
The Great Black Hope
Doug Williams, Vince Evans, and the Making of the Black Quarterback
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Narrated by:
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Leon Nixon
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By:
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Louis Moore
About this listen
The story of two pioneering Black NFL football players that changed the face of America’s game for generations to come.
There is no position in pro sports more important than an NFL quarterback. But quarterbacking was the exclusive domain of white players for many years, and when Doug Williams and Vince Evans arrived in the league in the late 1970s, they got death threats, faced racist questions, and knew that a single mistake could end their careers. The Great Black Hope tells the twin stories of Vince Evans, an electrifying dual-threat quarterback ahead of his time, and of Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to become a champion. Moore shows how easily Williams' triumphant story could have gone wrong and how his success changed the game and the country.
A skillful blend of game-time drama and social commentary, this book captures unheralded heroes of the NFL and all that they meant, both on the field and off.
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What listeners say about The Great Black Hope
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Tyrone
- 04-08-25
Book Review: The Great Black Hope By Jason Reid
The Great Black Hope is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the journey and impact of Black quarterbacks in the National Football League. Jason Reid takes listeners through decades of challenges, breakthroughs, and triumphs that have reshaped the NFL’s most high-profile position. The book isn’t just about football—it’s about representation, systemic barriers, and the resilience of athletes who refused to be sidelined.
Reid’s storytelling gives voice to pioneers like Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham, and Doug Williams, while connecting their legacies to today’s stars like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. This book is essential for anyone who wants to understand how race intersects with sports and leadership in America.
I highly recommend taking the time to listen to this book. It provides context to today’s NFL and offers a deeper appreciation for the athletes who changed the game—both on and off the field. It’s a must-hear for football fans, students of history, and those passionate about social justice.
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- Rucker
- 12-21-24
Great Black History
Inspiring book for the upcoming young black athletes in all sports. Thank you Doug Williams and Vince Evans for your courage and strength.
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- PrincetonWill
- 10-08-24
Great listen
Cannot recommend this enough- Moore does a fantastic job telling these important stories in a manner that is academically rigorous and engaging
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