Fritz Pollard Alliance Salutes Excellence in DEI, Pushes for Continued Progress

The Super Bowl stage offers more than just a thrilling gridiron battle; it is increasingly a platform for social progress. This year, alongside the Salute to Excellence, the Fritz Pollard Alliance (FPA) ensured that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) remained firmly in the Super Bowl spotlight.

The FPA’s 19th Annual Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. Salute to Excellence Awards Luncheon during Super Bowl LVIII week became a powerful reminder of both the progress made and the continued urgency of advancing DEI initiatives within the NFL. The event honored individuals and organizations whose work exemplifies the ideals of inclusivity that Fritz Pollard embodied.

Salute to Excellence awards were given to two individuals:

• Craig A. Williams, Nike Inc: As President of Geographies and Marketplace for Nike, Craig A. Williams accepted the Salute to Excellence Award on behalf of the sportswear giant. Nike’s commitment to fostering a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive playing field both within the company and through broader initiatives exemplifies the unwavering spirit of Fritz Pollard.
• Sandra Douglass Morgan, Las Vegas Raiders: The first Black woman to serve as a team president in the NFL, Sandra Douglass Morgan received a well-deserved Salute to Excellence Award. Morgan’s exceptional leadership, innovation, and ability to drive change embodies the power of breaking barriers and fostering opportunities, reflecting the values that Fritz Pollard championed.

John Wooten Award Winner: The Las Vegas Raiders

Dedicated to honoring exceptional efforts in advancing DEI in the NFL, the John Wooten Award went to the Las Vegas Raiders organization. The Raiders’ commitment to championing minority candidates for coaching and executive roles reflects the core mission of the FPA, demonstrating that progress is possible when values translate into actions.

The FPA’s program during Super Bowl LVIII reminded us that true champions of equality don’t just talk about DEI, they put in the work to make it a reality. This year’s honorees are shining examples of this unwavering drive.

The Emergence of Black Quarterbacks in the NFL

The Super Bowl stage, with its spotlight on athletic excellence, served as a stark reminder of the long and difficult road Black quarterbacks have faced in the NFL. Historically, deeply rooted biases and stereotypes about leadership and decision-making abilities created significant barriers for minority players at the quarterback position.

Pioneers like James “Shack” Harris, the first Black quarterback to start an NFL season opener, and Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl and be named its MVP, shattered these harmful misconceptions and paved the way for a new era where minority quarterbacks are not an anomaly, but a driving force in the league.

Today, stars like Patrick Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl champion and multiple-time MVP, and Lamar Jackson continue to break records and redefine what it means to be an elite NFL quarterback. Their success, combined with the rising prominence of numerous other minority quarterbacks across the league, signifies a major milestone in the fight for inclusivity.

This evolution has not gone unnoticed. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has publicly acknowledged the progress made, including an NFL record 14 Black quarterbacks starting week 1 of the 2023 season, yet also understands there’s more work to be done. The presence of Black quarterbacks at the forefront of the NFL stands as a testament to the talent and perseverance of athletes who faced down prejudice, and to the ongoing work of organizations like the Fritz Pollard Alliance in ensuring a more equitable future for the sport.

2024: Another Year for Black Quarterbacks

The upcoming NFL season promises to build on the momentum of excellence at the QB position for African Americans. On the heels of a thrilling Super Bowl LVIII showcasing historic talent, the 2024 NFL draft is already buzzing with anticipation. Prospects like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Michael Penix Jr. have the potential to make an immediate impact and further cement the status of Black quarterbacks as dominant forces within the league.

The ongoing rise of quarterbacks of color is transforming the sport. More than simply adding athletic prowess, this shift in leadership creates a ripple effect. It inspires young athletes, challenges outdated biases, and contributes to a more dynamic, representative NFL that reflects the best of what the sport can be. It is also kindling the beginning of a revolution in front offices and coaching staffs around the league as more women and people of color earn team president, general manager, front office, and coaching positions.

The Fritz Pollard Alliance’s Work and Challenges

The FPA understands that the spotlight of the Super Bowl and recognition of DEI success stories are only part of an ongoing battle. Their core mission remains steadfast: championing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the NFL and throughout the broader sports landscape. The FPA actively works to create pathways for minorities to excel in coaching, front-office, and scouting roles, ensuring that diverse talent gets fair consideration and opportunities to thrive.

The FPA still faces significant challenges, however. Among them is the need to protect and further refine the Rooney Rule, a policy designed to increase minority representation in head coaching positions across the NFL. Recent attacks on the rule reflect a broader backlash against DEI initiatives nationwide, posing a direct threat to progress.

The FPA remains unflinching in its commitment to advocacy. They are working tirelessly to expose and dismantle systemic barriers that limit opportunities for minorities within the sports industry. Recognizing that lasting change requires constant vigilance and collaboration with partners like the NFL, the FPA continues its mission, inspired by the legacy of Fritz Pollard.

The Road Ahead: A Call for Ongoing DEI Commitment

Though the 2023-24 season saw great successes and milestones achieved, the Fritz Pollard Alliance’s work is far from over. While celebrating the strides made, the organization remains deeply committed to building a more just and inclusive future for the NFL and the sports industry as a whole. From advocating for minority coaches and executives to ensuring the Rooney Rule remains robust, the FPA continues to serve as a powerful voice for change.

The NFL, along with its devoted fanbase, holds immense power to shape the trajectory of progress. By actively supporting the rise of minority athletes and embracing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the world of football can set an example for other sports and industries to follow.