For the second day in a row I'm here to talk about stereotypes in sports. For the second straight year, the Super Bowl will feature a African-American quarter. Although not everyone can be Russell Wilson, it still made me think about how few African-American quarterbacks we have in the league. Many may say its about quality and not quantity, however I ask the question why are there not more minorities at quarterback positions on any level. For this topic I have one major theory(seeing that I am a expert in every topic :) this theory can be broken down into two parts. First, for years there has been a stigma upon certain races of males compared to that of our Caucasian brothers. In the sports area for instance, black males may be looked upon as not having the intelligence or leadership to play the quarterback position. Although, this is a total lie; the is truth that some people share this backwards thinking (for further evidence, there is a particular episode of the old hit show "Friday Night Lights" that explains were I'm coming from). Secondly, I ask the question of do African-American quarterbacks get a fair shot. I mean as soon as you have a African-American quarterback in high school, a lot of major analysis are already saying they will have to convert to a new position. For example: Nick Marshall (played QB in high school-switched to cornerback in college, and then transferred to play QB at Auburn University to have a fair opportunity to play QB). Maybe I need to make a further point. For the first time in my life, I saw something surprising in sports. As I watched the first ever College Football Playoff Championship, I saw three African-American quarterbacks that were on Ohio State. Image the first ever College Football Playoffs victors and its a team has three black quarterbacks (all of which in my opinion could have started and won the game if they were healthy). That's why I say we need more opportunities for our brothers playing quarterback. Now I can not end this rant or educational posting (your choice) right here, but why not add some controversy. As the announcers were talking about all three quarterbacks and which one was going to start next year. A comment was made that will close my argument perfectly. When the name and draft stock of Braxton Miller(2-time Ben Ten Offensive Player of The Year and former Heisman contender) came up, one of the analysis instantly stated that he may want to try to change positions. He said something around the lines of him maybe being better suited to play wide receiver or ATH ( like Percy Harvin). Playing wide receiver when he is arguably the best QB in the Big Ten? Believe me, this is not me starting drama. However, I simply ask this question in my mind would this had been said about a athlete non-African-American quarterback (say Johnny Football or Connor Shaw). Without a doubt, I believe that the image of Black quarterbacks has change along with the stereotype that comes with it. However, I feel that even for those who still want to think backwards; no one can deny the successes of quarterbacks like Cam Newton and potential back-to-back Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson. Finally, if you want to play QB in college, you may do better by going to an HBCU or Ohio State just joking).
As you have heard the sad news by now, the great Muhammad Ali has passed on. He was laid to rest yesterday. When I say passed on, he has moved on to another journey. To another place to inspire, love, encourage, and communicate without bounds or limits. Mr. Ali is free yet again. I don't have to say what Mr. Ali meant to me. Just from past articles, tweets, and videos, you guys already know what he meant to me. He was a inspiration, hero, mentor, and someone to look up to and listen; learning and hanging on to has every word. Even if those words were 50 years old, they still hold relevance to this very day. I am keeping this post short, because no true words can describe what he meant to me, to all of us. However, I will end this post like this. Heroes are remembered, but legends never die. Therefore, he was the greatest legend ALL-TIME. And, he will live on as long as WE as a PEOPLE are still ALIVE!!!!! Rest Easy Champ!!!!!!!
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