The Black Quarterbacks Who Took The NFL’s Biggest Stage

For decades, Black quarterbacks in the National Football League were told they should switch positions or weren’t built to lead an offense. Even as the league changed, opportunities at the game’s most visible role came sparingly, especially in the Russell Wilson guiding Seattle to a championship, Patrick Mahomes building a modern dynasty in Kansas City, and several more who reached the game and left their mark even without a trophy.

Today, young fans see something different. Players like Warren Moon and Randall Cunningham paved the way for Dak Prescott, CJ Stroud, Jordan Love, and the list goes on. Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson has received two MVPs, Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams have become the faces of their respective franchises, and Mahomes is considered one of the greatest ever. Yes, the NFL has come a very long way, but there’s still a long road ahead. Regardless, the future seems bright for QBs of color.

Below, let’s take a look back at the all Black quarterbacks who have played in (and those who won) the Super Bowl.

SAN DIEGO, CA- JANUARY 31:Doug Williams #17 of the Washington Redskins looks to pass against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII on January 31, 1988 at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. The Redskinswon the Super Bowl 42-10. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Doug Williams, Super Bowl XXII (1987)

Starting for the Washington Redskins against the Denver Broncos, Williams stepped into the spotlight and delivered a performance that changed the league’s record books. After a slow start, he caught fire in the second quarter, throwing four touchdown passes and helping Washington pull away for a decisive victory. He became the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

31 Oct 1999: Steve McNair #9 of the Nashville Titans points as he runs with the ball during a game against the St. Louis Rams at the Adelphia Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Rams 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/Allsport

Steve McNair, Super Bowl XXXIV (1999)

Starting for the Tennessee Titans against the St. Louis Rams, McNair led Tennessee to its first Super Bowl appearance during the franchise’s first season as the Titans. Known for his toughness and mobility, he threw for multiple scores and directed a late drive that brought the team within striking distance in the final seconds. The game ended with the Titans stopped just short of the goal line, resulting in a 23–16 loss.

Philadelphia Eagle QB Donovan McNabb #5 during Super Bowl XXXIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida on February 6, 2005. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)

Donovan McNabb, Super Bowl XXXIX (2004)

McNabb led the Philadelphia Eagles into the championship matchup against the New England Patriots after guiding the franchise through multiple deep playoff runs in the early 2000s. In the title game, he threw for over 350 yards and three touchdowns but also turned the ball over, and Philadelphia fell 24–21 in a tight finish. Despite the loss, the appearance capped one of the strongest stretches by a quarterback in team history.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 03:Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up against the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana.(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Colin Kaepernick, Super Bowl XLVII (2012)

Starting for the San Francisco 49ers against the Baltimore Ravens, Kaepernick took over midway through the season and quickly became the team’s starter. His speed and arm strength helped power a playoff run, including several big rushing plays that kept defenses off balance. In the Super Bowl, the 49ers rallied late but fell 34–31, coming up short after closing a large early deficit.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – FEBRUARY 02:Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after their 43-8 victory over the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium on February 2, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Russell Wilson, Super Bowl XLVIII (2013) & Super Bowl XLIX (2014)

Wilson guided the Seattle Seahawks to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances against the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots. In the first matchup, Seattle controlled the game from the start and rolled to a 43–8 win, giving Wilson his first championship early in his career. The following season, the Seahawks returned but fell 28–24 after a late interception at the goal line ended their final drive.

SANTA CLARA, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers throws the ball against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California.(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Cam Newton, Super Bowl 50 (2015)

Newton guided the Carolina Panthers to the championship game against the Denver Broncos after an MVP season and a 15–1 record. Carolina fell 24–10, but the run capped one of the strongest years by a quarterback in franchise history. Newton remained the face of the team afterward and helped return the Panthers to the playoffs, leaving a lasting mark as one of the most dynamic players of his era.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 11: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after winning Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)

Patrick Mahomes, Super Bowl LIV (2019), LV (2020), LVII (2022), LVIII (2023) & LIX (2024)

Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl appearances in a short span, facing the San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Philadelphia Eagles across those matchups. He earned wins in Super Bowls LIV, LVII, LVIII, and LIX, collecting MVP honors while engineering late drives and comeback victories, and fell short only once in that stretch. The run established him as one of the defining quarterbacks of his generation and the centerpiece of Kansas City’s modern championship era.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 09: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 to win Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Jalen Hurts, Super Bowl LVII (2022) & Super Bowl LIX (2024)

Hurts guided the Philadelphia Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances against the Kansas City Chiefs in a three-year span. In his first trip, he accounted for multiple touchdowns and kept Philadelphia within reach in a narrow loss. He returned to the stage in Super Bowl LIX and finished the job, delivering an MVP performance and leading the Eagles to a 40–22 win and the first championship of his career.

TOPICS:  Black Quarterbacks jalen hurts NFL Super Bowl

The post The Black Quarterbacks Who Took The NFL’s Biggest Stage appeared first on Essence.