McNabb Makes a Bold Statement

Donovan McNabb let out a can of worms last week when, during an interview on Real Sports, McNabb claimed that “African-American quarterbacks such as himself face added pressure because there are fewer black quarterbacks -- and because some still don't want black athletes playing the position”. This takes a lot of guts for McNabb to make these claims. Race is always a tough card to play because of all the attention that is drawn from it. From a marketing standpoint, it also puts the team and the League on the radar. Commentators have been expressing their opinions of this topic also.

Being from Philadelphia I have mixed emotions about Donovan McNabb. I feel that he was once a great quarterback but he has peaked as a quarterback long ago. He is also an attention whore. I have heard numerous comments, from former Eagles’ players explaining the reason for the McNabb-TO “Thrilla in Phila” was very much Donovan McNabb’s fault. I do not disagree with this statement. I used to believe McNabb was the messiah and T.O. was trying to thwart the dreams of all Philadelphia. Now as I look back, it seems in the last 4 years since T.O., McNabb has had his fair share of problems: the Garcia vs. McNabb competition that was brought about this past summer, the numerous injuries and missed playing time, and the Eagles not being able to win “the big one”. Garcia wanted to be resigned by the Eagles and a second string and after last season Garcia was looked upon as Philadelphia’s favorite quarterback. McNabb couldn’t handle that and Garcia was forced out. The same thing happened with Terrell Owens. He was Philadelphia’s most favorite athlete. McNabb could not take it. Then the situation blew up.

In terms of the argument that black quarterbacks are more scrutinized than white quarterbacks, I do not feel McNabb’s argument has any truth behind it. I understand there are only five starting quarterbacks in the NFL that are black. That is a shame. I am not going to hide that fact. I feel the quarterback position is transitioning though, and there will definitely be more black quarterbacks in the future. In terms of criticism of black quarterbacks, I feel all quarterbacks get more criticism than praise 99% of the time. This does not matter if you are black, white, yellow, green, or blue. Quarterbacks are the leader of the team, and will be the first ones criticized. McNabb gets criticized because he is a player in Philadelphia. Philadelphians are some of the harshest critics in the world. If you do not win a championship, you probably will be greeted with tons of hate. If you do bring home a trophy, you will be revered forever.

From a marketing standpoint, the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL should really brush this topic under the table. It is a very touchy subject, and I feel has no value. McNabb is just looking for a way to grab some more unnecessary attention. If he wants attention, he should bring home a championship. Besides that, he should just be worrying about the wins. He has not been doing that at all this season.