A review by snowdennathan
Rise of the Black Quarterback: What It Means for America by Jason Reid

5.0

Great read on the history of the quarterback position and on black players playing the position. I didn’t realize that the league had a “black ban” back in the day and that it was such a concerted effort to ensure that black players weren’t even allowed in the league. Seeing that the league especially at the quarterback position is so much more diverse now makes you appreciate the work of Fritz Pollard, Doug Williams, Shach Harris, and others. The book talked about many of the modern black quarterbacks that so many love but it didn’t talk about one who has been so polarizing. I would’ve loved a chapter that talked about Cam Newton considering both his college and pro success. None the less Jason Reid did an excellent job giving a historical overview on those who attempted to play the position but weren’t given the opportunities due to racism. It makes you think about how many black quarterbacks were talented enough but just didn’t get an opportunity.