The Super Bowl is the grandest stage in football, and throughout its history, only a handful of Black quarterbacks have started in the big game. From Doug Williams breaking barriers in the 1980s to Russell Wilson redefining the position today, these quarterbacks have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Let’s take a look at every Black quarterback who has started in a Super Bowl and their journey to the NFL’s biggest stage.
Doug Williams (Washington) – SB XXII (1987 Season) vs. Broncos
Doug Williams became the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl, leading Washington to a dominant 42-10 victory over the Denver Broncos. Drafted 17th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1978, Williams’ career took detours through the USFL before he found himself in Washington. In Super Bowl XXII, he threw for 340 yards and four touchdowns, earning MVP honors. His legacy as a pioneer for Black quarterbacks remains unmatched.
Steve McNair (Tennessee Titans) – SB XXXIV (1999 Season) vs. Rams
Selected third overall in the 1995 NFL Draft, Steve McNair was the highest-drafted Black quarterback at the time. He was a true dual-threat, leading the Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV against Kurt Warner’s Rams. McNair’s final pass to Kevin Dyson nearly tied the game in a thrilling finish, but Dyson was stopped just inches short of the goal line. Despite the heartbreaking loss, McNair played 13 seasons, winning NFL MVP in 2003.
Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia Eagles) – SB XXXIX (2004 Season) vs. Patriots
Donovan McNabb became the highest-drafted Black quarterback when the Eagles took him second overall in 1999. Under Andy Reid, McNabb led Philadelphia to four consecutive NFC Championship Games, finally reaching Super Bowl XXXIX in 2004. He threw for 357 yards and three touchdowns but also had three interceptions in a 24-21 loss to Tom Brady’s Patriots. McNabb remains the most accomplished quarterback in Eagles history, finishing his career with 224 passing touchdowns.
Also Read: 10 Worst Postseason Quarterbacks In NFL History
Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks) – SB XLVIII & XLIX (2013, 2014 Seasons)
Russell Wilson, a third-round pick in 2012, proved doubters wrong with his leadership and playmaking ability. In his second season, he led Seattle to a 13-3 record and dominated Super Bowl XLVIII, beating the Broncos 43-8. He returned the following year, but a last-second interception at the goal line cost Seattle a repeat title against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX. Wilson went on to play 10 great seasons in Seattle before joining the Denver Broncos in 2022.
Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers) – SB 50 (2015 Season) vs. Broncos
The Panthers made Cam Newton the No. 1 overall pick in 2011, and he immediately made an impact. In 2015, he won NFL MVP after leading Carolina to a 15-1 record with 45 total touchdowns. However, in Super Bowl 50, he struggled against the Broncos’ ferocious defense, losing 24-10. Despite injuries limiting his later career, Newton remains one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in NFL history.
Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles) – SB LVII & LIX (2022, 2024 Seasons)
Jalen Hurts took over as the Eagles’ starter in 2021 and rapidly improved, leading Philadelphia to a 16-1 record in 2022. He dazzled in Super Bowl LVII, totaling 35 touchdowns that season and rushing for an NFL-best 13 scores by a quarterback. Despite his heroic effort, the Eagles fell 38-35 to Mahomes’ Chiefs. After a 2023 season filled with ups and downs, Hurts returned to the Super Bowl in 2024 for a rematch against Kansas City, hoping to secure his first championship ring.
