(Reuters) – Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said this year’s Super Bowl will have added significance with two Black quarterbacks starting for the first time, while his Philadelphia Eagles counterpart Jalen Hurts called it a meaningful moment.
Mahomes, who won with the Chiefs in 2020, will face off against Hurts for the Lombardi Trophy in Glendale, Arizona, later this month, with the pair making history as soon as they step onto the field.
“To have two Black quarterbacks starting in the Super Bowl, I think it’s special,” Mahomes, widely perceived to be the frontrunner for this year’s league MVP honors, told reporters on Thursday.
He pointed to six-time Pro Bowler Donovan McNabb and Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to start a Super Bowl, among his inspirations.
“I’ve learned more and more about the history of the Black quarterback since I’ve been in this league,” said Mahomes.
“The guys that came before me … (gave) guys like me and Jalen chances to have this platform and have this spot on an NFL team.”
Only seven Black quarterbacks have started in a Super Bowl before this year, despite Black athletes comprising the majority of the league.
“It’s come a long way,” Hurts told reporters. “To be the first for something is pretty cool, so I know it will be a good one.”
(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Chris Reese)
