Since 2023 has been crammed with highs for Black quarterbacks, 2024 would possibly as properly maintain the occasion going. And if issues maintain regular, Patrick Mahomes gained’t be the one one anymore.
After his Christmas Day efficiency, Lamar Jackson — who already has a unanimous MVP on his resume — could possibly be on his strategy to profitable his second MVP, becoming a member of Mahomes as the one Black quarterbacks to carry that honor.
“I believed Lamar had an MVP efficiency tonight,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, as his quarterback accounted for 297 yards of offense and a pair of touchdowns. “It takes a workforce to create a efficiency like that, however it takes a participant to play at that stage, to play at an MVP stage, it takes a participant to play that method. Lamar was everywhere in the area.”
Jackson is within the driver’s seat for the award — months after “nobody wanted him.” Always remember that earlier than he signed his five-year, $260 million contract in April to remain in Baltimore, groups and owners were making it known around the league that they have been out on arguably one of the best participant within the recreation.
If Jackson can snag the award will probably be his second in 5 seasons, as he gained his first in 2019. Mahomes gained his first the yr earlier than Jackson did, which means that we’re weeks away from historical past repeating itself, as Mahomes and Jackson may go back-to-back for a second time.
In 2003, Steve McNair turned the first Black quarterback to win MVP. Twelve years later, Cam Newton turned the primary to win it outright, as McNair break up his award with Peyton Manning. Newton was adopted by Mahomes, Jackson, Mahomes, and possibly Jackson, once more.
At the start of the yr, Mahomes and Jalen Hurts made historical past because the first two Black quarterbacks to ever face each other in the Super Bowl — becoming a member of the small list of Black quarterbacks who’ve played in the sport’s biggest game. By the point the draft rolled round, more history was made as Bryce Younger, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson turned the primary three Black quarterbacks to be taken within the High 5. Months later, one other feat was completed when 14 Black quarterbacks began throughout Week One of many 2023 season — the most ever. And in October, Tyrod Taylor became the first Black quarterback to win a game for the New York Giants — an indication that issues haven’t modified as a lot as they seem.
Marlin Briscoe turned the first starting Black quarterback in pro football history in 1968. He died in 2022, six months earlier than arguably one of the best yr Black quarterbacks have ever skilled within the NFL. It’s a stat that highlights historical past and is proof of how gradual progress might be.