Newsflash: Two Black Quarterbacks Playing in the Super Bowl Does Not Move the Needle Toward Addressing Racism in the NFL

Although celebration is in order to commemorate two Black quarterbacks playing in the Super Bowl, racism in the NFL is still alive and well.

Two Black quarterbacks will play in the Super Bowl for the first time in history. Jalen Hurts, the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, will face off this Sunday to make history. The historic moment in football history has caught the attention of football fans and those who view two Black quarterbacks playing in the Super Bowl as a marker of progress toward addressing racism in the NFL. However, others are less optimistic. Although this moment should not be taken lightly and is to be celebrated, it might be a little premature to consider this a testament to addressing racism in the NFL.

Let’s be honest: The NFL has had a sordid relationship with racism, and it would be far-fetched to think that would change after Sunday’s game. That would be as asinine as arguing that President Barack Obama being Black is evidence of racism being eradicated in the U.S. That said, two Black quarterbacks playing in the Super Bowl is a significant step…