Russell Wilson stirred up the controversy pot recently with his comments in an interview with Essence. The quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers was speaking on the subject of the evolution of Black quarterbacks in the NFL when he entered the league to the situation today.
I've been fortunate to be able to open up doors for others, because of what others did for me. Russell Wilson irked football fans with this comment
The statement was viewed by fans as Russell Wilson taking credit for the success that Black QBs are experiencing in the NFL in recent times. The quarterback issued a clarification on his statement and justified his comments.
Let's start building each other up!!! The Evolution of Black QBs in the NFL has been one of the coolest experiences in my life to be a part of. Full context is always important! Grateful for those before me. Those with me. And those after. God is Good! Russell Wilson via X
Wilson made it clear that he was not hogging the credit for the success achieved by the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and C.J. Stroud. He was merely referring to the fact that he derives satisfaction from the possibility that he has inspired or been able to assist in improving the situation for Black QBs across the NFL in some manner.
Russell Wilson gave Black QBs their flowers before him who paved the way for him
It can be seen that throughout the article, Russell Wilson starts off by paying his respects to prominent quarterbacks, such as Doug Williams, Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham, and Michael Vick. These men were the first Black quarterbacks who performed at the highest level when they got an opportunity to do so and established themselves as legends of the game.
Because of their contributions, teams began to give QBs of color more opportunities over time and fast forward to today, there has never been a better time for Black QBs.
At the start of the 2023 NFL season, 14 of the 32 teams had Black QBs as their starters. It was the most in NFL history.
Russell Wilson reminisced upon his rookie year when he entered the NFL. Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III, and Colin Kaepernick were the only notable Black QBs. Wilson did make history in his second year when he played a vital role in leading the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl win. He became the second Black QB in NFL history to hoist the Lombardi trophy.
What I love to see is guys getting drafted early, and that a lot of teams these days have Black quarterbacks playing for them. It's all across the league, and it's showing how the National Football League is starting to evolve, change and break down barriers... Russell Wilson said
The QB intended to point out to the shift that is being witnessed as more and more Black QBs get opportunities in the NFL. In this year’s draft, the first pick is expected to be Caleb Williams, who hails from an African-American background. Wilson loves to see this. He continues to vouch for QBs of color and his statement, in this instance, was misconstrued and taken out of context.
When read in the right context, it is clear that he is being humble and has rightfully given the flowers to Black QBs who came before him and paved the way.
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