How many Black Quarterbacks won the Super Bowl?
Bowl as starting quarterbacks: Doug Williams, Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, and Jalen Hurts. Together, they have six Super Bowl wins as starters because Patrick Mahomes has won three titles. As of early 2026, that number did not change after Super Bowl LX, which was won by the Seattle Seahawks with Sam Darnold as quarterback.
But the real story is much deeper than a number.
For many years, Black Quarterbacks had to fight unfair doubts. Some people questioned their leadership. Others questioned their passing skills. Some were even told they should play another position. That sounds strange today, especially when we watch stars like Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, C.J. Stroud, Dak Prescott, and others lead major NFL teams.
Still, history matters. Every Super Bowl win by Black Quarterbacks helped change the game. These wins proved something that should have been obvious long ago: talent, leadership, and football intelligence have no color.
In this article, we will go through the full list, explain each historic win, and look at why Black Quarterbacks have become such an important part of NFL history.
Quick Answer: How Many Black Quarterbacks Won the Super Bowl?
The quick answer is simple:
Four Black Quarterbacks have won the Super Bowl as starters.
They are:
| Quarterback | Team | Super Bowl Win | Season | Super Bowl MVP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doug Williams | Washington | Super Bowl XXII | 1987 | Yes |
| Russell Wilson | Seattle Seahawks | Super Bowl XLVIII | 2013 | No |
| Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs | Super Bowl LIV | 2019 | Yes |
| Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs | Super Bowl LVII | 2022 | Yes |
| Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs | Super Bowl LVIII | 2023 | Yes |
| Jalen Hurts | Philadelphia Eagles | Super Bowl LIX | 2024 | Yes |
So, the answer can be explained in two ways:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How many individual Black Quarterbacks won the Super Bowl? | 4 |
| How many total Super Bowl wins do Black Quarterbacks have as starters? | 6 |
| How many Black Quarterbacks won Super Bowl MVP? | 3 |
This makes the topic interesting. If someone asks about players, the answer is four. If someone asks about total wins, the answer is six.
Why This Question Matters
Football is not just a game of numbers. It is also a game of stories.
For a long time, Black Quarterbacks were judged differently. Many were praised for speed and strength, but not always for decision-making or leadership. That was unfair. It also kept many talented players from getting the same chance as others.
The quarterback position is the most watched position in football. The quarterback touches the ball on almost every offensive play. He must read defenses, call protections, manage the clock, lead the huddle, and stay calm under pressure.
Because of that, winning a Super Bowl as a quarterback carries huge weight.
When Black Quarterbacks win the Super Bowl, it is not only a sports achievement. It is also a moment that pushes back against old ideas. It shows young players that they can lead from the most important position on the field.
Doug Williams: The First Black Quarterback to Win It All
Doug Williams was the first Black quarterback to win the Super Bowl as a starter. He did it in Super Bowl XXII with Washington.
That game was played after the 1987 NFL season. Washington faced the Denver Broncos. Denver had John Elway, one of the biggest quarterback names of that era. Many people expected a close game.
Instead, Doug Williams delivered one of the greatest Super Bowl performances ever.
Washington won 42-10. Williams threw for 340 yards and four touchdowns. Even more amazing, he threw all four touchdown passes in the second quarter. He became the first Black quarterback to win the Super Bowl and the first Black quarterback to win Super Bowl MVP.
Why Doug Williams’ Win Was Historic
Doug Williams’ victory changed the conversation. Before him, no Black starting quarterback had won the Super Bowl. That fact carried a lot of meaning.
He did not just play well. He dominated. He stood in the pocket, made big throws, and controlled the game. His performance left no room for doubt.
For many football fans, Doug Williams became a symbol of possibility. He opened a door that should never have been closed in the first place.
His win still matters today because every discussion about Black Quarterbacks in the Super Bowl starts with him.
Russell Wilson: The Calm Champion in Seattle
Russell Wilson became the second Black quarterback to win the Super Bowl. He did it with the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII.
