Black quarterbacks in the NFL bring a diverse skill set and unique perspective to the game as they enrich the league with their dynamic playmaking abilities. Increasing their representation and opportunities not only promotes fairness and equality but also showcases the depth of talent within the quarterback position. New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor took advantage of his opportunity when he replaced injured starter Daniel Jones and led the Giants to a 14-7 victory over the Washington Commanders. In the victory, he became the first Black QB ever to win a game for the organization.
Although the franchise has been around for 98 years, they’ve only had two Black quarterbacks start for them, which is the lowest number in the NFL. The last time the Giants gave a starting opportunity to a Black quarterback occurred in 2017 when Geno Smith played a single game for them.
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Adversity is nothing new to Taylor as it is something he has dealt with his entire career. Taylor has found himself in a familiar situation before. In 2017 he was the starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills and played a crucial role in ending the team’s 17-year playoff drought. Taylor led them to the playoffs with a 4-2 record in the final six games.
As his career was starting to take off, a tragic incident occurred in the 2020 season when Taylor became the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers. During Week Two of that season, Taylor was trying to receive a pain-relieving injection for his cracked ribs, but the doctor accidentally punctured his lung. This caused Taylor to lose his starting position and he was never able to regain it. Despite previous obstacles, he now has a chance to reclaim what was taken from him and earn the starting job in New York.
Taylor expressed in the New York Daily how it felt to be a part of this big moment in history and hopes to receive more opportunities to showcase his talents.
“I didn’t know that going into it. I mean it’s history. Proud to be part of it,” Taylor said. “I look forward to continuing to keep, if given the opportunity, competing with the guys on Sundays and going out there and striving for a win.”
