RSS FeedHalf the Starting Quarterbacks in the NFL are Minorities
By Chris Malumphy
For the first time ever, half the starting quarterbacks in the NFL are now black or other minorities. The league has come a long way since Marlin Briscoe became the first black quarterback of the modern era when he started for the Broncos as a rookie in the 1968 season. The NFL was not really quite ready for a non-white quarterback, however, and Briscoe was traded to the Bills before the 1969 season AND switched to wide receiver. If the Falcons find Kirk Cousins wanting, Michael Penix could become a starter and add to minority representation in a league where the players are overwhelmingly non-white. The only positions where white players still hold the majority of the starting positions are punters, place kickers and long snappers. Certainly there are no quotas in the league, nor should there be, but it is now evident that players are no longer held back at the most key position on the field like they were in the past.
Note: Since the first week of the season multiple teams have switched starting quarterbacks due to injury or poor play including: Andy Dalton replacing Bryce Young for the Panthers, Malik Willis stepping in for the injured Jordan Love for the Packers and Skyler Thompson filling in for Tua Tagovailoa for the Dolphins. I don't expect to update this list in the near future.
| 2024 Week 1 Starting Quarterbacks by Demographics | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minority | Majority | ||||||
|
Anthony Richardson, Colts Bryce Young, Panthers C.J. Stroud, Texans Caleb Williams, Bears Dak Prescott, Cowboys Deshaun Watson, Browns Geno Smith, Seahawks Jacoby Brissett, Patriots Jalen Hurts, Eagles Jayden Daniels, Commanders Jordan Love, Packers Justin Fields, Steelers Kyler Murray, Cardinals Lamar Jackson, Ravens Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins |
Aaron Rodgers, Jets Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers Bo Nix, Broncos Brock Purdy, 49ers Daniel Jones, Giants Derek Carr, Saints Gardner Minshew, Raiders Jared Goff, Lions Joe Burrow, Bengals Josh Allen, Bills Justin Herbert, Chargers Kirk Cousins, Falcons Matthew Stafford, Rams Sam Darnold, Vikings Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars Will Levis, Titans | ||||||
