For the first time in history, two Black quarterbacks will face off in a Super Bowl, and its significance isn't lost on the players or coaches.
Head coach Nick Sirianni, who aims to lead Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl championship, said he's thrilled that young players get to watch two Black quarterbacks battle for the title.
“I’m really excited for both quarterbacks, what they can represent to a ton of kids,” Sirianni said during Monday’s (February 6) Super Bowl media night. “Not only are they two African-American quarterbacks, but they’re the two best quarterbacks in the NFL this year. First-team All-Pro, second-team All-Pro.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also addressed the historic nature of Super Bowl LVll, which is set to kick off Sunday (February 12) at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
“I think about it a lot,” Mahomes said. “The quarterbacks that came before me — Shack Harris, Doug Williams — that laid the foundation for me to be in this position. It goes across all sports. If you think about Jackie Robinson and the people who broke the color barrier in baseball, I wouldn’t be standing here today if it wasn’t for them."
“To be lucky enough to be in this position — and play against another great guy like Jalen — it will be a special moment," he continued. "I’m glad we’re here today, but how can we keep moving forward? How can we motivate kids who are younger, who want to follow their dreams to be a quarterback?”
Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon made it clear that players are well aware of Sunday's significance.
“There’s history being made,” McKinnon said. “That’s a beautiful thing. Something I can look back and tell my kids that, ‘I was a part of that, I experienced that.’ So it’s a blessing. This whole experience is a blessing."
“To have that on top just adds to it," he added.
“It’s amazing — especially being Black History Month as well,” Eagles cornerback Darius Slay said. “I’m thankful for this moment, to be a part of this. This is crazy with two Black quarterbacks in the Super Bowl, one of the biggest games in the world.”
Super 2023 is set to be a "showdown" as the two Black QBs are widely regarded as some of the best players in the league.
“It’s going to be a showdown — all four quarters,” McKinnon said. “It’s going to come down to the last second. Jalen Hurts is phenomenal, I’ve been watching him since college. The things he does and brings to the table are phenomenal.”
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