'We've come so far': how black quarterbacks defied a racist past to become the NFL's future

The Guardian ^ | Fri 20 Sep 2019 | Patrick Hruby

[Nothingburger]

I was watching some interviews NFL stars of long ago, black and white, including Paul Warfield and John Mackey.

By comparison, today’s black players are a disgrace to their people.

Warfield, Mackey, and many others were gentlemen of color, athletes, sportsmen, who deserved to be on that field.

Today’s black NFL stars are for the most part arrogant, pampered babies — one step away from prison.

Meanwhile, talented and disciplined white players never get a fair look from brain-dead coaches who have bought into this myth of black athletic superiority.

[Gay State Conservative]

Not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Or,in this case,the content of their “skills set”.

[EEGator]

Randall Cunningham

[ealgeone]

I put part of the blame on ESPN. They seem to gravitate to the "showboat" mentality of the players.

The more outlandish the behavior, the more screen time the player gets.

Consider the number of kids that watch ESPN and how sports are worshiped in this country and you can begin to understand how the shift in attitude happened.

[Gay State Conservative]

I remember hearing some former player...I *think* it might have been Bradsaw...talking about the celebrations we see after touchdowns and other plays.I recall him having said that he didn't agree with them and that a player who scores a TD should just toss the ball to the official and act as if he's been there before...and plans to be there again.

That goes for black *and* white players. Gronk,an amazing talent,was known for his spikes. Pretty low rent IMO.As I said...it goes for black *and* white.

[Old Yeller]

Pretty soon, only the kickers will be white in the NFL. And those will be female.

[VietVet876]

One of the most decent human beings on the planet.

[cincinnati65]

The day the Panthers drafted Cam was the day I stopped being a Panthers fan. Has nothing to do with the man’s race and everything to do with his character. I couldn’t root for a team that looked to him as a leader.

[Hatteras]

Did somebody say Michael Vick?...

[stuckinloozeeana]

For boycotting there sure is a lot of talk here.

[scrabblehack]

I was thinking 3/4-backs. If you can throw for 270 yards and run for 120 then you’re a 1/4 back + 1/2 back.

[EEGator]

Active in the church, correct?

[VietVet876]

I believe he was and still is.