Research

In collaboration with Dr. Drew Brown in the African American Studies program at the University of Florida, our project examines Black NFL Quarterbacks from 2019 to 2024, attempting to understand how these players are represented in the media, how they navigate racial dynamics, how they challenge or conform to traditional ideas of masculinity, and how their experiences reflect broader shifts in societal understandings of Black masculinity.

Our Topic

In recent years, the NFL has witnessed a surge in the prominence and influence of Black quarterbacks, challenging long-standing stereotypes and reshaping the narrative of Black athletic prowess. This shift provides a unique opportunity to explore the evolving perceptions and representations of Black masculinity within the context of sports culture.

The Problem

Traditional notions of masculinity have often shaped societal expectations for Black men, especially in the context of sports. Black NFL players operate in a white-owned and dominated sporting and media sphere, placing their identities within these rigid boundaries. Due to these factors, Black masculine expressions are commonly misunderstood or overly-criticized,

especially when they challenge existing power structures.

Significance

Understanding Black quarterbacks’ masculinity is significant as these athletes occupy a role in the global sporting culture where their identities, bodies, and expressions are constant topics of dialogue. Additionally, there are more Black NFL QBs than ever, a trend that has only grown, as evidenced by the 2023 and 2024 NFL drafts which saw 6 Black players drafted at the position in the first round.

Purpose

By analyzing Black quarterbacks' masculine expressions over the past 5 years, this study will contribute to the growing literature on this topic, illustrating how contemporary Black quarterbacks navigate and redefine notions of masculinity, contribute to broader conversations on racial identity, and influence cultural perceptions in the realm of professional sports.