By Joseph Green-Bishop
Texas Metro News Correspondent
Fans throughout North Texas and the country are thrilled about the historical significance of Super Bowl LVII which will be played February 12 in Glendale, AZ. For the first time in history, the starting quarterbacks for both teams will be African American.
In another historical twist, the game will be the first time that two biological brothers will compete against each other in a Super Bowl. Travis Kelce, an All-Pro tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is Mahome’s favorite pass receiver. His older brother, Jason Kelce, plays center for the Philadelphia Eagles. Like his brother, Jason Kelce is considered one of the finest players in the National Football League.
Mahomes is seeking a second Super Bowl victory. His first came in 2020 when the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers by the score of 31 to 20. The following year he and his team returned to the Superbowl where they were beaten by the New England Patriots 31 to 9.
“The game is going to be extremely interesting and well played,” said Dedrick Jennings, the owner of Cedar Hill based Sacred Inc., which operates a funeral home, a floral business and a commercial printing concern. “I will be glued to the television set,” said Mr. Jennings, who played football when he was a student at Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas. “It is going to be something to see.”
Hurts was drafted by the Eagles in 2020. The team won its only Super Bowl Championship in 2018, defeating the San Francisco 49ers by the score of thirty-one to seven. It was the first time that the Eagles won professional football’s most sought after prize. One hundred million viewers are expected to watch this year’s game, according to television analysts.
In addition to Mr. Mahomes and Doug Williams, a Super Bowl MVP, Russell Wilson is the third African American starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl. He guided the Seattle Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl XLVIII, defeating the Denver Broncos by the score of 43 to 8.
Mr. Williams, a graduate of Grambling University, led The Washington Redskins to a 42 to 10 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII in 1988. His team, a three point underdog before the game, shocked the football world. He threw four touchdowns and passed for 340 yards.
“I am ecstatic to witness this historical moment involving these two young players,” said Anthony Farmer, an attorney who practices in North Texas. “Nearly 77 years after the NFL was integrated we see these two men competing in the Super Bowl. Regardless of who wins, we all win.”
Dante Wesley, a Cedar Hill resident who played for 11 years in the NFL, described the two young men competing against one another as “great for the sport and the culture.” Mr. Wesley played defensive back for the Chicago Bears in 2007. That year the Bears played the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLI.
“For these two young quarterbacks to be leading their teams in a Super Bowl demonstrates the depth of their characters and their leadership abilities. It is a wonderful thing,” he added.
History will also be made on that day when Eagles assistant coach Autumn Lockwood becomes the first Black woman to coach in a Super Bowl. She will be the 4th woman ever to coach in the Super Bowl.
