Not Bad for a Running Back

Student Illustrator: Sam Obi

Student Author: Frank J. Platko

Baltimore Ravens sensational quarterback, Lamar Jackson, posted career-highs in the September 8, 2019 Week 1 game against the Miami Dolphins. He threw for five touchdown passes and 324 yards while completing 17/23 passes. After the game he was asked by a reporter about his performance and he proclaimed it was, “not bad for a running back." The importance of Jackson’s rather simple statement is that it represents a slight to his doubters and naysayers who, dating back to his college days at Louisville, suggested that he could not succeed as a quarterback at the NFL level. NFL scouting experts, analysts and coaches told him throughout the draft process that he should switch positions – either to running back or wide receiver. “Not bad for a running back” is a climactic moment from an individual who has been at the forefront of unfair critique for several years. This critique of Lamar Jackson, who is African American, has much to do with a racial ideology in sports that deems African American football players less suited for the quarterback position. Racial ideology leads to race stacking which is when athletes are told to play another position, usually based on race-based stereotypes about athleticism, intellect and other attributes. A prime example of this is black football players being relegated to positions other than quarterback, like wide receiver and running back, as was the case with Lamar Jackson. During his transition from college to the NFL, large numbers of people questioned his ability to read defenses, make pre-snap adjustments and recognize coverages while under center. However, he was among the league leaders in passing touchdowns, QBR, passer rating, and completion percentage, all while rushing for more yards and touchdowns than any other quarterback. Lamar Jackson was named the 2019 NFL MVP.

This is part of the Annual Poster Session, a collaboration between the Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Department and the Media Arts and Technologies Department, featuring work by social science and illustration students.