Seattle faced the Denver Broncos after the 2013 season. Denver had Peyton Manning and one of the best offenses in NFL history. Many fans expected Manning to control the game.
That did not happen.
Seattle won 43-8. The Seahawks defense was incredible, but Russell Wilson also played smart football. He protected the ball. He made good throws. He stayed calm. He helped Seattle keep control from start to finish.
Why Russell Wilson’s Win Was Important
Wilson’s win mattered for a different reason than Doug Williams’ win.
Doug Williams broke the first major barrier. Russell Wilson showed that Black Quarterbacks winning the Super Bowl was not a one-time event.
Wilson was also not the typical quarterback prospect. Some scouts thought he was too short. Some doubted whether he could become a long-term franchise quarterback. But he proved them wrong.
He showed that leadership can be quiet. It can be steady. It does not always need to be loud or flashy.
Wilson’s Super Bowl win added another important name to the story of Black Quarterbacks.
Patrick Mahomes: The Superstar Who Changed the Standard
Patrick Mahomes is one of the greatest quarterbacks of his era. Some fans already place him among the best quarterbacks in NFL history.
Mahomes has won three Super Bowls as a starting quarterback with the Kansas City Chiefs. He won Super Bowl LIV, Super Bowl LVII, and Super Bowl LVIII. He also won Super Bowl MVP in each of those wins.
That makes him the most successful Black quarterback in Super Bowl history.
Mahomes’ First Super Bowl Win
Mahomes won his first Super Bowl in Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Chiefs were behind in the second half. Many teams would have folded. Mahomes did not. He made big throws when the game was tight. Kansas City came back and won 31-20.
That win gave the Chiefs their first Super Bowl title in 50 years.
Mahomes’ Second Super Bowl Win
Mahomes won again in Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles.
This game was special because both starting quarterbacks were Black: Patrick Mahomes for the Chiefs and Jalen Hurts for the Eagles. It was the first Super Bowl with two Black starting quarterbacks. That alone made it a historic night.
The game was close and exciting. Kansas City won 38-35. Mahomes played through an ankle injury and still led his team to victory.
Mahomes’ Third Super Bowl Win
Mahomes won his third Super Bowl in Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers.
This game went to overtime. The pressure was heavy. But Mahomes stayed calm again. He led the Chiefs down the field and finished the game with a touchdown drive.
Kansas City won 25-22. Mahomes earned another Super Bowl MVP award.
Why Mahomes Matters So Much
Patrick Mahomes changed what people expect from a quarterback.
He can throw from the pocket. He can throw while moving. He can escape pressure. He can make throws from strange angles. He can lead comeback drives. He can win when the game gets messy.
He is not just one of the best Black Quarterbacks ever. He is one of the best quarterbacks ever.
That distinction matters. Mahomes has helped move the conversation forward. He is not seen as a “running quarterback” or a “special case.” He is simply great.
Jalen Hurts: The Latest Black Quarterback to Win the Super Bowl
Jalen Hurts became the fourth Black quarterback to win the Super Bowl as a starter. He led the Philadelphia Eagles to victory in Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Eagles won 40-22. Hurts was named Super Bowl MVP after a strong all-around performance. He threw for 221 yards, passed for two touchdowns, ran for 72 yards, and scored one rushing touchdown.
Why Jalen Hurts’ Story Feels Different
Jalen Hurts’ journey was not easy.
In college, he started at Alabama but later lost his starting job to Tua Tagovailoa. Many players would have broken under that pressure. Hurts did not. He stayed ready. Then he transferred to Oklahoma and rebuilt his draft value.
Even after entering the NFL, critics questioned his passing. Some wondered if he could lead a team to a Super Bowl title.
He answered those doubts with work.
Hurts improved each year. He became a better passer. He became a stronger leader. He became more patient in the pocket. And when his chance came, he delivered.
His Super Bowl win is a reminder that growth matters. A player does not need to be perfect on day one. He needs the right mindset, the right coaching, and the will to keep improving.
Full List of Black Quarterbacks Who Started a Super Bowl
Not every Black quarterback who started a Super Bowl won it. But each one played a role in NFL history.
