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Have The Steelers Ever Had A Black Quarterback? Exploring Team History

Pittsburgh Steelers Have Found Their QB - Sports Illustrated Pittsburgh

Jul 26, 2025
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Pittsburgh Steelers Have Found Their QB - Sports Illustrated Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers, a team with a truly rich and storied past, hold a special place in the hearts of football fans. From their iconic black and gold uniforms to their legendary Super Bowl victories, the Steelers have built a reputation for tough, resilient play. Many supporters, and even those just curious about the game's history, often wonder about the players who have shaped this team. A question that comes up pretty often, and it's a good one, asks about the team's quarterback lineage: Have the Steelers ever had a black quarterback? It's a query that touches on both team history and the broader story of diversity in professional football, so it's a very interesting topic to explore.

Understanding who has played quarterback for the Steelers helps us appreciate the journey of the sport itself. The position of quarterback is, in a way, often seen as the face of the team, the leader on the field. Because of this, the players who fill that role become truly memorable figures. Their stories become part of the team's narrative, shaping how fans remember certain eras. It's a bit like how you might remember specific steps to recover a Google account; certain details stick with you, and that's just how it is with team history.

This discussion is about more than just names and statistics, you know. It's about recognizing contributions and understanding the path of inclusion within a major American sport. The history of the NFL, like many aspects of our society, shows a progression, and looking at the quarterback position for a team like the Steelers gives us a clear window into that. We'll take a look at the players who have taken snaps under center for Pittsburgh, focusing on those who were Black, and see how their presence fits into the bigger picture of the game.

Table of Contents

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Their Quarterback Legacy

When thinking about the Steelers, certain quarterbacks probably come to mind right away, don't they? Names like Terry Bradshaw, Ben Roethlisberger, and even Bobby Layne from earlier days, they are pretty much synonymous with the team's success. These players, mostly white, have defined eras of Steelers football. But the team's quarterback room has also seen a range of talent and diversity over the years, which is something worth exploring.

The NFL, like many professional sports, has seen a gradual increase in diversity across all positions. The quarterback spot, however, was for a long time one of the last positions to truly open up for Black players. This wasn't just a Steelers thing; it was a league-wide pattern. For many years, there were assumptions, and honestly, biases, that limited opportunities for Black athletes at this crucial position. So, the question of whether a team has had a Black quarterback is often tied to this larger historical context of the sport, which is kind of interesting.

A Look at the Steelers' First Black Quarterbacks

Yes, the Steelers have indeed had Black quarterbacks play for them. The journey for Black quarterbacks in the NFL was not an easy one, with many facing barriers and stereotypes. For the Steelers, one of the earliest and most prominent Black quarterbacks to make a significant impact was Kordell Stewart. His time with the team was, in a way, truly groundbreaking and exciting for fans.

Before Stewart, there were other Black players who had brief stints or were on the roster at the quarterback position for the Steelers, though perhaps not as starters for extended periods. These individuals, while perhaps not household names in the same way as some others, still represent an important part of the team's history and the progression of the sport. Their presence, even in a limited capacity, paved the way for those who came after, which is really something to consider.

Kordell Stewart: A True Pioneer

Kordell Stewart, often known by his nickname "Slash," was a truly unique and dynamic player who spent eight seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, from 1995 to 2002. He was drafted by the team in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft out of Colorado. Stewart's impact was immediate, though not always as a traditional quarterback right away. He was a genuine trailblazer, a player who could do it all, which was quite something to see.

Initially, the Steelers used Stewart in a variety of roles, taking advantage of his incredible athleticism. He played wide receiver, running back, and, of course, quarterback. This versatility earned him the "Slash" moniker, because he was a quarterback/receiver/runner, you know, doing a bit of everything. This was a pretty innovative approach for the time, and it showed the team's willingness to think outside the box to use his skills, which was very smart.

Stewart became the Steelers' full-time starting quarterback in 1997. That year, he led the team to the AFC Championship Game, a pretty big accomplishment. He showcased his dual-threat ability, throwing for over 3,000 yards and rushing for over 400 yards. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make throws downfield made him a very difficult player to defend, and fans really loved watching him play.

His career with the Steelers included some really memorable moments, including a Pro Bowl selection in 2001. That year, he led the Steelers to a 13-3 record and another AFC Championship appearance. Stewart's time in Pittsburgh was a significant period, not just for the team, but for the representation of Black quarterbacks in the NFL. He showed that Black players could indeed lead a team from the quarterback position at the highest level, and that's a pretty important legacy.

Here's a quick look at Kordell Stewart's time with the Steelers:

NamePositionYears with SteelersKey Highlights
Kordell StewartQuarterback1995-2002Pro Bowl (2001), AFC Championship appearances (1997, 2001), "Slash" nickname for versatility.

Michael Vick: A Veteran Presence

Another prominent Black quarterback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers was Michael Vick. While his tenure with the team was much shorter than Stewart's, it was still a notable period. Vick joined the Steelers in 2015, signing as a veteran backup to Ben Roethlisberger. His arrival brought a lot of attention, given his well-known career and unique playing style, which was quite electric.

