OK. You might be thinking to yourself: Why is your first Black History Month Hero an Athlete?
Criticism welcomed, my first Black History Month hero is Warren Moon. An All-American Athlete who not only defied the odds of the National Football League, but became the first prototype for a style of athlete that was synonymous with "Black Boy Magic". In his professional career spanning from 1978 to 2001, Moon juked, spun, and dove his way into both history and the Hall of Fame.
Before we're ever given the tools and perspective to be the movers and shakers of the world, every young Black boy aspires to be the American Hero. The kind that defies the odds, survives through adolescent troubles, accepts the debt of family sacrifice and goes on to become a champion. He proves himself through strength, speed, conditioning, but most importantly mental fortitude. He stands in crowded stadiums amongst "ohhh's", "ahhh's", boos, and cheers and plays 48-, 60-, and even 90-minute games in unforgiving arenas.
The American football quarterback was seen as the leader of the football team, and in the 1970's and prior African-Americans weren't deemed to be qualified as quarterbacks due to lack of IQ, or lack of skill. Prior to Moon, there were no Black quarterbacks. In fact, his entry into the NFL from the Canadian Football League came at the bidding for his talent from his previous CFL coach, Hugh Campbell in 1983. Let's think about that. Moon entered the NFL at the same time, as an undrafted, 27-year-old rookie, among the likes of Elway, Marino, Eason, Kelly, Kubiak, Taylor, and succeeded at a position as the lone wolf. The Black Sheep of Houston.
Sure, in 1986, he led the NFL in interceptions at 26, but in 1990 he was not only the MVP, but also the Offensive Player of the Year. He lead the the league in passing TDs (33), along with attempts, completions, and yards passed (4,689), well on his way to 8-straight Pro Bowls. Warren Moon was a little bit more than just a hero - he was the hero. He was in your NFL players' card deck, on your pogs, and if you were fortunate enough to own a Sega Genesis or a Super Nintendo, you played with the Houston Oilers.
He inspired the new age quarterbacks, and his style of play - his mobility, his agility, and his ability to throw on the run - became a patented prototype for many other Black boys that grew up to become great and renown quarterbacks. The truth is that Moon didn't win every battle he faced, but every challenge thrown in his direction was faced without a bow or a wince. He lost to Montana in '93. He lost his job to Brad Johnson in 1996. He became the backup in 1999. Yet by the end of his career in 2001, Moon was a Top-5 All-Time quarterback in nearly every QB category.
Lastly, the 1989 Man of The Year did what nearly every hero and legend must do, he returned to give back. Stepping in to mentor Cam Newton, and even Russell Wilson. Moon is hardly talked about when it comes to great 80s and 90s quarterbacks, lost in the clammer of the Montana legacy, and Aikmen, and others. Moon's legacy was both solidified and equally almost threatened. In the late 90s, Houston's franchise moved to Tennessee to become the Titans, giving rise to the legacy of its new Black quarterback Steve McNair. Houston then birthed the Texans. ​Moon never won a Super Bowl. In fact, he'd never made it to one. But when you're a child born in the 90s, watching Warren Moon play on any given Sunday was like watching a Super Bowl within itself.
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