Field Generals: History of the Black Quarterback

2026

The stories of the trailblazing and pioneering quarterbacks who transformed American football—from the AFL-NFL merger through the turn of the century. By placing their journeys in full historical and social context, it reveals how politics, culture, and race shaped both their struggles and their triumphs.

Documentary

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1
Resistance
2026-02-05
Marlin Briscoe, Joe Gilliam and James Harris break the NFL's color barrier at QB despite resistance.
2
Alternative Route
2026-02-12
In the '70s, most Black QB hopefuls must switch positions in the NFL, while others head to Canada.
3
Race to the Top
2026-02-19
Doug Williams endures racism and personal tragedy to become the first Black QB to win a Super Bowl.
4
The Quarterbacks of the Future
2026-02-26
Black QBs of the '80s and '90s revolutionize how the position would be played going forward.