In a statement released jointly from Williams and Will Packer Productions, Packer said “As NFL players today raise their voices around the fight for justice and equality, none stood taller than Doug Williams, who proved once and for all that the notion of an African American being ill-equipped to play quarterback was nothing more than a fallacy “Doug’s inspirational story will positively impact fans of all ages for years to come.”
Williams was a four-year starter for GSU, leading the Tigers to a 36-7 record, three Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) titles and was awarded the Black College Player of the Year twice.
As the starter in 1979, Williams led the Bucs, who had won only 2 games in their first two seasons, to a 10-6 record and becoming the first Black quarterback to start in the league championship game, the NFC title game versus the Los Angeles Rams.
The next year, after an injury to starter Jay Schroder, Williams took over the job defeating Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings on the road to Super Bowl 22 against highly touted Quarterback John Elway and the Denver Broncos.
Williams finished the game throwing 18/29 for 340 yards passing and four touchdowns, named MVP and becoming the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl.
