24TH ANNUAL SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION HONORS PHILADELPHIA EAGLES QUARTERBACK JALEN HURTS
While the Kansas City Chiefs came out with the Super Bowl LVII win, history was made when Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles) and Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) became the first Black Quarterbacks to start in a Super Bowl.
“To have two Black quarterbacks start in the Super Bowl, I think it’s special,” Mahomes told reporters. “I’ve learned more and more about the history of the Black quarterback since I’ve been in this league. The guys that came before me and Jalen set the stage for this and now I’m just glad we can set the stage for kids that are coming up now. It’ll be a great game against two great teams and against another great quarterback. I’m excited to go out there and do what we can against a great team.”
“I think it’s history,” Hurts said. “I think it’s something that’s worthy of being noted and it is history. It’s come a long way. I think it’s only been seven African-American quarterbacks to play in the Super Bowl, so to be the first for something is pretty cool. I know it will be a good one.”
Doug Williams was the first to break through the barrier, leading Washington to a victory (and a Super Bowl MVP honor) in 1988 in Super Bowl XXII. It took 26 years before the next Black quarterback, Russell Wilson, emerged from a Super Bowl victorious. (NFL.com)
This year, the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration conferred its highest honor, the “Faith In Action” Award, to Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts. The “Faith In Action” award honors current and former NFL players making an impact in their communities and in the lives of others off the field. Jalen’s service to the Philadelphia community, numerous charities and his native Texas has aided countless individuals and institutions. Previous recipients of this special recognition include Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, Tim Brown, Russell Wilson, Tony Dungy and Troy Vincent, among others.
Marking its 24th year, the groundbreaking music and inspiration extravaganza “Super Bowl Soulful Celebration: An Evening of Inspiration and Culture,” (formerly Super Bowl Gospel Celebration) returned during Super Bowl LVII week with a live taping on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at the Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, Arizona.
The only multicultural program and community event sanctioned by the NFL during Super Bowl weekend, the highly anticipated night of music, comedy, NFL Players and soulful inspiration is themed “Unstoppable,” and featured performances from the legendary Patti LaBelle, Kierra Sheard, Israel Houghton, The Players Choir and more!
In addition to uplifting and inspiring audiences with musical tributes, Super Bowl Soulful Celebration highlighted NFL players, their faith and philanthropy.
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Melanie Few, Founder, Executive Producer, and NFL Sanction Holder of Results Marketing and Media (RMM). Melanie is the only female and person of color with an NFL sanctioned event. She also founded the (NFL) Players Choir in 2014, which has become a staple performance at Super Bowl Soulful Celebration. The Players Choir drew national recognition with their fan favorite appearances on “America’s Got Talent” in 2022.
Melanie’s company RMM has partnered with agencies and corporations alike to create, plan and produce over two hundred integrated marketing events, representing more than thirty brands across sixty product categories.
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