Jason Reid, senior NFL writer for ESPNShe has released a new book called Rise of the Black Quarterback: What It Means for America.
The book follows the history of the NFL’s black quarterbacks, who were once told to switch positions after college or they would not be drafted. There was a perception that they lacked the work ethic and intelligence to understand NFL playbooks, couldn’t lead white men, or muster the tenacity to play through pain.
That changed over the years with pioneering players like Doug Williams.
Today, young superstars like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes are revolutionizing not only the landscape of the NFL, but sports culture as a whole.
Raven Country spoke to Reid about his new book.
raven country: Why do you think many of these players still face a bias at the position despite the black quarterback’s rise?
reid: In general, I don’t think they do. It’s no longer surprising that black quarterbacks are selected in the first round of the NFL draft. Black QBs are among the highest-paid players in the NFL, whether we’re talking total money guaranteed or average annual value — Deshaun Watson, Kyler Murray, Mahomes, Dak Prescott, and Russell Wilson.
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raven country: Despite an NFL MVP award and breaking numerous records, is Lamar Jackson still a polarizing figure? Do you think he’ll ever be able to shake off the debate that he’s a “running back” playing quarterback?
reid: For me, the better way to phrase the question is, “Will he ever be considered an above-average passer?” He’s definitely improved as a passer over the past season. I mean, will he ever be as good as Mahomes or Watson in that category? Doubtful. But if he can keep progressing in the drop back game with his speed and athleticism, he doesn’t have to be as good as these guys at that area to continue to be highly effective.
raven country: How do you think Jackson dealt with the criticism?
reid: Coming out of college, he handled the initial criticism well. I mean, he won the AP MVP unanimously. Among quarterbacks, only he and Brady make this list. With just one playoff win, he obviously hasn’t had a lot of playoff wins until now. But he’s only entering his fourth season as Baltimore’s week one starter. I mean, it’s not like he’s had a decade of postseason failure.
raven country: How far, if at all, have black quarterbacks progressed their game to play the position in the NFL?
reid: The “evolution” has taken place on the part of NFL club owners, executives and coaches. Black quarterbacks could always play the position in the NFL. All white decision-makers had to do was change their anachronistic views of position, particularly in relation to race, to give black quarterbacks a chance to stand out in the NFL.
raven country: Do you see a level playing field for black quarterbacks getting opportunities to play the position in the NFL in the years to come?
reid: For the black quarterback who’s a collegiate superstar, the playing field is level, or as level as it gets. But black quarterbacks are still making the climb to become NFL backups at the same rate as their white counterparts.
