Patrick Mahomes didn’t mince words on Thursday when asked about the importance of having two Black quarterbacks start a Super Bowl for the first time in the history of the game.
That’s precisely what will happen on Feb. 12 when Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs tangle with Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Ariz.
“To be on the world stage and have two Black quarterbacks starting in the Super Bowl, I think it’s special,” Mahomes said. “I’ve learned more and more about the history of the Black quarterback since I’ve been in this league and the guys that came before me and Jalen set the stage for this. And now, I’m just glad that we can set the stage for kids that are coming up now.”
Mahomes, 27, said he envisions Super Bowl LVII as an opportunity to continue moving the needle forward.
“I think you’ve seen over time, whenever a guy like Doug Williams, or Michael Vick, or Donovan McNabb go out and play great football, it gives other guys like me and Jalen chances to have this platform and to have this spot on an NFL team,” Mahomes said. “And so, if we can continue to show that we can consistently be great, I think it’ll just continue to open doors for other kids growing up to follow their dreams and to be a quarterback of an NFL team. And it’s good that we have guys like Jalen on the other side because he’s a great person and obviously a great quarterback.”
Doug Williams, Russell Wilson and Mahomes are the lone Black quarterbacks to win a Super Bowl.
Williams guided the Washington franchise to a 42-10 victory over Denver in Super Bowl XXII and Wilson led the Seattle Seahawks to a 43-8 win over the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII.
As for Mahomes, he fueled the Chiefs to a 31-20 triumph over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.
“I think it’s history,” Hurts said Thursday. “I think it’s something worthy of being noted. It’s come a long way. I think there’s only been seven African American quarterbacks to play in the Super Bowl. To be the first in something is pretty cool, so I know it will be a good one.
“I think anyone like Mike Vick, Cam (Newton), Randall Cunningham, McNabb, all those type of guys are guys that a lot of young kids looked up to, a lot of young Black kids as well, Steve McNair, all of those guys.”
The status of Mahomes’ ailing ankle could go a long way toward his bid to win a second ring. On Thursday, Mahomes said he didn’t aggravate the injury in Kansas City’s 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game this past Sunday.
Mahomes admitted he experienced general soreness following the game. He added “other than that, I feel I’m in a good spot.”
–Field Level Media
