Charles K. Ross: Tim Tebow: What’s Race Got to Do With It?

Dr. Charles K. Ross is Chair of the African American Studies Program, and Associate Professor of History and African American Studies at the University of Mississippi. Dr. Ross is the author of, “Outside the Lines: African Americans and the Integration of the National Football League” (New York University Press).

The recent success of Tim Tebow as the quarterback of the Denver Broncos has facilitated much dialogue among followers of NFL football and probably among many who don’t follow the sport closely. Without question his tremendous success at the collegiate level, unconventional throwing motion, and strong Christian faith have fueled numerous perspectives and opinions. The issue of race has been largely ignored by the mainstream media but cannot be overlooked when examining the opportunity that young Mr. Tebow is enjoying as the most important player on the field for the Broncos.

Yes, many people feel that that the issue of race and the quarterback position in the NFL was settled long ago, when Michael Vick became the first African-American quarterback to be selected with the first overall draft pick in 2001 by the Atlanta Falcons.

But the social issues around Vick are still generating heated discussion. On ESPN’s “First Take” several days ago, the panelists debated whether Tebow was in fact getting exposure because he was white and that black quarterbacks in the past had not been given the same opportunities. On the show, sports journalist Rob Parker stated “The NFL is making an exception for Tebow which has created resentment that is grounded in the question of ‘How come black players with similar skills in the past were not granted the chance to play quarterback?’”...