Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes said next week’s Super Bowl will be “special” with two black quarterbacks starting for the first time.
Chiefs quarterback Mahomes, 27, will face his Philadelphia Eagles counterpart Jalen Hurts, 24, at State Farm Stadium in Arizona on February 12.
Mahomes is a former winner, with the Chiefs having triumphed in 2020.
“To be on the world stage with two starting black quarterbacks, I think is special,” Mahomes said.
Mahones, who helped guide the Chiefs past the Cincinnati Bengals to reach the Super Bowl, paid tribute to former black quarterbacks, including Doug Williams, who was the first to start and win the NFL’s flagship event with the Washington Commanders in 1988.
“I’ve learned more and more about black quarterback history since I’ve been in this league. The guys before me and Jalen set the stage for that,” Mahones said.
“I think you’ve seen over time, every time a guy like Doug Williams, or Michael Vick, or Donovan McNabb comes out and plays great football, it gives other guys like me and Jalen chances to come out. to have that platform and to have that spot on an NFL team.”
Hurts, whose Eagles beat the San Francisco 49ers last week, will become the second black quarterback to play for the Eagles in a Super Bowl, joining McNabb who played in 2004.
He echoed Mahomes’ thoughts on the importance of the occasion.
“I think it’s history. I think it’s something worth noting and it’s history,” he said.
“It’s come a long way. I think only seven African-American quarterbacks have played in the Super Bowl, so to be first for something is pretty cool. I know it’s going to be a good one.”
