Will The Quarterback Position Ever Be Color Blind In The NFL
Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 9:08AM Joe Simmons 
When I glance across the NFL, one thing is for sure, there aren’t that many persons of color starting at quarterback. It didn’t really dawn on me until someone brought it to my attention that in a league that is made up of the best athletes on the planet, so few people of color play the most dominant position on the field. His point was that the most athletic and exciting college quarterbacks end up playing another position in the NFL.
Let’s take a look at the numbers of quarterbacks of color in the NFL
- 2 out of 16 in the NFC are starters, Donovan McNabb and Josh Freeman
- 4 out of 16 in the AFC are starters, Mark Sanchez, David Garrard, Jason Campbell and Vince Young
The problem is that NFL general managers and owners do not like to take chances on quarterbacks who don’t fit the traditional profile. I’ll give credit where credit is due; some teams like the Titans/Oilers have had Warren Moon, Steve McNair, and now Vince Young. Also the Vikings drafted Daunte Culpepper to replace Randall Cunningham, and later took a chance drafting Tarvaris Jackson. Philadelphia gets credit as well for drafting both Randall Cunningham and Donovan McNabb while offering a home to Michael Vick during his troubles. For the most part NFL GMs shy away from the athletic quarterback unless they are drafting them to play another position or to run gimmick plays or the “Wildcat”.
Here are a few names that I am sure you know: Hines Ward, Joshua Cribbs, Antoine Randall El, Brad Smith, Ronald Curry, Isaiah Stanback, and Armante Edwards … just to name a few guys who were heralded college quarterbacks, now delegated to the WR position.
History tells us that any position can be redefined. Look at the wide receiver position in the NFL. If you ask anyone who the 5 best wide receivers are in the league, I guarantee Wes Welker’s name comes up in the conversation. Four years ago you couldn’t have had that argument. That in itself is proof that anyone can play any position.
This is what I know, until the NFL starts to look at the QB position with a blindfold, the plight of the Black QB may be forever limited to the Wildcat. Hopefully that will not happen for the sake of players like Troy Smith, and Dennis Dixon.
Reader Comments (9)
Very well written. I couldn't agree more
You can add Pat White to that list too.
Crazy aint it. Seems like there should be more. I guess its never gonna happen
I'm routing for Dixon!!
The lack of Black QBs (I know you said colored, b/c you included Sanchez, which is cool) is something that will continue to bother me, because there can EASILY be more.
I wish these high school coaches would start developing them more to be QBs for the college level, but when they see that the best athlete just wins, the incentive to get him to the best of his ability (via position) takes a backseat. Hell, they win district titles, regionals, and state with super-athletes that play QB. Why develop them? I honestly feel coaches (especially in HS) owe it to these players to make them as ready as possible.
It's the same thing in college; I don't understand it. With all the Black QBs who do fantastic in college ball, only to get to the league and change positions? I don't like it one bit.
@Jos Yeah I am too. Looks like Byron took himself out of the mix so maybe Dennis can show them what he's got.
@Jonathan I couldn't agree more
@ Kenny I have been saying that for years.
agree w/ you yet again. what do you think of the qb for texas tech this year? had his comin out party against texas last year. you think he's go t a future?
@Tanner The kid has all the tools. Hopefully The NFL personnel will take notice. He has the game its just a matter of opportunity and timing.
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