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Randall Cunningham George Gojkovich/Getty Images

A brief history of great Black Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks

By David J. Hunt | Last updated 2/8/23

For the first time in Super Bowl history, two Black quarterbacks will start against each other Sunday. The matchup between Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes and Philadelphia's Jalen Hurts is one of the game's best storylines.

"You think about all the rich history in this game, and to be a part of such a historic event, a historic moment, it's special," Hurts said, per Fox Sports.

In 1988, Washington's Doug Williams became the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl, throwing for 340 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-10 victory over the Broncos. Williams earned game MVP.

Per OddsChecker, Hurts and Mahomes are MVP favorites for Super Bowl LVII.

The Eagles have a storied legacy of great Black QBs, from Randall Cunningham to Hurts. Here's a look at their four best:

Randall Cunningham (1985-95 with Eagles)

Cunningham was drafted in the second round in 1985, eventually taking over for longtime Eagle Ron Jaworski. Nicknamed "The Ultimate Weapon" because of his do-it-all ability, he led the Eagles to five playoff appearances and a 63-43-1 regular-season record.

"Whatever he is or will become, Randall Cunningham is one of those athletes whose presence immediately has an impact on the game," Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Bill Lyon wrote in 1986. "Things tend to happen when he takes the snap. Sometimes they are good and sometimes they are bad, but almost always, either way, they are exciting."

The four-time Pro Bowler was ahead of his time, a rare athlete who could throw a 95-yard touchdown pass and boot a 91-yard punt -- the third longest in league history.

"My dad loved watching Cunningham, so when I decided to play football, all we did was watch his highlights," former NFL QB Robert Griffin III said, per NFL.com.

Donovan McNabb (1999-2009 with Eagles)

When the Eagles drafted McNabb with the second overall pick in 1999, Philadelphia fans at the draft in New York mercilessly booed the former Syracuse QB. Texas running back Ricky Williams was a fan favorite for the pick.

But McNabb became the Eagles' savior. A six-time Pro Bowler, he led Philadelphia to five NFC Championship games in 10 years (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008) and took the Eagles to the Super Bowl in 2004, where they lost to the Patriots, 24-21.

McNabb holds team records for career passing yards (32,873) and touchdown passes (216). He has never forgotten about the verbal abuse at the draft.

“I think for those who took the time to come up there to boo, I'm sure they’ll regret that moment,” McNabb told NJ.com in 2019.

Michael Vick (2009-13 with Eagles)

After serving a two-year prison sentence for dog fighting, Vick became McNabb's backup in 2009.

When the Eagles traded McNabb to Washington, he was handed the keys to the offense. In 2010, Vick had a breakout year, winning Comeback Player of the Year and leading the Eagles to the NFC East title.

In an electric performance at Washington on "Monday Night Football," Vick accounted for six touchdowns (four passing, two rushing) in Philadelphia's 59-28 win.

"I've had some great games in my day," he said afterward, per the Associated Press. "But I don't think I've had one quite like this one."

The quarterback for Washington in the game? McNabb, who earlier that day had signed a five-year, $78 million contract extension with $40 million guaranteed.

Jalen Hurts (2020-present)

After an impressive college career at Alabama and Oklahoma, Hurts fell to the second round in the 2020 NFL Draft. The pick surprised some because the Eagles already had Carson Wentz at quarterback.

"Strange pick." CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso wrote in his draft review.

In 2020, Hurts initially served as Wentz's backup and a spark when the offense struggled. Late in the season, the Eagles benched Wentz and started Hurts, who has never looked back.

In 2022, Hurts led the Eagles to a franchise-best 14-3 regular-season record, morphed into an MVP candidate and has Philadelphia playing in its fourth Super Bowl.

"He'll do nothing but get better with time," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said, per Yahoo! Sports. "That's just how it works at that position. It looks like he's in complete control of that offense. A real tribute to that kid."

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