The NFL was a league that once had a dark history of slighting and disrespecting black quarterbacks, but Philadelphia and the Eagles organization has been the gold standard in reversing the trend.
The Eagles made Randall Cunningham the franchise’s first black quarterback.
Drafted 37th overall in the 1985 NFL draft, Cunningham played 11 seasons in Philly before injuries caused him to be benched in favor of another black quarterback, Rodney Peete in 1995.
Cunningham, Peete, Donovan McNabb, and Michael Vick – each led Eagles teams to the playoffs. Vince Young spent a season with the franchise and Jalen Hurts has taken over the reins from Carson Wentz this season as he looks to lock in his spot long-term.
This week, Hurts sat down with Tyler R. Tynes of GQ Magazine, and he was asked about following in the footsteps of those before him and what it means to play in this city.
“I hold that in high value and high regards. I know the history of the position here, especially the dual threats we’ve had: Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb, Randall Cunningham. I just want to carry that torch the right way moving forward. And the best way to do that is to win. Winning is the motive. It’s the ultimatum. We wanna win ball games.”
Hurts went on to talk about the “rich tradition of this city”, making pig’s feet for DeVonta Smith, and much more.
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