Black Super Bowl Firsts That Made NFL History
Black Super Bowl firsts have helped shape NFL history, from the first Black quarterback to win and earn MVP honors to the first matchup featuring two Black starting quarterbacks. These milestone moments highlight the growing influence and leadership of Black athletes, coaches, and executives on football’s biggest stage.
With Black History Month upon us and the Super Bowl played last week, here are some Black firsts that relate to the contest between the best in the NFL.
In 1988 Doug Williams led the Washington Redskins to a 42-10 Super Bowl XXII victory over the Denver Broncos, becoming the first Black quarterback to not only lead a team to such a win, but also to be the first to be named MVP.
In 2001 Ozzie Newsome became the first Black general manager to lead his team to a world championship after the Baltimore Ravens outscored the Denver Broncos 34-17 in Super Bowl XXXII.
In 2007 Tony Dungy’s Indianapolis Colts defeated Lovie Smith’s Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI 29-17, the first to be led by two Black head coaches.
In 2023 the first Black quarterbacks to play on opposing teams clashed in Super Bowl LVII. Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs defeated Jalen Hurts’ Philadelphia Eagles 38-35.
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