Top 10 Pro Black QBs of the 21st Century

Doug Williams, Lamar Jackson, and C.J. Stroud are some of the best quarterbacks to play in the NFL in the 21st Century.

Photo Credit: Elise Amendola/ AP : Eric Canha/USA TODAY

By: Joshua Martin

What a time to be alive!! We are currently in the golden age of African American Quarterbacks. 14 of the league's 32 teams entered the season with a Black QB at the helm, the most in a single week in NFL History. Lamar Jackson is almost assuredly obtaining his second MVP trophy, Houston Texans Quarterback C.J. Stroud is a shoe-in for the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year and Patrick Mahommes has an opportunity to win his 3rd Super Bowl in his 7th season. Putting him on a pace to become the most decorated Quarterback of all time. 

While basking in such wonderful times, it’s important to acknowledge a 70-year history of Black quarterbacks in the NFL who never got their shot. It’s important to remember those who played a major role in the long, difficult journey to get to this point. 

From Doug Williams, the first Black QB to lead a team to a Super Bowl victory. To Warren Moon, who is currently the only African American QB to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Not to mention James “Shack” Harris, who in 1969 became the first Black QB to start an NFL season-opener. Those are just a few notable names that had their hands in what we are witnessing today.

As a sports fan, nothing gets my blood boiling more than a top ten list. Join in my misery as we list the top Black Pro QBs of the 21st Century. Carefully curated, this list will include number 1 overall draft picks, MVPs and current players who have a trajectory of great long term success. We will summarize the meaning behind each ranking while also highlighting notable achievements of said player. 

Patrick Mahommes - Patrick Mahommes is this generation's Tom Brady, greatest of all time. Since becoming the Chiefs starter in 2018, Mahommes has led the Kansas City Chiefs to six consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances and has won two league MVPs. His arm talent is literally out of this world. No one can deliver the ball with such accuracy and velocity on so many different platforms like the six time Pro Bowler. His most notable highlights are the no-look passes that leave defenders shook or the 50 plus yard bombs you see effortlessly flowing out of his hands on the move. In only his second year as the starter, he became only the third QB to win the Superbowl and the second to win Super Bowl MVP. Becoming the youngest in NFL history to do so. 

Career Highlights

Notable Achievements:

2× Super Bowl champion (LIV, LVII)

2× Super Bowl MVP (LIV, LVII)

2× NFL Most Valuable Player (2018, 2022)

NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2018)

2× First-team All-Pro (2018, 2022)

Second-team All-Pro (2020)

6× Pro Bowl (2018–2023)

2× NFL passing touchdowns leader (2018, 2022)

NFL passing yards leader (2022)

Lamar Jackson - Lamar Jackson is ridiculous. He simply plays at a different speed than everyone else and is often a  blur on your TV screens on Sundays. His combination of speed, agility, quickness, shiftiness, etc etc. Has never been seen before. Lamar is only the second player to unanimously win the MVP award and is probably receiving his 2nd pretty soon. Jackson followed up his impressive MVP campaign in 2020 by becoming the first quarterback ever to have multiple rushing seasons with 1,000 yards. This ranking may be a little premature because of his recent playoff struggles but I can see Lamar getting a ring, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest of his generation. 

Notable Achievements: Heisman Trophy Winner

NFL Most Valuable Player (2019)

2× First-team All-Pro (2019, 2023)

3× Pro Bowl (2019, 2021, 2023)

NFL passing touchdowns leader (2019)

Cam Newton - The former number one overall pick in 2011, Cam Newton led an imposing Panthers squad to a 15-1 record, a top ranked rushing attack and a game away from the organization's first Super Bowl victory in 2015. Polarizing off the field as he was on it, Cam birthed the era of Quarterback we see today. At his peak, no one had a stronger arm and was as dangerous in the open field. His size made him a constant red zone threat and defenders had to make business decisions when going in for a tackle. The end of his career lost a little steam due to injuries but Cam deserves this spot off of talent alone.  

Notable Achievements: Heisman Trophy Winner The league's first rookie quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards in a season and the first to throw for 400 yards in his NFL debut, he also set the single-season record for quarterback rushing touchdowns.

One of only four Black Qbs to win the MVP award

NFL Most Valuable Player (2015)

NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2015)

NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2011)

First-team All-Pro (2015)

3× Pro Bowl (2011, 2013, 2015)

Steve McNair - McNair was a legend before entering the league in ‘95 as a 3rd overall pick by the Houston Oilers. The former Alcorn St. standout, took that same skill set that made him a prized prospect straight into the NFL. Becoming the full time starter by ‘97 “Air McNair” would hold on to that position through 2005. Guiding the Oilers/Titans to 4 playoff appearances including one dramatic run to the Superbowl. The first Black QB to win the MVP, was as tough as they come. Often playing with numerous injuries. His rocket arm and solid mobility made him a constant headache for defenders. 

Notable Achievements: NFL co-Most Valuable Player (2003)

Second-team All-Pro (2003)

3× Pro Bowl (2000, 2003, 2005)

NFL passer rating leader (2003)

Russell Wilson - Before the memes and rap references, Russell was on a trajectory to becoming one of the all time greats. Belleyhoo’d by a stout Seattle Seahawks defense early on in his career featuring the Legion of Boom, Wilson led the Seahawks to two Super Bowls. Winning one and one Beastmode carry away from a second. His recent benching in Denver does leave a bad taste in your mouth but his resume speaks for itself. The 2017 NFL passing touchdown leader is arguably known as one of the greatest dual-threat Quarterbacks of all time.