Here is a clear list:
| Quarterback | Team | Super Bowl | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doug Williams | Washington | XXII | Won |
| Steve McNair | Tennessee Titans | XXXIV | Lost |
| Donovan McNabb | Philadelphia Eagles | XXXIX | Lost |
| Colin Kaepernick | San Francisco 49ers | XLVII | Lost |
| Russell Wilson | Seattle Seahawks | XLVIII | Won |
| Russell Wilson | Seattle Seahawks | XLIX | Lost |
| Cam Newton | Carolina Panthers | 50 | Lost |
| Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs | LIV | Won |
| Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs | LV | Lost |
| Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs | LVII | Won |
| Jalen Hurts | Philadelphia Eagles | LVII | Lost |
| Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs | LVIII | Won |
| Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs | LIX | Lost |
| Jalen Hurts | Philadelphia Eagles | LIX | Won |
This table shows a bigger picture. Black Quarterbacks have not only won the Super Bowl. They have also appeared in many of the most memorable Super Bowl games of the modern era.
Black Quarterbacks Who Won Super Bowl MVP
Winning the Super Bowl is huge. Winning Super Bowl MVP is even more special.
Three Black Quarterbacks have won Super Bowl MVP:
| Quarterback | Super Bowl MVP Wins |
|---|---|
| Doug Williams | 1 |
| Patrick Mahomes | 3 |
| Jalen Hurts | 1 |
Russell Wilson won a Super Bowl, but he did not win MVP. In Super Bowl XLVIII, the MVP award went to Seattle linebacker Malcolm Smith.
Still, Wilson’s place in history is secure. He remains one of the four Black Quarterbacks who won the Super Bowl as a starter.
How Black Quarterbacks Changed the NFL
The NFL looks very different today than it did many years ago.
In the past, many teams wanted quarterbacks to play in one style. Stay in the pocket. Make the safe throw. Do not move too much. Avoid risk.
Today, the best offenses are more flexible.
Modern quarterbacks often need to:
- Throw accurately from the pocket
- Move away from pressure
- Run when needed
- Read defenses before the snap
- Make quick decisions
- Lead in close games
- Protect the football
- Create plays when the plan breaks down
Black Quarterbacks have helped shape this modern style.
Players like Steve McNair, Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick, Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Jalen Hurts showed that quarterback play could be more dynamic.
Some were powerful runners. Some were deep passers. Some were calm leaders. Some were creative playmakers. Together, they changed how teams build offenses.
The First Super Bowl With Two Black Starting Quarterbacks
Super Bowl LVII was a special moment.
Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts became the first two Black starting quarterbacks to face each other in a Super Bowl. The Chiefs played the Eagles. The game was close, fast, and full of big plays.
Kansas City won 38-35, but both quarterbacks played well.
That game mattered because it showed how far the league had come. For decades, people debated whether Black Quarterbacks would get fair chances. Then, in one of the biggest games in sports, both teams were led by Black Quarterbacks.
It was not a side story. It was the main story.
Why Only Four Black Quarterbacks Have Won So Far
Some readers may wonder why the number is still only four.
The Super Bowl era started in the 1960s. So why have only four Black Quarterbacks won it?
The answer is not about talent. It is about opportunity.
For a long time, Black players were not always developed as quarterbacks. Some were moved to other positions. Others did not get the same patience from teams. Some were judged more harshly in the draft process.
Also, winning a Super Bowl is hard for any quarterback. Great players can have great careers and never win one. Dan Marino never won one. Jim Kelly never won one. Lamar Jackson has not won one yet. Many things must go right: coaching, defense, health, offensive line play, timing, and luck.
Still, the history of Black Quarterbacks shows that opportunity has not always been equal.
That is why each win carries extra meaning.
Are More Black Quarterbacks Likely to Win Soon?
Yes, it is very possible.
The NFL has more talented Black Quarterbacks than ever. Patrick Mahomes is still active. Jalen Hurts is still in his prime. Lamar Jackson remains one of the most dangerous players in football. C.J. Stroud has already shown major promise. Dak Prescott, Kyler Murray, Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, and others continue to keep the position exciting.
