Super Bowl 48: Russell Wilson’s Chance

“I’m the best cornerback in the league!” Those are the words of the world’s most famous post-game rant and the leading storyline heading into Sunday’s huge game. Also, “Is Peyton the greatest quarterback of all time”? This is also the leading storyline heading into Sunday’s game. There is something that needs to be discussed that for some reason isn’t.

The two leading storylines are quite compelling, possibly for all of the wrong reasons. Sherman’s issues with the media are all blown out of proportion due to whatever issues there with his rant or any racial side notes that came from his blow up. The Peyton conversation has been going on for years and will come to a head this Sunday on way or the other. However, it isn’t fair to Peyton. Having another ring won’t add to his brilliance nor will the lack of a second ring. The “best of all time” conversation is purely opinionated and people will always have their opinon. This topic will be discussed more thoroughly later.

Through all of this, there is something that has rarely been talked about. With that being said, lets break this down to its simplest and easiest formats to discuss. The NFL, mainly the NFC has went a different way in drafting and putting their franchises in the hands of African American quarterbacks. For the second consecutive year, one of those quarterbacks will start the Super Bowl. What does this say about the future? Personally, I’m more concerned with what it says about the present.

There has not been an African American quarterback to win a Super Bowl since Doug Williams won with the Redskins back in 87. The likes of Mcnair, Mcnabb have started super bowls but weren’t quite able to light the cigar after the game.

Recently, its become more apparent that the wall that has been up since 1987 will be soon torn down. Just last season, Colin Kaepernick took the world by storm in only his 2nd season (didn’t even start the whole season) and literally came within a play, and possible defensive holding call, from winning it. Now here is Wilson’s chance.

Oddly, Wilson finds himself in about the same situation that Kaep found himself in last season. We all remember the big thing going on. The return of Ray Lewis, and undoubtedly his last game. A year later and this is the climax of Peyton’s return. Possibly his last chance at Lombardi, given the notion that next season is never guaranteed; especially for Peyton.

Peyton has a chance to ride into the sunset, similar to his boss and former Broncos QB, Elway. Wilson, however, has a chance at history. Wilson has a chance to literally change the face of the NFL. With a win for Wilson, all of the moves for RG3, Cam Newton, Colin Kaepernick, and soon to be Johnny Manziel will not only be solidified as the way of the future but will quickly become the way of the now, of the present.

This Sunday, let us all enjoy the game. Lets enjoy the commercials, the halftime performances, and even the understanding that New York will probably never have another Super Bowl. However, lets also enjoy the history on both sides. For Wilson, a win would be more than just enjoyment. A win there, on that stage, would literally be everything. Not just for him, but for many to follow behind him.

University of Mississippi graduate in Broadcast Journalism. Huge lover of sports with a bigger love for people.