"Evolution of the Black Quarterback" provides much needed historical context

September 27, 2024

Courtesy: Prime Video

"Evolution of the Black Quarterback" is Prime Video's newest three-part documentary, which debuted on Prime Video on September 23. It follows retired NFL quarterback Michael Vick, who narrates and explores the history of Black quarterbacks from the early '60s, when they fought for acceptance, recognition, and affirmation, to the present, where they are celebrated for their contributions to the sport.

With interviews from past trailblazers who paved the way in a time of racial discrimination to current stars such as Colin Kaepernick, Jalen Hurt, Cameron Newton, and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Vick travels across America to give viewers an inside look at their struggles and achievements. Mahomes became the third Black quarterback to win the Super Bowl in 2020 and the first in NFL history to win multiple Super Bowls.

Directed by SMAC's FredAnthony Smith and produced by SMAC Productions in association with NFL Films and Fubo Studio, "Evolution of the Black Quarterback" is executive produced by Michael Strahan, Constance Schwartz-Morini, and FredAnthony Smith of SMAC Entertainment.

S1 E1 - In The Beginning

Michael Vick's journey through the history of Black quarterbacks features Eagles star Jalen Hurts, Hall of Famer Tony Dungy, hip-hop star Common, and Super Bowl hero Doug Williams.

S1 E2 - Game Changers

Michael Vick's exploration of Black quarterbacks includes Hall of Famers Warren Moon and Steve Young, Pro Bowler Josh Allen, and Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward.

S1 E3 - The Ones

The conclusion to Michael Vick's trip through the history of Black quarterbacks showcases Patrick Mahomes, Cam Newton, Dak Prescott, Colin Kaepernick, and Jamie Foxx.

Courtesy: Prime Video (Michael Vick)

The NFL, with a history of racial segregation, began to incorporate Black players in the 1950s. However, even as more Black players proved they were equal to their White counterparts, they were often confined or relegated to play physical positions of running back, cornerback, and wide receiver - never the quarterback due to systemic racism. 

Marlin Briscoe is the first Black player in the Super Bowl era to start a game as a quarterback. Warren Moon is the first Black quarterback to enter the NFL Hall of Fame. Doug Williams was the first Black quarterback to start and win the Super Bowl, leading the then-Washington Redskins to victory in 1988. By the late 1980s, Black players were no longer a minority in the NFL. In 2001, the NFL drafted its first Black quarterback, Michael Vick, selected at No. 1 when the Atlanta Falcons chose Vick. Twenty-three years later, at the start of the 2024 season, the NFL made history when The New England Patriots named Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback, recording 15 black quarterbacks at the season opener for the most prestigious position. Michael Vick digs deep, starting with his own experiences on and off the field as he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for dogfighting. He returned to the NFL and played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009, joining Jonathan McNabb, who played in the league for 13 seasons. As the Eagles' starting quarterback, McNabb led the team to eight playoff appearances from 1999 to 2009.

The series pays homage to the rich history, celebrates the progress, and sets sights on the future of the quarterback position. The highlights are incredible, and the story of the players who fought for their right to be on the field is inspiring, featuring interviews with some of the most influential Black quarterbacks—past, present, and future—to ever play the game, including Russell Wilson, Donovan McNabb, James "Shack" Harris, Warren Moon, and Doug Williams, plus commentary from celebrities and other football stars including Common, Deion Sanders, Larry Wilmore, Steve Young, Josh Allen and Jamie Foxx.

Super Bowl LVII was the first game in NFL history to feature two Black quarterbacks (Patrick Mahomes from the Kansas City Chiefs and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles) starting on each side, vying for the Lombardi Trophy. The stigma of Black quarterbacks being unable to lead a team to success is a thing of the past; however, this documentary provides a historical context and shows how far Black quarterbacks have come in the league.

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"Evolution of the Black Quarterback" is streaming now on Prime Video.

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