african american football players

"From a leading scholar of sports and race, a story of two pioneering Black quarterbacks--one who became the first to win a Super Bowl, and one who couldn't make it in the racist world of the NFL. There is no position in pro sports more recognizable, lucrative, and important than NFL quarterback. But while the league itself has always been integrated, quarterbacking was the exclusive domain of white players for many years. When Doug Williams and Vince Evans arrived in the league in the late 1970s, Black players were often dismissed as lacking the intelligence and leadership skills of a QB. They got death threats, faced racist questions, and knew that a single mistake could end their careers at any moment. In this book, Grand Valley State professor Louis Moore tells the twin stories of Vince Evans--the electrifying player who should have succeeded, but could not overcome his numerous obstacles--and of Doug Williams--the star of the Washington Redskins, and the first Black quarterback to become a champion. He shows how easily Williams' triumphant story could have gone wrong, becoming another tale of supreme talent that the world only got to glimpse, and how his success changed the game and the country. A skillful blend of game-time drama and social commentary, this book captures one of the unheralded heroes of the NFL, and all that he meant, both on the field and off"--Provided by publisher.

"In his first NFL season, wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase helped lead the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl. Learn about the life and career of this rising football superstar"--.

A quarterback is often seen as a leader on the football field. They make big plays, throw touchdown passes, and help their team succeed. Their leadership and ability to work with their teammates often makes a huge difference in how their team plays. Russell Wilson has been a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for a decade. In that time, he's led his teammates to huge wins, including a Super Bowl victory. Russell is also known as a leader in his community too. He wants to make a difference both on and off the football field, and he works hard to make it happen.

Explores the story of football player Davante Adams, from growing up in Northern California to his record-breaking years as a Packer.

Tells the story of football player Ja'Marr Chase, from his life in Louisiana to his career in the NFL.

"Sportswriter John Eisenberg offers the history of Black quarterbacks in the league--men who not only shaped the history of football, but made indelible contributions to the cause of civil rights in America. Drawing on exclusive interviews with dozens of Black quarterbacks and the players, coaches, and managers who work alongside them, 'Rocket Men' is a reminder of how much Black quarterbacks have had to overcome to gain a space in pro football, and a celebration of the athletes and activists who paved the way for today's Black quarterbacks to triumph"--Provided by publisher.

Tells the story of football player Justin Jefferson, from his life in Louisiana to his career in the NFL.

"In his first NFL season, wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase helped lead the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl. Learn about the life and career of this rising football superstar"--Provided by publisher.

"High school star athlete Colin Kaepernick is at a crossroads in life. Heavily scouted by colleges and MLB as a baseball pitcher, he has a bright future ahead of him as a highly touted prospect. Everyone from his parents to his teachers and coaches are in agreement on his future. Colin feels differently. This . . . graphic memoir explores the story of how a young change maker learned to find himself and never compromise"--Provided by publisher.

When his best friend is unfairly arrested and kicked off the team, Russell Boudreaux kneels during the national anthem in an effort to fight for justice and, in an instant, falls from local stardom to become a target of hatred.