Jan 29, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates after winning the AFC Championship game against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Mahomes on Black QBs starting Super Bowl: ‘It’s special’

Patrick Mahomes didn’t mince words on Thursday when asked about the importance of having two Black quarterbacks start a Super Bowl for the first time in the history of the game.

That’s precisely what will happen on Feb. 12 when Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs tangle with Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Ariz.

“To be on the world stage and have two Black quarterbacks starting in the Super Bowl, I think it’s special,” Mahomes said. “I’ve learned more and more about the history of the Black quarterback since I’ve been in this league and the guys that came before me and Jalen set the stage for this. And now, I’m just glad that we can set the stage for kids that are coming up now.”

Mahomes, 27, said he envisions Super Bowl LVII as an opportunity to continue moving the needle forward.

“I think you’ve seen over time, whenever a guy like Doug Williams, or Michael Vick, or Donovan McNabb go out and play great football, it gives other guys like me and Jalen chances to have this platform and to have this spot on an NFL team,” Mahomes said. “And so, if we can continue to show that we can consistently be great, I think it’ll just continue to open doors for other kids growing up to follow their dreams and to be a quarterback of an NFL team. And it’s good that we have guys like Jalen on the other side because he’s a great person and obviously a great quarterback.”

Doug Williams, Russell Wilson and Mahomes are the lone Black quarterbacks to win a Super Bowl.

Williams guided the Washington franchise to a 42-10 victory over Denver in Super Bowl XXII and Wilson led the Seattle Seahawks to a 43-8 win over the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII.

As for Mahomes, he fueled the Chiefs to a 31-20 triumph over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.

The status of his ailing ankle could go a long way toward his bid to win a second ring. On Thursday, Mahomes said he didn’t aggravate the injury in Kansas City’s 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game this past Sunday.

“My whole body was sore after the game (but) I don’t think I took any steps backwards,” Mahomes said.

–Field Level Media

Sep 16, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;  NFL referee Jerome Boger (23) in action during the fourth quarter of the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. The Chiefs won 42-37. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

First all-Black officiating crew to work Monday night

For the first time in NFL history, an all-Black officiating crew will work next Monday night’s game between the Los Angeles Rams and Buccaneers in Tampa.

Referee Jerome Boger will lead the historic crew, which includes umpire Barry Anderson, down judge Julian Mapp, line judge Carl Johnson, side judge Dale Shaw, field judge Anthony Jeffries and back judge Greg Steed.

“This historic Week 11 crew is a testament to the countless and immeasurable contributions of Black officials to the game, their exemplary performance, and to the power of inclusion that is the hallmark of this great game,” NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said.

The NFL normally assembles its 17 officiating crews prior to the season and works to keep them together in order to promote teamwork and communication. The crews were organized geographically this year to reduce travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of the officials for the Monday night game are regular members of Boger’s crew except for Johnson and Steed, who were pulled from other crews.

–Field Level Media