First Black Quarterback to Start for Every NFL Team
For decades, the NFL resisted change at what many would argue is the most powerful position on the field. The quarterback role was long gatekept as the domain of white players, even as Black athletes dominated at every other level of football. But over time, the league evolved—and every single NFL franchise eventually started their first Black quarterback. This list is more than trivia; it’s a timeline of progress and change that mirrors modern American society.
Team-by-team breakdown of the first Black quarterbacks to start in NFL history:
| Year | QB | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Marlin Briscoe | Broncos |
| 1969 | James Harris | Bills |
| 1973 | Joe Gillam | Steelers |
| 1974 | James Harris | Rams |
| 1975 | JJ Jones | Jets |
| 1976 | Parnell Dickinson | Buccaneers |
| 1977 | Dave Mays | Browns |
| 1977 | James Harris | Chargers |
| 1979 | Vince Evans | Bears |
| 1984 | Warren Moon | Oilers ( now Titans) |
| 1985 | Randall Cunningham | Eagles |
| 1986 | Reggie Collier | Cowboys |
| 1987 | Vince Evans | Raiders |
| 1987 | Doug Williams | Redskins (now Commanders) |
| 1989 | Rodney Pete | Lions |
| 1994 | Warren Moon | Vikings |
| 1997 | Warren Moon | Seahawks |
| 1999 | Akili Smith | Bengals |
| 2000 | Warren Moon | Chiefs |
| 2000 | Aaron Brooks | Saints |
| 2001 | Randall Cunningham | Ravens |
| 2001 | Michael Vick | Falcons |
| 2002 | Rodney Peete | Panthers |
| 2002 | Ray Lucas | Dolphins |
| 2002 | David Garrad | Jaguars |
| 2003 | Tony Banks | Texans |
| 2004 | Shaun King | Cardinals |
| 2012 | Colin Kaepernick | 49ers |
| 2013 | Seneca Wallace | Packers |
| 2015 | Josh Freeman | Colts |
| 2016 | Jacoby Brissett | Patriots |
| 2017 | Geno Smith | Giants |
Which Teams Have Started the Most Black QBs?
Some teams embraced diversity at QB earlier—and more frequently—than others. Here are a few franchises that have consistently given Black quarterbacks opportunities:
- Philadelphia Eagles – From Randall Cunningham to Jalen Hurts
- Washington Commanders – Doug Williams, Jason Campbell, Robert Griffin III, etc.
- Baltimore Ravens – Cunningham, Jackson
- Tennessee Titans – Vince Young, Steve McNair, Malik Willis
- Kansas City Chiefs – Warren Moon, Patrick Mahomes
These franchises didn’t just make history once. They doubled down by building around Black QBs, investing in their development, and even tailoring offenses to their strengths.
RELATED: HISTORY OF ASIAN NFL PLAYERS
Final Thoughts
Whenever a Black quarterback took the field as a starter, it chipped away at an outdated narrative. This list isn’t just about who started where—it’s about why it took so long and what it means moving forward. The full story isn’t in these names alone. It’s in the evolution of trust, leadership, and opportunity in one of the most scrutinized positions in sports.
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