“Imagine what a Black HC could do” – Shannon Sharpe urges NFL to reflect with Super Bowl set to features historic QB matchup
nfl/super-bowl" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">Super Bowl LVII will feature the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in the AFC Championship game. The Eagles beat the San Francsico 49ers 31-7 in yesterday afternoon's NFC Championship game.
Quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts will make history on February 12. They will become the first two black starting quarterbacks to face off against each other in a Super Bowl.
History. 🙌
@JalenHurts | @PatrickMahomes https://t.co/fYQUVQ0hxE
NFL legend Shannon Sharpe spoke recently on 'Skip and Shannon: Undisputed' about the significance of Hurts and Mahomes facing each other in the Super Bowl.
Sharpe said that the league has come a long way. He also added that the NFL needs more black coaches. If given the opportunity, they would be able to accomplish great things.
Sharpe said:
"Think about how far we've come Skip. We are over an hour into the show. This is the first time we're gonna mention it. The game is gonna be started by two black quarterbacks.
"First time in the NFL history. Look how far we've come Skip. See, it just goes to show you when given the opportunity to what black quarterbacks can do just imagine if you give [black coaches]."
He added:
"[We] have Doug Williams and we've had Steve McNair, Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes. We've had other black quarterbacks but never against each other. It just goes to show you when given an opportunity what black quarterbacks could do. Just imagine when given an opportunity what a black head coach could do."
Tony Dungy and Mike Tomlin became the first two African-American coaches to win a Super Bowl
Head coaches Tony Dungy and Mike Tomlin were the first two African-American coaches in NFL history to win a Super Bowl.
Super Bowl XLI, in 2007, featured Tony Dungy's Colts and Lovie Smith's Bears. It was the first time two African-American head coaches faced off in a Super Bowl. Dungy's Colts came out on top.
In 2008, Mike Tomlin led his Steelers to the Super Bowl where they defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 27-23. He became the second African-American in NFL history to win a Super Bowl.
While multiple black quarterbacks have won a Super Bowl, Hurts and Mahomes will become the first pair to face off against one another.
Super Bowl LVII will take place at State Farm Stadium in Arizona on Sunday, February 12. Kick off is scheduled for 6:30pm/ET.