The College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta is set to unveil a powerful new exhibit titled Ascension: Rise of the Black Quarterback, chronicling the groundbreaking journey of Black quarterbacks in college football.
The exhibit, presented by Kia and Coca-Cola as part of the Hall’s Black History Month programming, will open ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and remain on display through early summer.
CF Hall of Fame Launches Exhibit Honoring Black Quarterbacks
It offers an immersive look at the evolution of Black quarterbacks—from eras of exclusion, stereotypes, and limited opportunities to their emergence as innovative leaders and elite performers at the game’s most scrutinized position.
Through compelling storytelling, rare historical artifacts, and data-driven analysis, Ascension directly addresses longstanding myths about intelligence, leadership, and athletic ability that historically barred Black athletes from the quarterback role.
The exhibit highlights the pivotal contributions of generations of players, coaches, and programs—especially those at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—that transformed the sport and paved the way for today’s landscape. Notably, Black quarterbacks now make up 50% of NFL starters for the first time in league history.
“Ascension tells a story that every fan and every young athlete should understand,” said Kimberly Beaudin, President and CEO of the College Football Hall of Fame. “It recognizes the barriers Black quarterbacks overcame and celebrates how their leadership, innovation, and excellence continue to shape the future of college football.”
The exhibit begins with early pioneers like Wade Hampton of Livingstone College and G.E. Ceasar of Biddle University, who faced off in the first documented HBCU football game in 1892.
It then spotlights iconic figures including Fritz Pollard, Charlie Ward, Steve McNair, Cam Newton, Lamar Jackson, and many others.
Visitors will explore how visionary HBCU coaches such as Eddie Robinson, John Merritt, and Archie Cooley introduced pro-style and high-powered offenses that prepared Black quarterbacks for success at the college and professional levels.
Among the standout artifacts on display—some on loan from the Pro Football Hall of Fame—are:
- Jimmy Jones’ 1969 replica USC helmet and a copy of Sports Illustrated featuring Jones on the cover, marking the first Black quarterback to appear on the magazine’s cover.
- Doug Williams’ 1977 letterman jacket from Grambling State University.
- Steve McNair’s 1994 SWAC First Team All-Conference Plaque.
- Bryce Young’s 2021 Alabama jersey.
- Jayden Daniels’ 2023 LSU helmet and headband.
Additional highlights include a comprehensive list of every Black quarterback who has won a Division I National Championship, along with those who claimed the Heisman Trophy.
As part of its mission to preserve and celebrate the complete history of college football, the College Football Hall of Fame presents Ascension as an opportunity for reflection on past struggles, recognition of progress, and deeper understanding of the sport’s ongoing evolution.
Fans, families, students, and visitors are encouraged to experience this timely and inspiring exhibit. For more details, including hours of operation, ticket prices, and visitor guidelines, visit cfbhall.com.
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