Patrick Mahomes calls it ‘special’ to battle Jalen Hurts in Super Bowl’s first ever black QB matchup

Patrick Mahomes has called facing Jalen Hurts in the Super Bowl on February 12 “special,” in what will be the first matchup of two black quarterbacks in the game’s history.

Players like Doug Williams and Donovan McNabb previously paved the way for black quarterbacks, and Mahomes recognizes the importance of him and Hurts facing off.

“To be on the world stage and to have two black quarterbacks starting in the Super Bowl, I think it’s special, and I’ve learned more and more about black quarterback history since I’ve been in this league,” Mahomes said. journalists on Thursday.

“The guys that came before me and Jalen set the stage for this, and now, I’m glad that we can set the stage for the guys that are kids that are coming out now.

“Over time, you’ve seen, every time Doug Williams or Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb go out there and play some great football, it gives other guys like me and Jalen a chance to have this platform and have this place on a team. of the NFL”.

Patrick Mahomes acknowledged the importance of two black quarterbacks facing each other next week

Jalen Hurts had a terrific season for the Eagles, who enter the game with a 16-3 record.

“So if we can continue to show that we can consistently be great, I think it will continue to open doors, for other kids to grow up to follow their dreams, to be a quarterback for the NFL team. It’s good that we have guys like Jalen on the other side. He’s a great person and obviously a great quarterback.’

The Mahomes-Hurts matchup comes 35 years after Williams became the first black quarterback to start in a Super Bowl.

He excelled in that game for Washington, throwing for 340 yards and four touchdowns and leading his team to a 42-10 victory.

Both Mahomes and Hurts enter the Super Bowl off stellar seasons, with the former leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns and the latter earning MVP recognition with his dual-threat prowess.

Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain in the divisional round against the Jaguars, but played last week against the Bengals and said he didn’t aggravate the injury in the AFC Championship.

Other than [some general soreness]I feel like I’m in a good place,’ he said.