Since 2023 has been stuffed with highs for Black quarterbacks, 2024 would possibly as properly preserve the occasion going. And if issues maintain regular, Patrick Mahomes gained’t be the one one anymore.
After his Christmas Day efficiency, Lamar Jackson — who already has a unanimous MVP on his resume — may very well be on his solution to successful his second MVP, becoming a member of Mahomes as the one Black quarterbacks to carry that honor.
“I thought Lamar had an MVP performance tonight,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, as his quarterback accounted for 297 yards of offense and a pair of touchdowns. “It takes a team to create a performance like that, but it takes a player to play at that level, to play at an MVP level, it takes a player to play that way. Lamar was all over the field.”
Jackson is within the driver’s seat for the award — months after “nobody wanted him.” Always remember that earlier than he signed his five-year, $260 million contract in April to remain in Baltimore, groups and owners were making it known around the league that they had been out on arguably the perfect participant within the recreation.
If Jackson can snag the award it is going to be his second in 5 seasons, as he gained his first in 2019. Mahomes gained his first the 12 months earlier than Jackson did, that means that we’re weeks away from historical past repeating itself, as Mahomes and Jackson might go back-to-back for a second time.
In 2003, Steve McNair grew to become the first Black quarterback to win MVP. Twelve years later, Cam Newton grew to become the primary to win it outright, as McNair cut up his award with Peyton Manning. Newton was adopted by Mahomes, Jackson, Mahomes, and perhaps Jackson, once more.
Initially of the 12 months, Mahomes and Jalen Hurts made historical past because the first two Black quarterbacks to ever face each other in the Super Bowl — becoming a member of the small list of Black quarterbacks who’ve played in the sport’s biggest game. By the point the draft rolled round, more history was made as Bryce Younger, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson grew to become the primary three Black quarterbacks to be taken within the High 5. Months later, one other feat was completed when 14 Black quarterbacks began throughout Week One of many 2023 season — the most ever. And in October, Tyrod Taylor became the first Black quarterback to win a game for the New York Giants — an indication that issues haven’t modified as a lot as they seem.
Marlin Briscoe grew to become the first starting Black quarterback in pro football history in 1968. He died in 2022, six months earlier than arguably the perfect 12 months Black quarterbacks have ever skilled within the NFL. It’s a stat that highlights historical past and is proof of how gradual progress could be.