Vick stepped in as the starting quarterback for a few games during the 2015 season when Roethlisberger was injured. He started three games, winning two of them. During his time, he showed flashes of the incredible athleticism that made him a superstar earlier in his career. His ability to escape pressure and make plays with his arm and legs was still there, even as a seasoned player. It was a brief, but certainly memorable, period for him in the black and gold.

Vick's presence on the roster, even as a backup, further highlighted the Steelers' history of having Black quarterbacks. His experience and leadership, in a way, were valuable to the team, even if his on-field contributions were limited. It's just another piece of the puzzle when you consider the team's quarterback story.

Other Notable Black Quarterbacks with Steelers Ties

Beyond Stewart and Vick, other Black quarterbacks have been part of the Steelers' organization, some for short periods, others in backup roles. These players, though perhaps not leading the team for extended stretches, contributed to the overall fabric of the team. For instance, Charlie Batch, a long-time backup for the Steelers from 2002 to 2012, was a very reliable presence. While not always a starter, his contributions were significant, especially stepping in when needed, which he did quite often.

Batch, a Black quarterback, was a true professional and a fan favorite for his dedication and clutch performances. He was an important part of the Steelers' Super Bowl-winning teams in 2005 and 2008, providing stability and experience behind the starter. His tenure showed the value of a strong backup, someone who could step in and keep the team going, and he really was that kind of player.

Another name that comes to mind, though his time was brief, is Dwayne Haskins. He joined the Steelers in 2021, looking for a fresh start. While he unfortunately passed away before getting a chance to truly compete for a starting role, his presence on the roster was another instance of a Black quarterback being part of the Steelers' plans. It just goes to show, the team has a history of bringing in talent from all backgrounds.

The Broader Picture: Black Quarterbacks in the NFL

The story of Black quarterbacks with the Steelers is part of a much larger narrative across the entire National Football League. For many years, Black athletes faced significant obstacles in playing the quarterback position. Stereotypes and biases often pushed them to other positions, like wide receiver or defensive back, even if they had strong quarterback skills. It was a pretty tough situation for a long time.

Pioneers like Marlin Briscoe in the late 1960s, James Harris in the 1970s, and Doug Williams, who famously won a Super Bowl in the 1980s, broke down many of these barriers. Their successes, and the struggles they faced, paved the way for future generations. Today, the NFL sees many Black quarterbacks leading teams, and they are among the league's most exciting and talented players. This shift reflects a positive change in attitudes and opportunities, which is very encouraging to see.

The increasing number of Black quarterbacks in starting roles across the league shows a greater appreciation for talent, regardless of background. Teams are now, more than ever, looking for the best players to lead their offenses, and that's a good thing for the sport. This evolution is a testament to the perseverance of these athletes and the changing landscape of professional sports, and it's something to celebrate.

Just as you might look for official chat support help center tips on using services, the history of Black quarterbacks is a story of overcoming challenges and finding solutions to access opportunities. It’s about individuals pushing boundaries and teams recognizing the value of diverse talent. This progression is something that really matters, not just for the players, but for the fans and the sport as a whole.

FAQs About Steelers Black Quarterbacks

Who was the first Black quarterback to start a game for the Steelers?

Kordell Stewart is widely recognized as the first Black quarterback to become a full-time starter and have a truly significant impact for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He began starting regularly for the team in the 1997 season. While others may have had brief appearances or were on the roster, Stewart was the one who truly held the reins for an extended period, which was a big deal.

How many Black quarterbacks have played for the Steelers?

Over their history, the Steelers have had several Black quarterbacks on their roster or play in games. Kordell Stewart and Michael Vick are two of the more prominent names who played significant snaps. Other players, like Charlie Batch, also contributed in important backup roles for many years. The number grows when you consider all players who were ever on the roster at the position, so it's a bit more than just a couple of names.

What was Kordell Stewart's nickname with the Steelers?

Kordell Stewart was famously known by the nickname "Slash." This came about because of his incredible versatility early in his career. He was used as a quarterback, a wide receiver, and a running back, sometimes all in the same game. He truly was a triple threat, and that's why the name "Slash" just fit him perfectly.

Reflecting on the Steelers' Quarterback History

Looking back at the Steelers' quarterback history, it's clear the team has had a range of talented players under center, including several Black quarterbacks who made their mark. From Kordell Stewart's pioneering "Slash" days to Michael Vick's veteran presence and Charlie Batch's reliable backup work, these players are an important part of the team's story. Their contributions helped shape the Steelers' identity and, in a way, the broader narrative of the NFL.

The journey of Black quarterbacks in professional football is a testament to perseverance and skill, and the Steelers' roster has certainly reflected that progression over time. It's a topic that brings together sports history, social progress, and the sheer love of the game, which is pretty cool. To learn more about the Pittsburgh Steelers' full history and their incredible journey, you can visit their official team history page. You can also learn more about NFL history on our site, and perhaps you might want to link to this page about player diversity too.

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