African American Athletes in the 80s Challenges These Athletes Faced -Each sport had their own challenges -Limitations, Education, and Voicing their opinions were the biggest problems -This decade would later inspire athletes later on to make a change Position Limits -Football -African American athletes are known for speed and athleticism -They could not play quarterback because that is a position for leaders - 80s -Quarterback Doug Williams leads the Washington Redskins to the Superbowl No More Limitations -After the 80’s, there has been a rise in Black quarterbacks -NFL MVP winners in 2018 and 2019 -Patrick Mahomes (2018) -Lamar Jackson (2019) -Both Black quarterbacks Education -Many saw black athletes just for sports - they would only enroll in classes just to play -meaningless degrees -John Carlos (Olympic Sprinter) encouraged education among youth -stated no one cared about the black athlete outside of sports Voicing Themselves -Famous athletes did not speak on major issues -crack epidemic, racial tensions due to OJ trial, and Rodney King -They were seen as athletes and should stick to sports - athletes like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods No More Silence -Athletes today now speak on major issues -social injustices, racial tensions, etc… -Major sport organizations allow players to express themselves -NBA BLM movement -NFL BLM phrases painted on field -MLB BLM painted on field a well Conclusion -During the 80s, black athletes had to climb many obstacles -some took longer to climb than others -The impact they had set the tone for future black athletes to shine -both on and off the field Citations Holland, Jesse.2020. “Black Athletes in 1980s, 90s Not Outspoken, But Not Silent.” AP NEWS. Retrieved November 25, 2020 https://apnews.com/article/3753fab5175343e09a12d85c718c008c Greenspan, Bud. 2020. “The Black Athlete.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSw1ID-2xak.