In fact, Andscape reported that a record 16 Black quarterbacks started in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season, showing how much the league has changed.
That does not mean Super Bowl wins are guaranteed. But the door is open wider now. More teams trust Black Quarterbacks as franchise leaders. More young players can see examples at the highest level.
That matters.
Common Question: Is Patrick Mahomes Counted as a Black Quarterback?
Yes, Patrick Mahomes is widely counted among Black Quarterbacks in NFL history.
Mahomes is biracial. His father, Pat Mahomes Sr., is Black, and his mother, Randi Mahomes, is white. In discussions about Black Quarterbacks and Super Bowl history, Mahomes is included.
His success is a major part of the story. With three Super Bowl wins and three Super Bowl MVP awards, he has done more than join the list. He has raised the standard.
Common Question: Did Lamar Jackson Win a Super Bowl?
No, Lamar Jackson has not won a Super Bowl yet.
He is one of the most talented Black Quarterbacks in NFL history. He has won multiple NFL MVP awards and changed how defenses prepare for the Baltimore Ravens. But as of 2026, he has not won a Super Bowl.
That could change in the future. Lamar is still a major force in the league.
Common Question: Did Cam Newton Win a Super Bowl?
No, Cam Newton did not win a Super Bowl.
He led the Carolina Panthers to Super Bowl 50 after an amazing 2015 season. Newton was the NFL MVP that year. The Panthers faced the Denver Broncos, but Denver won the game.
Even without a Super Bowl ring, Cam Newton had a huge impact. He was one of the most powerful dual-threat quarterbacks the league has ever seen.
Common Question: Did Steve McNair Win a Super Bowl?
No, Steve McNair did not win a Super Bowl.
He led the Tennessee Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV against the St. Louis Rams. The Titans came very close, but they lost 23-16. The game ended with Tennessee being stopped just short of the goal line.
McNair was tough, respected, and ahead of his time. Many fans still remember him as one of the strongest leaders of his era.
What This Means for Young Football Fans
The story of Black Quarterbacks is powerful for young fans.
It shows that progress can be slow, but it can still happen. It shows that old opinions can be proven wrong. It also shows that talent needs opportunity.
A young player watching Patrick Mahomes or Jalen Hurts today does not have to wonder if someone who looks like him can lead a team to a Super Bowl. The proof is already there.
That kind of representation matters.
It builds confidence. It changes dreams. It makes the next generation believe they belong.
The Legacy of Black Quarterbacks in One Sentence
The legacy of Black Quarterbacks is not just that they won Super Bowls.
It is that they changed what people believe a quarterback can be.
Doug Williams showed that a Black quarterback could win on the biggest stage. Russell Wilson showed that winning could happen again. Patrick Mahomes became the face of the league. Jalen Hurts proved that growth, patience, and toughness can lead to history.
That is a strong legacy. And it is still growing.
Final Answer
So, how many Black Quarterbacks won the Super Bowl?
Four Black Quarterbacks have won the Super Bowl as starters: Doug Williams, Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, and Jalen Hurts.
Together, they have won six Super Bowls as starting quarterbacks. Patrick Mahomes has three wins, while Doug Williams, Russell Wilson, and Jalen Hurts each have one.
Conclusion
The story of Black Quarterbacks in the Super Bowl is one of talent, pressure, patience, and progress.
For years, Black Quarterbacks had to fight doubts that should never have existed. Yet they kept proving themselves. Doug Williams broke through first. Russell Wilson added another chapter. Patrick Mahomes turned greatness into a standard. Jalen Hurts became the latest champion and showed the power of steady growth.
The number today is four. But this story is far from finished.
More Black Quarterbacks are leading NFL teams. More young players are getting real chances. More fans are watching history unfold in real time.
So, the next time someone asks how many Black Quarterbacks won the Super Bowl, you can give them the number. But you can also tell them the story behind it.
And that story is what makes the answer so important.