The NFL was a league that once had a dark history of slighting and disrespecting black quarterbacks. Still, 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 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.
Michael Vick, the executive producer, will be coming to a television screen near you, thanks to a partnership between the former No. 1 overall pick and SMAC Productions–Fubo Studios.
NFL on Prime Video announced Vick’s new, 8-part docuseries on the evolution of the Black quarterback in America, which will premiere September 24.
He will interview players and coaches in the docuseries, including Patrick Mahomes, Cam Newton, Warren Moon, Doug Williams, Tony Dungy, and Andy Reid.
Progress is more than a journey. It’s a revolution.
Evolution of the Black Quarterback, arrives September 24. pic.twitter.com/VActyiLoXo
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) September 2, 2024
It’s the first project for the newly formed Fubo Studios.
“I’m excited to be a part of this project because as a kid, I just wanted to have a shot at playing in the National Football League. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be the first African American quarterback drafted #1. I know that was a big step for us in society,” Vick said in a statement. “I was always told that I revolutionized the quarterback position, but I also like to give credit to the ones who I idolized as a kid and who paved the way like Randall Cunningham, Steve McNair, and Donovan McNabb. When you look at the evolution of the Black quarterback, it’s because of the people that came before us. And now, I’m thankful for the dual threat concept that has changed the game for the better.”
The Fox NFL analyst and his wife, Kijafa Vick, SMAC Productions’ Constance Schwartz-Morini, and Fubo Studios’ David Gandler and Pamela Duckworth serve as executive producers. Fred Anthony Smith, vice president of non-scripted at SMAC Entertainment, is set to direct and executive produce the series.
