Can Black quarterbacks in the NFL pave way for Black coaches?

When 11 Black quarterbacks started NFL games in Week 1, it was another indication those racial stereotypes have finally been overcome. 

While there is a continued lack of diversity among general managers and coaches, four of the five largest contracts in the sport have been given to Black QBs — including Deshaun Watson's fully guaranteed $230 million US deal from the Cleveland Browns. Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray received the other three. Lamar Jackson is in line to join that group next.

Black QBs — Cam Newton, Mahomes and Jackson — have won three of the last seven NFL MVP awards. Over the last 11 drafts, 11 of the 33 quarterbacks taken in the first round were Black.

But it's been a long, difficult journey since Fritz Pollard became the first Black QB to play in the NFL in 1923.

"There has been a traditional and historical underrepresentation of Black quarterbacks in the league because of various myths and falsehoods," NFL executive Troy Vincent told The Associated Press. "At the opening of this 2022 season, 11 Black quarterbacks are not only leading NFL clubs, but are demonstrating their ability to win. This leaves no doubt how this position has been normalized at both the collegiate and professional levels." 

Despite the increase in Black quarterbacks and Black officials, who represent about 40 per cent of the league's officiating crew, the growth in diversity isn't reflected on the sideline. There are only four Black head coaches in 2022: Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin, Houston's Lovie Smith, Tampa Bay's Todd Bowles and Miami's Mike McDaniel, who is biracial.

It took nearly 100 years to go from Pollard breaking the QB race barrier to 11 starters, and it's unclear how long it will be for Black coaches to