Football - Doug Williams Influence Still Reverberat

Doug Williams, the first black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl, has paved way for other black NFL quarterbacks such as Daunte Culpepper, Donovan McNabb and Steve McNair. His brilliant performance in Super Bowl XXII changed history and shattered the stereotype view that a black player cannot lead a team, he can only play and assist. He forced the world to accept that it is the leadership skills that counts and not the color of skin or economic background.

However, Williams is not completely satisfied with the few black quarterbacks whose initiatives are being recognized. He wants to see more of them. Although Super Bowl XXII, created history, it did bring lucrative offers his way, as was the norm with other players.

However, Williams is happy that unlike other players who are more famous for their ads and commercials than their skills in the game, he is recognized only for his efforts in the game and performance on the field.

One year after the Super Bowl, Williams retired in 1989 and started working as a commentator for BET; coached his high school team in Louisiana, and then switched jobs several times and finally he has become member of a nonprofit organization called the Field Generals that works to preserve the history of the black quarterback. Other members of this group include Warren Moon, James Harris, and Randall Cunningham. This group came forth with a book called Third and a Mile - The Trials and Triumphs of the Black Quarterback, which is scheduled for release in February 2007.