Have The Steelers Ever Had A Black Quarterback? Unpacking A Pivotal History
Have the Steelers ever had a black quarterback? This is a question that, frankly, opens up a fascinating chapter in football history, particularly for fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s a story not just about individual players, but about breaking barriers and shaping the very landscape of the National Football League. Today, as of December 11, 2023, we see many talented Black quarterbacks leading teams, but getting to this point involved significant moments and pioneering athletes.
The journey of Black quarterbacks in professional football, you know, it’s been quite complex. For a long time, some authors have even suggested that Black players faced exclusion from playing this key position. But things have changed, and the story of the Steelers, in a way, shows a part of that change.
Understanding the full picture means looking back at those who first stepped up, challenging old ideas and paving the way for generations to come. It’s about recognizing the grit and talent that helped smash preconceived notions, and that, is that, a really important part of the sport's history.
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Table of Contents
- Joe Gilliam: A Trailblazer in Steel City
- Gilliam's Historic 1974 Season
- The Challenging Path of Black Quarterbacks
- Other Black Quarterbacks for the Steelers
- A Growing Presence in the NFL
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Joe Gilliam: A Trailblazer in Steel City
When you ask, "Have the Steelers ever had a black quarterback?", the name Joe Gilliam, Jr. almost immediately comes to mind. He was, in a way, a groundbreaking figure for the team and the league. Gilliam was drafted by the Steelers in 1972, which, you know, was a significant moment for the organization.
He was a local product from Pittsburgh, and a writer for the Pittsburgh Courier, Nunn, had even predicted the team's interest in another Black player, Robinson, who was the second Black Steeler ever drafted, taken in the 25th round. But it was Gilliam who truly made a mark at the quarterback spot.
Gilliam’s journey with the Steelers was, in some respects, quite a ride. He would play four seasons with the team, with a good deal of his work happening in that pivotal 1974 season. His impact, really, was undeniable.
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Gilliam's Historic 1974 Season
The 1974 season stands out in the Steelers' history because of Joe Gilliam. He earned the team’s starting position that year, beating out none other than future Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw. This was, you know, a huge accomplishment. He became the Steelers' starting quarterback in 1974, making history as the first African American quarterback to achieve that for the team.
Gilliam started the first six games of that 1974 season. His opening game against the Baltimore Colts was historic. It marked Joe Gilliam as the first Black starting quarterback on the NFL's opening day. With that powerful performance, Gilliam held onto his starting job when the players’ strike ended and the Steelers moved into the regular season. He had, you know, all the qualities to be a star.
While Gilliam’s career, mostly as a backup to Terry Bradshaw, had its tragic aspects, his time as a starter in 1974 was a truly important moment for the Steelers and for the wider league. He showed what was possible, and that, is that, a legacy worth remembering.
The Challenging Path of Black Quarterbacks
The history of Black quarterbacks in professional football, frankly, is complicated. There was a time when Black players faced barriers, seemingly blocked from playing the quarterback position. Even today, while Black players can play the position, they sometimes still face those racist stereotypes. It's a journey that has required immense perseverance.
It’s important to remember that Marlin Briscoe was the first Black quarterback to start a game in a major pro football league. He started his rookie season with the AFL’s Broncos in 1968 as a defensive back but moved to quarterback. Then, in 1973, he joined the Rams, and the very next season, he became the first Black quarterback to make the Pro Bowl. So, you know, these steps were gradual but meaningful.
Since 1968, there has been at least one Black quarterback in the NFL in every season. However, the roles and how Black quarterbacks have been treated have, in some respects, varied greatly over the last five decades. It’s a testament to their talent and grit that they kept pushing forward.
Other Black Quarterbacks for the Steelers
Beyond Joe Gilliam, the Steelers have had other Black quarterbacks who started games. Since the 1970s merger, the team has seen six Black quarterbacks who started at least one game. Gilliam, of course, led the way in 1974.
The others who followed him were Kordell Stewart, Michael Vick, Charlie Batch, Byron Leftwich, and Dennis Dixon. Each of these players, you know, contributed to the team's history and helped to further break down old barriers. They all started at least one game for the Pittsburgh Steelers, which, is that, a really important part of the team's story.
Dennis Dixon, Byron Leftwich, and Charlie Batch are names that many fans will recall from more recent times. They each had their moments leading the offense, proving their capabilities on the field. This shows a growing trend over the years.
A Growing Presence in the NFL
The landscape of the NFL quarterback position is, frankly, changing quite a bit. More than ever before, the list of starting quarterbacks in the NFL is being led by young, talented players from diverse backgrounds. This is a very positive shift, wouldn't you say?
Just recently, we saw how far things have come. Had the Ravens defeated the Bills, Lamar Jackson would have given us a quartet of Black quarterbacks for the NFL’s final two weekends of playoff action. As it stands, the trio of Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, and C.J. Stroud (or Daniels, as mentioned in the text for a different context) marked the first time in NFL history that three of four quarterbacks in the conference championship games were Black. This is, you know, a truly historic moment.
The NFL has had many standout players, but the best of the best, especially among top Black quarterbacks, have left a lasting impact on the game. They’ve, in a way, paved the way for future generations. These athletes, through their sheer grit and talent, have smashed preconceived notions and continue to inspire.
The list of NFL teams needing a quarterback is starting to become clearer as the season draws to a close. Teams like the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and Cleveland Browns, among many others, are very much desperate for upgrades at what is, arguably, the most important position in sports. This demand, coupled with the talent coming up, means we will likely see even more diversity at the position.
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted two quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft, something they had not done since 1968. With the selection of Kenny Pickett in the first round and Chris Oladokun, it shows the ongoing need and interest in finding strong leaders for the offense. You can learn more about quarterback development on our site, and link to this page for more NFL history.
It's interesting to consider how far the league has come since the days when Black players were, in some respects, blocked from playing the quarterback position. The progress is clear, though challenges may still remain. Over 4,000 sports fans have, in fact, voted on the 60+ athletes on the best Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks of all time, showing how much these players mean to the community. You can check out more historical NFL player data on Pro-Football-Reference.com, for example.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Was Joe Gilliam the first Black quarterback in the NFL?
No, Joe Gilliam was not the very first Black quarterback in the NFL. Marlin Briscoe was the first Black quarterback to start a game in a major pro football league, doing so with the AFL’s Denver Broncos in 1968. Gilliam was, however, the first Black starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the first Black starting quarterback on NFL's opening day in 1974.
How many Black quarterbacks have started for the Steelers?
Since the 1970s merger, the Pittsburgh Steelers have had six Black quarterbacks who started a game. This list begins with Joe Gilliam in 1974. The others include Kordell Stewart, Michael Vick, Charlie Batch, Byron Leftwich, and Dennis Dixon. Each of these players started at least one game for the team.
What impact did Joe Gilliam have on the Steelers?
Joe Gilliam had a very significant impact on the Steelers, particularly in 1974. He became the team's starting quarterback that year, beating out future Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw. His opening game against the Baltimore Colts was historic, marking him as the first Black starting quarterback on NFL's opening day. His performance helped the Steelers begin their journey in a pivotal season, and he, in a way, opened doors for future Black quarterbacks in the league.
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D A R K S A Y I N G S: Happy Thanksgiving 2012
