Doug Williams was a Grambling State University graduate. In case we must be refreshed on America's history, Grambling, founded in 1901, is one of the many Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
This truly isn't as much about football or "Black History" so let's call it America's History because that is what it is. So to counter-push the desire to cancel African Americans' historical and present-day fight against racism, segregation, and ugly rhetoric, it is necessary to fill in what America's history books and American politics have canceled.
If you are thinking that I'm making false assumptions, let's do a quick quiz.
Now, let's look at 1975: How would you do on the same test for the following three Super Bowl Quarterbacks.?
Terry Bradshaw the Pittsburgh Steelers winning quarterback in Super Bowl X in 1975? Joe Namath, 1968? Lenny Dawson, 1969?
In the 60's and 70's we heard about them in nauseum. Deservingly so, but so was Doug Williams.
Do you remember Doug Williams of the Washington Redskins, who was the winning Super Bowl XXI quarterback? Can you recite any facts on him as a man: born? teams? draft?
I have a feeling you know Joe Gibbs. But do you know how Doug Williams and Joe Gibbs mesh in history?
Joe Gibbs was the only NFL coach who visited Williams. On the recommendation of Gibbs, Tampa Bay drafted Williams in the first round (17th overall) of the 1978 NFL draft. Williams was the only starting African-American quarterback in the NFL at that time, and dealt with racism from the fans, and even his own coaching staff. (Rise of the Black QB, author Jason Reid)
Those who do know of Doug Williams usually spout out he was the first...insert race: black...quarterback.
"In 1987, Williams joined Washington Redskins and made history in Super Bowl XXII. On January 31, 1988, he led the team to a dominant 42-10 victory over the Denver Broncos. Williams threw for a record-breaking 340 yards and became the first quarterback to pass for four touchdowns in a single quarter. His performance earned him Super Bowl MVP honors, making him the first Black quarterback to achieve this feat.
This is what he had to say about that:
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| "tired of the 'black quarterback' talk" |
Yes, we are all tired of it. Mostly because given the opportunity to play in the game, any game, all have at least a chance to compete; to succeed. Although this is not about Joe Gibbs doing what should be an American standard, Gibbs was able to face and fight the backlash of supporting and recognizing "black talent." Many don't have that courage even today.
For this reason alone, I know he is one person I'd like to share for Black History Month (Feb). Plus it's Super Bowl month! (Go Chiefs).
Adversity Was the Norm Then As It Is Now
Know that my job is to record history not soften the blow. This article represents life and adversity not just in the south, but in America. Being five years younger (1960), adversity, especially racial adversity in USA, is my reasoning to share all genealogical and ancestral as well as contemporary stories, in hopes we can use the common ground of the human story, the family story to expand our circle.
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| Full Article: Well-Armed Pioneer, 1988 |
Doug Williams and Ancestors
Born on 9 August 1955, in Zachary, Louisiana, Doug Williams was one of eight children raised by Robert and Laura (Matthews) Williams.
His father Robert, Sr was a WWII veteran.
His mother was affectionately known as "Shot." She passed 24 Sep 2019. Robert Sr preceding her in death.
At Grambling, Williams played under the legendary Coach Eddie Robinson. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in education. At the time of his draft with Tampa Bay, Williams was the only starting Black quarterback in the league.
It must be noted that several of his brothers were also excelled in college and professional sports. Doug was one of eight children born
to Robert and Laura (Matthews) Williams:
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- Robert Williams, Jr1],
[2],
a former baseball player, All-American, Grambling; high school football coach; and superintendent
of middle schools for the East Baton Rouge Parish school system[3]
was born about 1946.[4]
- Jacquelyn (also seen as Jacqueline)
- Barbara
- Carolyn
- Larry Pete, born 1953, died Oct 2015
- Doug, our subject, born 1955
- Manzie, born 29 Aug 1957
- Michael “Mike,” Born 1958, quarterback at
Grambling[5]
Williams has been married three times. His first wife, Janice Goss of Gainesville, GA[6,] he married in 1982. She died April 1983. (Daily News, Bogalusa, Louisiana, Apr 10, 1983, Page 16).
He later married Lisa Robinson in 1987 and eventually wed Raunda Ashner Williams. He is noted to have eight children.
For further reading, check out these historic newspaper clips:Join us in Honoring Doug Williams for Black History Spotlight, and Super Bowl Month.
Notes:
[1] https://www.newspapers.com/image/360182718/?match=2&terms=%22robert%20williams%22%20%22doug%20williams%22
[2] Robert Williams, brother of Doug, baseball player With Cleveland Indians; https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-star/164453722/
[3] https://www.newspapers.com/article/southwest-daily-news/164454889/
[4] Shreveport Journal, 1977, https://www.newspapers.com/image/602218010/?terms=%22doug%20williams%22%20%2B%22janice%20goss%22
[5] https://www.newspapers.com/image/602218010/?terms=%22doug%20williams%22%20%2B%22janice%20goss%22
[6] https://www.newspapers.com/image/600427395/?terms=janice&match=1
[7] https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times/164456249/
[8] https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news/164455927/
