This week we welcomed acclaimed sportswriter and author John Eisenberg on the show to talk about his new book Rocket Men which is a fascinating look at the history and evolution of black quarterbacks in the NFL!
In Rocket Men, John Eisenberg offers the definitive history of Black quarterbacks in the NFL—men who shaped not only the history of football but the cause of civil rights in America. From early pioneers like Fritz Pollard to groundbreaking modern standouts like Marlin Briscoe and James “Shack” Harris, Black quarterbacks often had to be twice as good as their white counterparts to get playing time—and even then, many never got that chance. That didn’t begin to change in earnest until the 1990s and the 2000s, when racist notions about what Black quarterbacks supposedly couldn’t do began to fade, paving the way for today’s stars like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson.
Drawing on deep historical research and exclusive interviews with Black quarterbacks and players, coaches, and talent evaluators who have worked alongside them, Rocket Men is a celebration of the athletes and activists who transformed the game.
We had a great time talking with John about the research that went into this book, which is his eleventh book overall, the people he met and the behind the scenes stories that didn't make the book! Whether you're an NFL fan or not you'll find this conversation interesting, educational, and fun!
Look for Rocket Men: The Black Quarterbacks Who Revolutionized Pro Football on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and wherever books are sold!
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