Casual racism? Lamar Jackson winning a Super Bowl will be continued evolution of black quarterbacks, feels Ryan Clark
Ryan Clark believes Lamar Jackson winning the Super Bowl will pave the way for Black dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL.
Follow Us
Ryan Clark and Lamar Jackson (Images via IMAGO)
The NFL has evolved by leaps and bounds over the past decade. While the league values the talent and skills of an athlete, historically, their skin color has had some effect on their prospect of playing in the quarterback position, however, not anymore. Despite the league having a record-high 15 Black quarterbacks starting this season, their success rates in the past have been shocking.
With Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen being the favorites to win this year’s MVP honors, the Ravens’ quarterback is headed on a trajectory to lead his team to the Super Bowl. Former NFL player and ESPN analyst Ryan Clark believes it will be detrimental for Jackson to win a championship this year. He is one of the fans rooting for him to go the distance this time.
This is because Jackson’s win would pave the next step in the ongoing evolution of the Black quarterback. The analyst brought up the names of unorthodox Black quarterbacks who did not conform to the position’s conventional norms but introduced the concept of a dual-threat QB.
This is the evolution of the position without Randall Cunningham having to conform and be a pocket passer and show his athleticism, we don’t get to Michael Vick. Without Michael Vick accepting that and working to become a better passer, working to become a better leader, we don’t get a Cam Newton, and if Cam Newton doesn’t bring the style of play that he had the opportunity to bring from Auburn to the NFL and win an MVP doing it, we don’t have a Lamar Jackson…We needed each of you to get to this point and that’s why we need Lamar Jackson to take that next step and hold that Lombardi Trophy the same way we all cried when Doug Williams did it.
Ryan Clark said
Lamar Jackson passed Michael Vick for most all time rushing yards by a QB, but that’s not a single individual’s accomplishment. It’s a collective win for the evolution of the black QB .
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) December 27, 2024
Before Michael Vick there was a Randall Cunningham. Vick’s Atlanta run inspired Cam Newton,… pic.twitter.com/xm2iWIK9on
Only two Black quarterbacks have won a championship in the Super Bowl era
Ryan Clark named the greats such as Randall Cunningham, Michael Vick, Cam Newton, and Russell Wilson who all paved the path for one another. While Cunningham introduced the concept of a quarterback who can make a few runs while throwing the ball, Vick really took it to the next level. After him, Wilson and Newton ran on the path that those before them paved.
Now Lamar Jackson is cruising on that same path but all of these quarterbacks apart from Russell Wilson did not win a Super Bowl. That is a feat only three Black quarterbacks have accomplished in NFL history; Doug Williams, Russell Wilson, and Patrick Mahomes. For Jackson who just broke Michael Vick’s all-time rushing record, this is a chance to do something special.
Ryan Clark believes that Jackson needs to win the Super Bowl for a cause greater than him. In today’s game, his take is rather surprising as Black quarterbacks dominate the league. In addition to this, there is a QB of color who is already chasing the greatness of Tom Brady, that is Patrick Mahomes. With three Super Bowls, two NFL MVPs, three Super Bowl MVPs, and a shot at a three-peat this season, the Chiefs’ quarterback has achieved more than Jackson.
The better way to put Clark’s take will be to say that winning a Lombardi Trophy is important for Lamar Jackson’s legacy. While it will mark a significant milestone for the dual-threat quarterback in the NFL, it would not be fair to say that it constitutes the evolution of the Black quarterback in the league. The Black quarterback has evolved and is thriving. Moving forward, the situation will improve for them, and in another decade they will be in a category of their own.
Related: Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce take their relationship to the next level with huge move
Stay Updated!
Sumedh Joshi
(2196 Articles Published)