Thirty-five years ago, Williams made history as the first Black quarterback to start in a Super Bowl – he won MVP honors, too, passing for a then-record 340 yards with four TDs to ignite Washington to a blowout of the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 22.
“That’s amazing right there,” Williams said. “It’s amazing from where we’ve come. It’s kind of like if you were running a marathon, and you didn’t get into it until it was halfway over. When it comes to Black quarterbacks, Williams likens it to a fraternity, with retired players linked to current players. They are connected by history that includes the late Marlin Briscoe, who in 1968 became the first Black quarterback to start for a pro football team, with the Broncos in the AFL.
Of course, the impact of Williams’ feat extends far beyond the realm of inspiring quarterbacks and breaking down a barrier in the nation’s most popular sports league. He has been aptly described “Black Royalty,” revered by many Black people from all walks of life.