Who Was The First Black Quarterback In The NFL? Unpacking A Complex History

The story of Black quarterbacks in professional football is, in a way, a truly layered one, filled with different moments that mark significant breakthroughs. Many folks, you know, might think of modern stars when they consider this question, but the roots go back a good long while. It's a history that shows how much the game, and society itself, has changed over time.

Tracing the very first Black quarterback in the NFL means looking back at a time when the sport was still, you know, finding its feet and racial divisions were very much a part of American life. This journey through time reveals not just one single person, but rather a series of pioneers who each, in their own time, helped to shape the landscape of professional football.

So, we're going to explore these key figures, the ones who stepped onto the field and made history, sometimes in very quiet ways, sometimes with a bit more fanfare. It's a tale of perseverance and, you know, breaking barriers, showing how far we've come and, in some respects, how much more there still is to learn about the sport's past.

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Table of Contents

• Early Pioneer: Fritz Pollard, A True Trailblazer
  • Fritz Pollard: Personal Details and Bio Data
• The Modern Era Begins: Willie Thrower's Impact
• Starting a Game: Marlin Briscoe's Historic Start
• Season Opener Firsts: James Harris Paves the Way
• A Team-Specific Milestone: The New York Giants' Journey
• The Complicated Narrative of "Firsts"
• Frequently Asked Questions

Early Pioneer: Fritz Pollard, A True Trailblazer

When people ask "Who was the first black quarterback in the NFL?", the answer that truly goes back the furthest, you know, points to a remarkable person named Fritz Pollard. Back in 1923, he became that very first Black quarterback in the NFL. This was a time when the National Football League, in a way, was still quite young and evolving, and, you know, racial segregation was really, really deeply rooted in American culture. It's hard to imagine, but this was the reality of the day.

Pollard started playing the quarterback position for the Hammond Pros, which, you know, is a detail that often gets overlooked. His presence on the field, especially at such a pivotal position, was, in some respects, groundbreaking for that era. It truly set a precedent, showing what was possible, even when so many societal barriers were in place. He was not just a player; he was, apparently, a pioneer in every sense of the word, pushing against the norms of the time.

His story is a reminder that the history of Black athletes in professional football is, you know, much older and, arguably, more complex than many people might initially think. Fritz Pollard's role as the first Black quarterback really highlights the very early struggles and triumphs within the sport. It's a foundational piece of the story, showing that Black players were there, contributing, and excelling from the very beginning of the league's formation, which is pretty amazing when you consider it.

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Fritz Pollard: Personal Details and Bio Data

The Modern Era Begins: Willie Thrower's Impact

While Fritz Pollard holds the distinction of being the first, the history of Black quarterbacks also includes, you know, a very important figure named Willie Thrower. He is often recognized as the first Black NFL quarterback of the "modern mold." This distinction is, in a way, quite significant because it speaks to the evolving style of play and the structure of the league in a later period. Long before a star like Patrick Mahomes was, you know, dazzling crowds, there was Willie Thrower.

Willie Thrower played college football for Michigan State, which, you know, was a prominent program. His professional NFL career at quarterback was, arguably, a brief one, consisting of just one game. He played for the Chicago Bears, coming in for relief duty during that single professional appearance. This moment, though fleeting, really marked a new chapter for Black quarterbacks in the league, showing their presence in a more contemporary setting, which is, you know, pretty cool to think about.

The idea of a "modern mold" implies a shift from the very early days of professional football to a more organized and recognizable NFL structure. Thrower's participation, even in relief, was, in some respects, a very clear sign of progress. It showed that Black athletes were not just participating, but, you know, starting to take on roles that were once, perhaps, seen as exclusively for others. His single game appearance, you know, still resonates as a significant "first" in the ongoing story of diversity in the NFL.

Starting a Game: Marlin Briscoe's Historic Start

The narrative of "firsts" for Black quarterbacks gets, you know, a bit more specific when we consider who was the first African American quarterback to actually start in an NFL game. That particular milestone belongs to Marlin Briscoe, which is, in a way, a truly memorable achievement. This happened in 1968, a year that was, apparently, quite tumultuous for American society as a whole. His starting role was a big deal for many reasons, you know, beyond just football.

Briscoe was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 14th round of the 1968 NFL draft. Being a 14th-round pick, you know, suggests that expectations might not have been incredibly high for him, especially at the quarterback position. Yet, he managed to break through and earn a starting spot, which, you know, is a testament to his skill and determination. This was not just a relief appearance; he was, in fact, the one chosen to begin a game, which is a different kind of "first."

His achievement as the first African American quarterback to start an NFL game really opened doors and, in some respects, showed what was possible for others who would follow. It was a visible step forward, proving that Black athletes could handle the pressures and responsibilities of a starting quarterback role at the highest level of professional football. Marlin Briscoe's name is, you know, firmly etched in the history books for this truly important moment, and it's something worth remembering.

