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 The Field Generals: Former NFL Quarterbacks Teaching Youth, Preserving History
By Leland Stein, III - February 21, 2006
Detroit, MI — Looking to lead by example and through deeds, The Field Generals are trying to impact lives.
Founded by ex-NFL quarterbacks Warren Moon, Doug Williams, Marlin Briscoe, James “Shack” Harris, Vince Evans and Randall Cunningham, this group of African-American males is taking dead aim at influencing our youth in a positive way.
The Field Generals have dedicated themselves to teaching and preserving the history of the African-American quarterback. As a group, this strong contingent of men, believe that by instructing the youth of today in the art of how to be quarterbacks, both on and off the field, through leadership, responsibility and excellence, they are nurturing leaders of tomorrow.
"What we want to do with The Field Generals is promote young leaders in the community,” explained Moon at a press conference in the Media Center during Super Bowl XL. “As we go into different communities we want to build leaders, not just in football, but leaders in life. We want to make that a goal in our clinics."
All these men have been pioneers in trying to convince and show the NFL brass that they can trust their team to a African-American quarterback.
Briscoe was the first Black to start in the NFL (at Denver), Williams was the first to start in and win a Super Bowl (in Washington), Harris broke ground Los Angels Rams and Moon (Houston Oilers) is the first to be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. So, it’s safe to say these men are ready to lead and are truly field generals.
Moon also noted that The Field Generals have entered into a partnership with ESPN books to publish “Third and a Mile.” New York Times sports columnist Bill Rhoden is charged with documenting the struggle of the Black quarterbacks in the NFL.
"Overcoming adversity, displaying perseverance and achievement is the story of the Black quarterback," Moon said.
"It is not just a story about football,” Rhoden noted; "it’s about race and opportunity, too. Putting this together has been like a jazz ensemble. It is a fascinating story about overcoming obstacles."
No one knows any more about perseverance than Moon. After leading Washington to a Rose Bowl victory Moon was shunned by the entire NFL. He had to play in Canada for six years before Houston acknowledged his skills and gave him a chance in 1984.
Harris, who presently is an executive with Jacksonville, admits things have gotten somewhat better from when he came into the league. As evident by the presence of Daunte Culpepper, Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb, Byron Leftwich and Steve McNair. When Harris Briscoe and Williams were playing quarterback in the 1960s and '70s, they were on an island.
One question asked to the panel that included Harris, Moon, Williams and Briscoe was, "What position would Vince Young or Culpepper be playing if they came along during their era?"
Briscoe and Harris shouted in unison, "Tight end, defensive back or running back."
Briscoe and Harris said people need to know about their history and what they and others had to endure.
"I realized that when I came up the NFL was not an option," said Harris.
"I only played quarterback one year (’68) and I never got another chance, said Briscoe. But I proved that a Black man had the talent to leader."
The question about Black coaches popped up in the interview session and Williams jumped right on it.
"We need the (Art) Rooney Rule," explained Williams, who is a NFL assistant coach, “but there were eight job opening and not one Black got hired. So I can say it did not work this year."
The Field Generals are entering a new phase where they are engaging with new sponsors and partnerships with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Foundation, which is seeking to build on the National Mall in Washington D.C. a National Memorial Project.
Through the perseverance and determination of these pioneering quarterbacks, the groundwork has been laid for future quarterback aspirants to be given a chance to lead and not get moved to tight end or running back just because they were Black.
Old attitudes are still rearing their ugly head, but things have changed. The Field Generals hope to inspire and motivate young people to use the same leaderships skills required to be a professional quarterback, in their community and in their everyday lives.
About The Author - Leland Stein, III All Articles By This Author
©Copyright 2006 - Leland Stein is a nationally syndicated columnist and can be heard on 107.5 every Sunday from 11 p.m. to Midnight in Detroit. He can be reached at lelstein3@aol.com
Articles may not be reproduced, rewritten, or retransmitted without the express written consent of Leland Stein, III.
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