The NFL and the HBCU go back a long time. Plenty of history there. And that’s the problem. The key word is “history.” History means a thing in the past. Looking back on the undeniable relationship between the two — plenty of success with players including former New York Giants player Michael Strahan who helped the New York Giants win a Super Bowl in 2008. Nothing needs to be added to the name Jerry Rice — LEGEND. And Walter Payton from Jackson State to name a few — all of these players and more succeeded in the NFL. Actually, not just succeeded but dominated. So what happened?
Why Are HBCU Players Being Passed Over?
Disappointing Numbers Trending Downward
If 2023 is an indicator, there is a current issue with no immediate answers. In the 2023 NFL Draft, one player of the 259 went drafted — Isiah Bolden of Jackson State. Doing the math, the percentage is under 1%. Not even close to 1%. The numbers boggle the NFL executives — even with increasing partnerships and action from the league to increase the spotlight on HBCU schools.
The period from the 1960s and 70s brought 322 HBCU players by the way of the NFL Draft and 318 from the 1970s to 1980. As shown by the chart in this article. The trend trends downward to 68 picks from the year 2000-2020.
Questions Remain about the Dedication
Astounding definitive evidence proves that even with all the efforts by the NFL — HBCU schools are nearly invisible. There are many theories of why, but does it matter to current-day players? The answer is a resounding “no” of course. So finding a solution to simply get more players drafted from HBCU schools is an unanswered question.
Without a doubt, NFL coaches want to win to keep their jobs. Either the front offices aren’t convinced to risk drafting a player from HBCU schools or scouts are missing something.
To make a point, take a player like quarterback Brock Purdy. The last player drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. Purdy beat the odds to make the roster being undrafted. Purdy sat third on the depth. Now, he’s a legitimate MVP candidate.
Unexplainable. Underdog. How can this happen with all the analytics, charts, and film accessible to any player anytime? Purdy is an obvious outlier. One in a million shot the experts will try and say. However, another example, while not as a long shot as Purdy — quarterback Jalen Hurts nearly fell to the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Kirk Cousins, Dak Prescott, and Russell Wilson all were selected in the third round or later. That’s almost 20% of the starting quarterbacks in the NFL in 2023.
HBCU players Possess the NFL Talent
Be that as it may, none of these quarterbacks played at an HBCU school. Still, none of these players were slated to be a starting quarterback much less the face of the franchise. A diamond in the rough can be found anywhere. Also, the landscape is changing in college football. Say what you want about Coach Deion Sanders but right now — his son Shedeur Sanders is a legitimate Heisman candidate starting his career at an HBCU school Jackson State. Sanders came out as a four-star prospect from high school. But he chose to play at Jackson State to play for his father.
Scout these Players by Showing up
More and more high-end prospects could head to HBCU schools. Nevertheless, the quarterback is the only position focused on in this article. Other players looking for playing time may decide to play for an HBCU school to get playing time versus sitting on the bench waiting for their turn. With the backing of a nice NIL deal — the money could turn the tables. And while the HBCU schools don’t have the resources of many schools — it only takes one alumni to sponsor one player.
HBCU schools will also face the dilemma of multitasking. Keeping their academics and building a football program which by the way — can help each other hand in hand. Additionally, front offices will have to think outside the box to at least look at players from HBCU schools to contemplate a draft pick to use. Pressure to win now in the NFL is evident, so teams looking for future stars, take a peek at these players. Taking a risk could pay huge dividends or just maybe could save your job.
Main Photo: Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com-USA TODAY NETWORK