Season Opener Firsts: James Harris Paves the Way

Following Marlin Briscoe's groundbreaking start, another significant "first" occurred just a year later, in 1969. This time, the milestone was about starting a season opener, which, you know, carries its own unique weight. James Harris became the first Black quarterback to start the very first game of the season for his team. This happened with the Buffalo team, marking another important step in the evolving story of Black quarterbacks in the NFL, which is, you know, quite a journey.

Harris's start in that 1969 season opener for Buffalo was, in a way, a very visible statement. It meant he was the chosen leader from the very beginning of the competitive year, a role that, you know, typically signifies a team's trust and commitment to a player at the quarterback position. It was, apparently, a moment that resonated deeply, showing that a Black quarterback could be the face of a franchise right from the start of a new campaign, which is pretty significant.

Interestingly, that specific start was his only one of the season, which, you know, adds a layer of complexity to his story. Despite it being a singular event for that year, the fact remains that he broke a barrier by being the one to kick off a season. James Harris's name is, in some respects, forever linked to this particular "first," highlighting the continuous progression and, you know, the incremental steps that were taken to ensure Black quarterbacks gained full opportunities in the league. It's a detail that, you know, really rounds out the historical picture.

A Team-Specific Milestone: The New York Giants' Journey

The history of Black quarterbacks in professional football is, as we've seen, quite complicated, with different "firsts" happening at various times and under different circumstances. One detail that really highlights this complexity is the experience of specific teams. For instance, the New York Giants, a team with a long and storied history, did not have a Black quarterback throw a pass until much later, which, you know, might surprise some people when they hear it.

It wasn't until 2007 that a Black quarterback actually threw a pass for the New York Giants. That person was Anthony Wright. This fact, in a way, shows how long some barriers persisted, even as other "firsts" had already occurred decades earlier in the league. It truly underscores the varying paces of integration and opportunity across different franchises, which is, you know, a rather interesting aspect of the sport's past.

The year 2007 for the Giants and Anthony Wright's pass is, in some respects, a reminder that progress isn't always uniform. While pioneers like Fritz Pollard, Willie Thrower, Marlin Briscoe, and James Harris had made their marks much earlier, certain teams, for whatever reasons, took a longer time to reach specific milestones. This particular "first" for the Giants really adds another dimension to the broader story of Black quarterbacks, showing that the journey was, and in some ways still is, a very ongoing one, you know, full of unique moments for different teams.

The Complicated Narrative of "Firsts"

The history of Black quarterbacks in professional football is, as we've explored, genuinely complicated. It's not just about one single person or one single date, but rather a series of moments, each significant in its own way. From Fritz Pollard's pioneering role in 1923, playing for the Hammond Pros, to Willie Thrower's appearance as the first Black quarterback of the "modern mold" for the Bears, these are distinct yet interconnected achievements. It's a story with many layers, you know, showing how things unfolded over a long period.

Then, you know, we have Marlin Briscoe, who, in 1968, became the first African American quarterback to actually start in an NFL game for the Denver Broncos, having been drafted in the 14th round. Just a year later, James Harris took another step, starting the first game of the season for Buffalo in 1969, becoming the first Black quarterback to do so, even though it was his only start of that season. These different "firsts" really highlight the nuances of breaking barriers in the sport, which is, you know, pretty fascinating.

The fact that a team like the New York Giants did not have a Black quarterback throw a pass until 2007, with Anthony Wright, further illustrates just how varied and drawn out this historical process has been. The journey of Black quarterbacks, you know, has been marked by different kinds of breakthroughs, each one a testament to the perseverance and skill of these athletes. It's a rich tapestry of moments that, in some respects, continues to shape how we view the sport's past and its ongoing commitment to inclusion. Learn more about on our site, and link to this page . You can also explore more historical details at the Pro Football Hall of Fame website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the very first Black quarterback in NFL history?

The very first Black quarterback in NFL history was Fritz Pollard. He started playing the position for the Hammond Pros back in 1923, which was, you know, during the early days of the National Football League's evolution. This happened when racial segregation was still, apparently, deeply rooted in American culture.

Who was the first Black quarterback of the "modern NFL"?

Willie Thrower is recognized as the first Black NFL quarterback of the "modern mold." He played for Michigan State in college and then, you know, played one professional game at quarterback for the Chicago Bears in relief duty. This was long before, you know, players like Patrick Mahomes came onto the scene.

Who was the first African American quarterback to start an NFL game?

Marlin Briscoe became the first African American quarterback to start in an NFL game. This historic event took place in 1968, and he was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 14th round of the 1968 NFL draft. It was, in a way, a significant step for Black quarterbacks.