Clemson superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson apparently thinks complimenting his style of play is nothing more than a thinly-veiled attack on his race.
Watson, who is black, spoke to Bleacher Report about how being referred to as a dual-threat quarterback is just another way of reminding people he’s black. (RELATED: Most Famous Girlfriend In College Football Takes Shot At Alabama Fans [PHOTO])
He stated:
I have no idea, but it’s there. People think, ‘Oh, he’s a black quarterback, he must be dual-threat.’ People throw around that word all the time. It’s lazy. The one thing I learned early on as a football player is people have their opinions, and I can’t change them. But I can show them what they’re missing.
People have assumed that I have to run the ball before I can throw it most all of my career, all the way back before high school. It’s a stereotype put on me for a long time because I’m African-American and I’m a dual-threat quarterback. I don’t know why that stereotype is still around. It’s about talent and the ability to throw the ball, not the color of your skin or your ability to also be a dangerous runner.
It bothered me when I was young until I finally realized the only way to change it is to make your mark on the field and force them to see. So that’s what I’ve been doing.
Watson’s comments are ridiculous. There are plenty of white dual-threat quarterbacks that have had success. Johnny Manziel at Texas A&M had arguably the greatest two seasons for a quarterback in history as a dual-threat. Tim Tebow won the Heisman as a dual-threat quarterback. Former Wisconsin Tanner McEvoy was a freak athlete during his time as Wisconsin’s dual-threat quarterback. The second best quarterback in America is likely Ole Miss’ Chad Kelly, who is a dual-threat quarterback. (SLIDESHOW:
Watson’s idea that being called a dual-threat quarterback is code for being a black guy who can run makes literally no sense. With his own logic it would be racist to assume that there aren’t any white players capable of taking off down the field, and there are clearly plenty.
Being a dual-threat quarterback is much better than simply being a pro-style gunslinger who isn’t capable of moving the pocket with his feet. Most quarterbacks can only dream of having Watson’s dual-threat abilities.