It's been a question on my mind for a few years now: Where do the Bears rank among NFL franchises in terms of Black starting quarterbacks?
I've spent about a year crunching the numbers. Here are my findings.
A thread. https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
I've spent about a year crunching the numbers. Here are my findings.
A thread. https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
Starting in 2017, when the Bears chose Mitch Trubisky, Mike Glennon and Mark Sanchez over either Pat Mahomes or Deshaun Watson plus Colin Kaepernick, I started looking at our franchise's history with Black QBs. https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1195737393254608896
The question of why the Bears seem to consistently make the wrong choice at quarterback has been alive since at least the 1940s, when Papa Bear brought in two brilliant QBs as heirs to Sid Luckman's throne, and managed to lose both of them within 4 years. https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1196284059657392130
But whether our history with Black quarterbacks was a problem unto itself is a matter of debate among Bears fans. We've had four starters in our 101 seasons: Vince Evans, Henry Burris, Kordell Stewart, Jason Campbell.
I wanted to see what the total numbers said, leaguewide.
I wanted to see what the total numbers said, leaguewide.
My methodology is explained in the story, but I'll note here that this piece would have been impossible without:
@greghoward88's two-part feature at Deadspin, "The Big Book of Black Quarterbacks"
The ongoing, exemplary work from @TheUndefeated
@pfref
@_newspapers




The article includes short, detailed histories about each franchise's Black quarterbacks, as well as the executives and coaches who brought the players to the team.
And I look into the story of Willie Thrower, and his one game with the Bears in 1953.
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
And I look into the story of Willie Thrower, and his one game with the Bears in 1953.
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
Here are the numbers, with teams ranked in order of most games started by Black QBs, regular season and playoffs combined.
The list begins in 1953, for reasons explained therein. https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
The list begins in 1953, for reasons explained therein. https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
1. Philadelphia Eagles β 340 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
2. Tennessee Titans / Houston Oilers β 336 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers β 237 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
4. Minnesota Vikings β 213 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
5. Seattle Seahawks β 193 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
6. Carolina Panthers β 146 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
7. Washington Football Team β 142 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
8. Jacksonville Jaguars β 127 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
9. Dallas Cowboys β 112 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
10. Detroit Lions β 109 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
I'm going to pause here to encourage everyone to read @greghoward88's 2014 two-part feature: https://twitter.com/readjack/status/935733944607232000
11. Pittsburgh Steelers β 107 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
12. New Orleans Saints β 101 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
13. Baltimore Ravens β 95 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
14. Cincinnati Bengals β 83 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
15. Las Vegas Raiders β 75 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
16. Atlanta Falcons β 73 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
17. Los Angeles Rams β 73 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
18. San Francisco 49ers β 70 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
19. Buffalo Bills β 69 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
20. New York Jets β 46 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
I'm going to pause here to encourage you to read everything on Black QBs by @TheUndefeated. That staff is leading this research. It's incredible work. https://theundefeated.com/features/the-rise-of-black-quarterbacks/
Also, a big thank you to @loumoore12 for his work, talks, and making me aware of the Geno Smith - Giants history. https://twitter.com/loumoore12/status/935624406830862337
21. Cleveland Browns β 44 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
22. Houston Texans β 43 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
23. Chicago Bears β 41 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
24. Kansas City Chiefs β 37 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
25. Indianapolis Colts β 34 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
26. Arizona Cardinals β 31 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BearsQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BearsQuarterbacks
27. Miami Dolphins β 18 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
28. Los Angeles Chargers β 11 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
29. Green Bay Packers β 10 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
30. Denver Broncos β 6 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
31. New England Patriots β 2 games
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
32. New York Giants β 1 game
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
#BlackQuarterbacks
My year of research on Black starting quarterbacks in the NFL is complete.
I learned a lot. I hope you do too.
#BlackQuarterbacks #NFL
https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
I learned a lot. I hope you do too.
#BlackQuarterbacks #NFL

https://readjack.wordpress.com/2020/09/17/the-complete-history-of-black-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-ranked-by-franchise/
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article misidentified Jordan Love as white. I regret this error. Thank you @jtwashin.
I have updated the article; this marks the first time that the Packers have drafted a Black QB in the 1st round. https://twitter.com/jtwashin/status/1307404959714029570?s=20
I have updated the article; this marks the first time that the Packers have drafted a Black QB in the 1st round. https://twitter.com/jtwashin/status/1307404959714029570?s=20
Almost made history if not for Taylorβs pregame injury. https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1307683397293268992
βThat he is Black canβt be ruled out as at least a subliminal factor in the disregard Newton finds himself in.β
My guy @ricktelander on the Bears decision not to sign Cam Newton, including a question as to whether race played a factor. https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2020/9/21/21450274/cam-newton-mitch-trubisky-nick-foles-chicago-bears-nfl-new-england-patriots
My guy @ricktelander on the Bears decision not to sign Cam Newton, including a question as to whether race played a factor. https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2020/9/21/21450274/cam-newton-mitch-trubisky-nick-foles-chicago-bears-nfl-new-england-patriots
Great piece here on Russell Wilson by J.R. Gamble at @ShadowLeague. https://twitter.com/ShadowLeague/status/1310684636817903616
Great feature by @BCjourno On the legendary Fritz Pollard: Hall of Famer, NFL champ, the leagueβs first Black QB, first Black coach, and one of Chicagoβs finest 
h/t @cdwillis83 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/54342296

h/t @cdwillis83 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/54342296
Regarding today's announced demotion of Dwayne Haskins from Washington's starting QB to its #3 on the depth chart, some history/numbers:
#BlackQuarterbacks https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1306804285905215502
#BlackQuarterbacks https://twitter.com/readjack/status/1306804285905215502