Patrick Mahomes doesn't mince words, when asked about the importance of having two Black quarterbacks start a Super Bowl for the first time in the history of the game.
That's precisely what will happen on February 13 (NZ time), when Mahomes and Kansas City Chiefs tangle with Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona.
"To be on the world stage and have two Black quarterbacks starting in the Super Bowl, I think it's special," Mahomes said. "I've learned more and more about the history of the Black quarterback since I've been in this league, and the guys that came before me and Jalen set the stage for this.
"I'm just glad that we can set the stage for kids that are coming up now."
Mahomes, 27, envisions Super Bowl LVII as an opportunity to continue moving the needle forward.
"I think you've seen, over time, whenever a guy like Doug Williams or Michael Vick or Donovan McNabb go out and play great football, it gives other guys like me and Jalen chances to have this platform, and to have this spot on an NFL team," he said.
"If we can continue to show that we can consistently be great, I think it'll just continue to open doors for other kids growing up to follow their dreams and to be a quarterback of an NFL team. It's good that we have guys like Jalen on the other side, because he's a great person and obviously a great quarterback."
Doug Williams, Russell Wilson and Mahomes are the only Black quarterbacks to win a Super Bowl.
Williams guided Washington to a 42-10 victory over Denver in Super Bowl XXII and Wilson led Seattle Seahawks to a 43-8 win over the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII.
Mahomes fueled the Chiefs to a 31-20 triumph over San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.
"I think it's history," Hurts says. "I think it's something worthy of being noted.
"It's come a long way. I think there's only been seven African American quarterbacks to play in the Super Bowl.
"To be the first in something is pretty cool, so I know it will be a good one.
"I think anyone like Mike Vick, Cam [Newton], Randall Cunningham, McNabb, all those type of guys are guys that a lot of young kids looked up to, a lot of young Black kids as well... Steve McNair, all of those guys."
The status of Mahomes' ailing ankle could go a long way toward his bid to win a second ring. Mahomes says he didn't aggravate the injury in Kansas City's 23-20 victory over Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game.
Mahomes admits he experienced general soreness following the game. He added "other than that, I feel I'm in a good spot".
Reuters
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