Notable Achievements: Super Bowl champion (XLVIII)

Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2020)

Second-team All-Pro (2019)

9× Pro Bowl (2012–2015, 2017–2021)

Donavan McNabb - Infamously known for what he did not accomplish as an Eagle, the former 1st round pick out of Syracuse enjoyed an 13 year career that saw him rack up over 37,000 career passing yards, 98 career wins, 9 postseason wins with three consecutive trips to the NFC championship game. McNabb was a gamer with the propensity to make timely plays. He currently sits as the Eagles all time leader in almost every major passing category.

Notable Achievements: eighth quarterback in NFL history with more than 3,000 career rushing yards; the fourth quarterback to amass over 30,000 passing yards, 200 touchdown passes, 3,000 rushing yards, and 20 rushing touchdowns in the regular season; and the third quarterback with over 3,000 passing yards, 400 rushing yards, and 25 total touchdowns in the playoffs.

Michael Vick - No one played the game more aesthetically pleasing than Vick, as he routinely made defenders look silly with his jukes and cuts during his time as a Atlanta Falcon. The 4 time Pro Bowler revolutionized how the game is played becoming the first quarterback to have a thousand yards rushing in a single season. After his career took an abrupt halt in 2007 due to a dogfighting controversy, Vick displayed his resilience by becoming the 2010 Comeback Player of the year with the Eagles. 

Notable Achievements: Led the Falcons to two playoff runs, a division title and a Championship game appearance

Career yards per carry: 7.0

Career rushing yards by a quarterback: 6,109

First black qb to be selected first overall 2001

Vince Young - The 2006 Offensive Rookie of the Year amassed a 30-17 record as the starter for the Tennessee Titans. One of the greatest college Qbs of all time gets this spot because of his undeniable impact on how the game is played today. Young was ahead of his time, with his superb running skills and lightning quick release. The 2 time Pro Bowler and the 2009’s Sporting News Comeback Player of the year, finished his career as a backup but the highs were astronomical. 

Notable Achievements: 3rd overall pick in the 2006 draft - 2008 Madden cover athlete

Jalen Hurts - Leading your team the Superbowl is no easy feat, just ask the next QB on this list. Doing so in your 2nd season is even more difficult. Especially with his inexperience and obvious passing limitations at that point in his career. The two time Pro Bowler gets this spot because of his upward trajectory and his track record of sustained success and excellence. I wouldn't be surprised if we see the Eagles in the big game as soon as next season. 

Notable Achievements: Most rushing touchdowns in a season by a quarterback: 15 (tied)

Most rushing yards in a Super Bowl by a quarterback: 70

Most rushing touchdowns in a Super Bowl by a quarterback: 3

Dak Prescott - Say what you want about Dak Prescott, but when it comes to this list the three time Pro Bowler is definitely top ten. Bursting onto the scene with fellow rookie Ezekiel Elliot in 2016, the Dallas Cowboys QB has amassed nearly 30,000 career passing yards, 28 career rushing touchdowns, and for a time was on the short list for MVP during the 2023 season, leading the league in touchdown passes. A deep playoff run will boost his resume on this list and others. 

Notable Achievements:  Highest passer rating by a rookie quarterback (104.9)

Highest completion percentage by a rookie quarterback: (67.8%)

Most wins in a season by a rookie quarterback: 13 (tied)

Outside Looking In:

Deshawn Watson - Pure talent lands him ahead of the others in this group. I wouldn't be surprised if Watson’s resume improves after a potential drama free, healthy offseason. 2023 was the exception not the rule.

Kyler Murray - 2019’s offensive rookie of the year has a lot to prove but i honestly like what i've seen so far. The Cardinals aren’t known for winning and it isn't a surprise that he may be the greatest QB in the team's history despite only being a pro for 5 seasons. Elite dual skills has him edging out a lot of our early 2000s favorites.

Daunte Culppepper - His heyday was with the Minnesota Vikings where he spearheaded a daunting aerial attack led by stand out wide receivers Randy Moss and Chris Carter. After being hit with the injury bug around 2005 his career never was the same afterwards. But no one can deny his 3 Pro Bowl appearances and his magical 2004 campaign where he set the NFL record for most total yardage produced by an NFL QB.

Colin Capernick - Mired in controversy because of his stance on Police brutality, “Cap” had a solid start to his career that saw him minutes away from a Super Bowl victory. He currently holds the records for most rushing yards in a game by a Quarterback  and the record for most rushing yards by a QB in a single postseason. 

A few names you have probably forgotten:

Aaron Brooks - Played 6 seasons for the New Orleans Saints. Retired in 2007 as the Saints' leader in season and career touchdown passes.

Quincy Carter - More famously known for his impressive college career at the University of Georgia, the former second round pick enjoyed a decent Pro career, leading the ‘03 Cowboys to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth. 

Byron Leftwich - Another college standout, Byron was the face of the Jacksonville Jaguars for a time. After injuries forced him to a backup role, he finally captured a Super Bowl ring with the Steelers in 2009. 

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