Field Generals: History of the Black Quarterback
The stories of the trailblazing and pioneering quarterbacks who transformed American football—from the AFL-NFL merger through the turn of the century. By placing their journeys in full historical and social context, it reveals how politics, culture, and race shaped both their struggles and their triumphs.
Cast
James “Shack” Harris
Self
Warren Moon
Self
Doug Williams
Self
Randall Cunningham
Self
Vince Evans
Self
Chuck Ealey
Self
Rodney Peete
Self
Donovan McNabb
Self
Michael Vick
Self
Lamar Jackson
Self
Michael Wilbon
Self
Rich McKay
Self
Joe Gibbs
Self
Michael Eric Dyson
Self
Jayne Kennedy
Self
Seasons
E1Resistance
Feb 5, 2026
Marlin Briscoe, Joe Gilliam and James Harris break the NFL's color barrier at QB despite resistance.
E2Alternative Route
Feb 12, 2026
In the '70s, most Black QB hopefuls must switch positions in the NFL, while others head to Canada.
E3Race to the Top
Feb 19, 2026
Doug Williams endures racism and personal tragedy to become the first Black QB to win a Super Bowl.
E4The Quarterbacks of the Future
Feb 26, 2026
Black QBs of the '80s and '90s revolutionize how the position would be played going forward.
Videos
Storyline
The stories of the trailblazing and pioneering quarterbacks who transformed American football—from the AFL-NFL merger through the turn of the century. By placing their journeys in full historical and social context, it reveals how politics, culture, and race shaped both their struggles and their triumphs.
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