The realm of Black quarterbacks continues to etch its name in the annals of NFL history. Recent examples include the Super Bowl face-off between Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts, marking the first time two Black QBs started in the grandest game.
Furthermore, Hurts signed a groundbreaking contract in April, becoming the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time. Shortly thereafter, Lamar Jackson followed suit with a record-breaking deal of his own. Over the weekend, Tyrod Taylor, stepping in for the injured Daniel Jones, added his own chapter to this narrative by becoming the first Black quarterback to secure a victory for the New York Football Giants.
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What makes Taylor’s accomplishment even more compelling is the Giants’ historical relationship with Black quarterbacks. As one of the NFL’s oldest franchises, founded 98 years ago, they have only entrusted two Black quarterbacks with the starting role, the fewest in the league.
Notably, the Giants were also the last NFL team to debut a Black QB, which occurred in 2017 when Geno Smith started one game. Six years later, Taylor’s victory is a watershed moment for the franchise. The question now is whether Taylor will be given the opportunity to lead the Giants to the playoffs, a chance he undoubtedly deserves.
Taylor finds himself in a familiar situation. In 2017, he led the Buffalo Bills to the playoffs, ending their 17-year postseason drought. His impressive 4-2 record in Buffalo’s final six games was a defining moment in his career.
Tragically, in 2020, Taylor’s fortunes took a downturn. As the starting QB for the Los Angeles Chargers, he suffered a punctured lung during a painkilling injection, losing his starting role and never regaining it.
Now, in New York, he’s making the most of an opportunity that was unfairly taken from him. However, there’s concern that his tenure may be short-lived due to factors like white privilege.
White privilege has played a significant role in the career of Daniel Jones since his draft day. With an unremarkable college career at Duke, he surprised many by being drafted in the first round, even in the top 10.
The decision was largely influenced by the perception that he was the best “white” QB available and his connection to Giants’ legend Eli Manning’s QB coach. The hope was for Jones to emulate Eli’s success.
Unfortunately, Jones’ professional career has been less than stellar. In 58 games, he has a losing record of 22-35-1, with only one winning season in four years and 40 interceptions. What’s more, the Giants doubled down on him, awarding him a $140 million contract extension. This decision raises questions about white privilege.
The Giants have a golden opportunity to rectify this situation without waiting for the NFL Draft. After just two games, it’s evident that Taylor is the superior quarterback, gaining the support of his coaches and teammates.
He has achieved the same number of wins as Jones before his injury: one. Despite Jones being cleared from injury, it would be prudent for the Giants to keep him on the bench.
The New York Giants have finally shed the weight of their historical reluctance to embrace a Black quarterback, and it’s in their best interest to give Taylor the chance he’s earned and break from their past.
SOURCE: ebony.com