In 1987, Doug Williams came off of the bench to replace Jay Schroeder at quarterback for the Redskins. That led to a playoff birth and a victory in Superbowl XXII. At that time, there was a lot of skepticism about black quarterbacks. Many thought that they were not smart enough. Doug Williams proceeded out on the field that day with a lot of pressure on his shoulders. Despite the fact that he underwent a six hour root canal the day prior, he performed off the charts. The Skins scored five touchdowns in the second quarter and finished with a convincing 42-10 rout of the Broncos. Doug Williams delivered and set the record straight.
Football is a sport that includes eleven teammates on the field at one time. One of the great strengths of the Redskins in that era was their coach, Joe Gibbs, and their offensive line appropriately nicknamed "The Hogs". The Hogs protected many Redskin quarterbacks through the years.
Barack Obama, our president elect, is faced with a similar scenario as Doug Williams. He carries a huge burden on his shoulders being the first black president. In January, he will enter the Superbowl as quarterback. His "root canal" will be the financial system and unrest in the Middle East. In the coming weeks, we will see who he selects to be his coach and Hogs. If I were him, I would pick some massive Hogs that can block and give him time to complete some passes. Start off slow in the first quarter, and then try to make some big plays in the second quarter. Doug Williams paved the way for Cunningham, Stewart, McNair, Culpepper, McNabb, Brooks, Vick, and Blake. Barack Obama now has the opportunity and challenge to pave the road to the future for many others.
P.S. After Joe Gibbs left the Redskins, I lost touch with the team and picked the Colts up as my new "backup" team when Jim Mora arrived. The later arrival of my fellow New Orleanian, Peyton Manning, sealed the deal. But remember I predict a Super Bowl victory for the Saints next season!
