunities for Black athletes to play quarterback, long considered the “thinking position” in football. Outdated stereotypes, systemic racism, and front-office bias kept many Black players from even being considered for the role.
In 1968, Marlin Briscoe made history when he became the first Black quarterback to start in modern professional football, suiting up for the Denver Broncos. Though his opportunity was brief, Briscoe’s success planted the seed for change. Two decades later, Doug Williams shattered another barrier when he became the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl, leading Washington to victory in 1988 and earning Super Bowl MVP honors.
That breakthrough was followed by Warren Moon’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, a recognition of his trailblazing career both in the NFL and the Canadian Football League. Michael Vick added yet another landmark moment in 2001, becoming the first Black quarterback selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft. His electrifying style of play expanded the imagination of what a quarterback could be and inspired a generation of athletes who followed.
These pivotal moments set the stage for the modern era, where excellence at the position became undeniable. Steve McNair shared an MVP award in 2003. Cam Newton dominated his way to an MVP in 2015 while leading Carolina to the Super Bowl. Lamar Jackson claimed the award in 2019 with a record-shattering season, and Patrick Mahomes has become the face of the league with multiple MVPs and Super Bowl championships. Collectively, these players proved that Black quarterbacks were not only capable of thriving but capable of redefining the position altogether.
Warren Moon, who fought through barriers and skepticism throughout his career, expressed pride in how far the position has come. Speaking with USA Today Sports, Moon said the milestone is both personal and historic.
“Just like last year and even the years prior, it just makes you proud to see the number continue to keep rising,” Moon said. “Because I know what that position used to be thought of for African Americans to play, and I was part of that. It’s great that the league and ownership and society and everybody is bought in and sees that these guys can play at a very, very high level, and they continue to keep giving them more opportunities. The more opportunities they give them, they’re turning them into a starting quarterback position. I love it.”
As the 2025 season kicks off, this new wave of Black quarterbacks stands not only as leaders of their franchises but as torchbearers of a legacy built by pioneers who fought for their chance. Their presence on the field represents more than wins and losses—it is a reflection of progress, resilience, and the power of representation in shaping the future of the game.
