04/09/2025
The NFL will open its 2025 season with a record 16 Black quarterbacks starting in Week 1, the most in league history and the first time that half of all teams will be led by Black players at the position. The figure surpasses last season’s mark of 15, which had set the previous record.
The group of starters includes established veterans and young signal-callers alike: Bryce Young, Caleb Williams, Cam Ward, C.J. Stroud, Dak Prescott, Geno Smith, Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels, Jordan Love, Justin Fields, Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson, Michael Penix Jr., Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, and Spencer Rattler.
The milestone highlights a dramatic shift in a league where Black quarterbacks were once rare and often faced systemic barriers to reaching the starting role. In recent seasons, the position has become more inclusive, with multiple Black quarterbacks emerging as MVP winners, Super Bowl champions, and franchise leaders.
This year’s record underscores both the growing depth of talent and the changing landscape of the NFL, as teams increasingly rely on diverse skill sets at the most visible position in football.
