Lamar Jackson Leads Groundbreaking Group
The Baltimore Ravens have assembled a trailblazing quarterback unit believed to be the first in NFL history to feature only Black players and coaches.
Headlined by superstar QB Lamar Jackson, the room includes backups Tyler Huntley and Josh Johnson, along with Quarterbacks Coach Tee Martin and Assistant Quarterbacks Coach Kerry Dixon.
Their collective talent symbolizes the emergence of the Black quarterback in the league after decades of racial barriers. Jackson specifically has helped normalize the athletic, dual-threat style once stereotyped against Black QBs. His success led to a historic $260 million contract cementing his status as the face of the franchise.
Behind Jackson lies a deep bench of Black backups who were developed rather than asked to switch positions. And the group is steered strategically by two Black coaches shaping the next generation. This cohesion of identity, culture, and shared experiences fuels an atmosphere of camaraderie.
Standing on the Shoulders of Pioneers
Martin expressed gratitude for the Black quarterbacks and coaches who endured discrimination in eras past to make this moment possible.
“We definitely are standing on the shoulders of people in the past,” he remarked. “I do think it’s a step forward for people like us.”
The Ravens have a reputation for empowering Black leadership, an ethos tracing back to Ozzie Newsome becoming the league’s first Black general manager in 2002. But such opportunities have been systematically denied across the NFL industry, especially regarding the quarterback position.
Jason Reid, author of Rise of the Black Quarterback, noted that the Ravens’ all-Black room remains “groundbreaking even in 2023.” It signifies the turn in a long march for equal representation.
Lasting Impact on NFL Culture
The Ravens are setting a powerful precedent that will hopefully inspire other NFL clubs to widen their lens on coaching candidates and roster decisions regarding quarterbacks.
Seeing a coordinated, successful model led by Black players and coaches counters the stereotypes used to justify racial exclusion in the past. It normalizes the concept that African Americans can flourish when given an equal chance to lead from the top offensive position.
If the Ravens’ stacked quarterback unit brings winning results this season, it may accelerate NFL hiring practices to catch up to its player demographics. And Tee Martin is a head coach candidate to watch in 2023. For now, the team relishes its standing in history as pioneers embracing full representation.
