- By Dan Becker
- news@profootballtechs.com
46 years after making NFL history, Vince Evans’ legacy as a Black quarterback lives on
This past Super Bowl saw two Black quarterbacks starting for the first time in the game together.
For Black History Month, it’s worth looking back at one of the trailblazers who paved the way for Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes.
Vince Evans was a starting quarterback for both the Chicago Bears and LA/Oakland Raiders with a career that spanned three decades.
Evans was a graduate of USC, leading the Trojans to 1977 Rose Bowl victory against Michigan. Evans was then drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1977 becoming the first black starting quarterback in team history.
He played for the Bears as a starter until 1983.
He signed with the Chicago Blitz in the first incarnation of the USFL.
After the league folded, Evans was out of football until the following season.
Evans was signed during the 1987 players strike by the Los Angeles Raiders and spent the next nine seasons as the Raiders’ back-up despite many changes at starting quarterback.
Evans lead the Raiders to relief wins in 92, 93 and 95. The 1992 victory was a comeback win against the Washington Redskins the day after Christmas.
Evans stated he was proud he was steadfast in his desire to play quarterback in the NFL.
His work as well as others, helped lead to the game we have today.
