Field Generals: History of the Black Quarterback

Season 1

The stories of the trailblazing and pioneering quarterbacks who transformed American football—from the AFL-NFL merger through the turn of the century. By placing their journeys in full historical and social context, it reveals how politics, culture, and race shaped both their struggles and their triumphs.

Where to Watch Field Generals: History of the Black Quarterback • Season 1

4 Episodes

Resistance
E1
ResistanceAs recently as 1968, it was widely believed in the NFL that Black people lacked the character to play QB; into that hostility wade three pioneers who would be the first Black QBs to crack NFL starting lineups: Marlin Briscoe, Joe Gilliam and James Harris.
Alternative Route
E2
Alternative RouteJust as show business in the 1970s typecast Black characters, so did the NFL; star college quarterbacks like Tony Dungy are switched to lesser positions by their pro teams; others, like future Hall of Famer Warren Moon, take alternative routes.
Race to the Top
E3
Race to the TopWhile President Ronald Reagan campaigns and governs on a wave of white backlash against Black progress in the 70s and 80s, Doug Williams endures racial bias and personal tragedy to become the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl.
The Quarterbacks of the Future
E4
The Quarterbacks of the FutureBlack QBs of the '80s and '90s revolutionize how the position would be played forever after; Randall Cunningham, Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick introduce the previously forbidden "Black style" to QB play and redefine the position.