Black In Business

The National Football League is one of America’s most glamorous businesses. Like Wall Street, there is a lot of money in football. There are also a lot of black football players in the NFL.

It use to be for the black athlete, the only place to make money was on the field. On the field and only certain positions. Middle linebacker and quarterback were positions reserved for white football players. The coaches were all white and the endorsements were given to only white stars.

The Great Jim Brown, was the best college football player in the nation in 1956, but the award was given to blond haired, blue eyed Paul Horning. Mr Horning was an outstanding player, but not to be confused with Jim Brown.

The first black college football player to win the Heisman Trophy was Ernie Davis. Ironically Mr. Davis went to Mr. Brown’s Alma Mata, Syracuse and wore the same number #44.

O.J Simpson and Hertz showed that America would accept a black super star selling rental car’s. O.J was the first black sports star to earn substantial earnings off the field.

Jan 31, 1988, Doug Willams of Grambling University became the first black quarterback to lead his team to a Superbowl win. The Washington Redskins destroyed the Denver Broncos, led by blond haired icon John Elway, 42-10.

Warren Moon this past year became the first black quarterback elected to the Hall of Fame for pro football.

The two top coaches in the NFL this year are black. Tony Dungy of the Indiana Colts with a 10-1 record. Lovie Smith of da Bears with a 9-2 record.Da Bears are the nation’s icon team from Chicago and made famous by the Saturday Night Live TV show.Da Bears are one of the leagues oldest teams and winner of the 1985 Super Bowl.

Fox Television’s Pam Oliver talked about the steps the NFL has taken to have more black coaches. There are now 7 and 20 years ago there were none. Art Shell was the league’s first black Head Football Coach for the Oakland Raiders. He waited way too long for his second shot, also with the Raiders. Lovie Smith is the League’s lowest paid coach at 1.1 million dollars per year. The ranks of assistant coaches are finding more black leaders but we have a long way to go. Opportunities in the front office could use more diversity as well.

In conclusion enjoy the NFL and for the majority of blacks wanting to be in this business, we hope soon there will be great opportunities off the field. Study hard! Super Bowl prediction Baltimore Ravens vs Chicago Bears.