Believe it or not,did you know that only 4 out of the 64 starting running backs in the National Football League are white?Have you ever stopped to think just how rare this makes the NFL white running back? For years it seemed like there just weren’t any white running backs in the league,a trend that didn’t necessarily start when the NFL hiked up its competition. This is not only about the traditional guys, the power backs like Jim Brown, Gale Sayers and Eric Dickerson. It’s also about the more modern breed of running back such as Earl Campbell, Marcus Allen or Payton Manning.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying that white running backs are a rare commodity,because there are plenty of them in NFL history– some of the greats such as Emmitt Smith, Thurman Thomas, and Edgerrin James. But out of the 64 starting running backs in the 2016 season, only 4 of them were white,which included Eddie Lacy (Green Bay), Jeremy Hill (Cincinnati), Jonathan Stewart (Carolina), and C.J. Anderson (Denver).
It’s quite alarming that the trend towards white running backs in NFL has dropped drastically due to the influx of athletes and specialized players from all backgrounds. That’s why it’s tough to find just one white running back who can monopolize the position and dominate in the league. It’s not impossible,but it’s getting harder and harder.
I mean,if you look at the NFL’s 100-yard rushers from the past 100 years,you will see that white running backs accounted for only 14 out of the 115 performances. Talk about rarity. It just proves that depending on your race,statistics and public opinion can really affect your chances of becoming an NFL running back.
On the other hand,sometimes these statistics just aren’t reflective of the talent within the league. No matter race or background,people just don’t find themselves believing in the white running back stereotype. The truth is that white running backs are just as capable of achieving success as their black counterparts, yet they are left with less opportunities due to various factors.
The fact is,it’s hard to be a white running back in an increasingly diverse NFL. White running backs don’t have the same talent and exposure as black running backs,and they don’t get the same respect or attention in the media. This has to change.
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One white running back who could make some major waves in the NFL is Danny Woodhead,who plays for the Baltimore Ravens. He had a phenomenal year last season, rushing for 1,091 yards with 5 touchdowns. He continues to be overlooked, however,and didn’t even make the Pro Bowl roster.
Woodhead is a classic example of why white running backs don’t get the same respect and attention in the media. Instead he’s being labeled as a ‘change of pace’ or ‘H-back’ even though he is among one of the best running backs in the league. You don’t see this type of discrimination with other positions and it simply shouldn’t be acceptable.
Another white running back who had to overcome strong odds to achieve success was Priest Holmes,a former Kansas City Chiefs star. Battling injuries and age,Holmes was able to make a comeback and lead the NFL in rushing with 1,615 yards in 2003,when he was 30 years old. He too was overlooked by the media, which was a shame because Holmes was one of the best running backs in the NFL.
While it has been proven that white running backs can experience success, there are still many questions about whether the NFL will give them the chance they deserve. It’s important that the NFL recognize these athletes and make sure they give them the proper treatment and opportunities.
The future of white running backs in the NFL is uncertain, but there is no reason why they should be treated differently from other players just because of their skin color or race. It’s hard to compete in a diverse NFL,but it’s not impossible. Hopefully these questions will get answered and accepted moving forward.
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Deep down,white running backs recognize that they don’t get the same respect and recognition as their black counterparts,but what can they do about it? There are some white running backs who are making an impact in the NFL,such as LeGarrette Blount of the New England Patriots and Theo Reddick of the Detroit Lions.
These players have used their talent and hard work to prove they belong in the NFL, even though their skin color may be working against them. It’s a matter of recognizing talent regardless of race and giving it a real chance.
That being said,I don’t think white running backs should be seen as something ‘unique’ anymore;they should simply be viewed as athletes capable of performing at the highest level. If the NFL and the media can change their conventional thinking and not have false preconceptions about these players based on race, then there is hope for white running backs in the NFL.
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Fortunately,there are organizations dedicated to helping young players succeed in the NFL who are overlooked or discriminated against. For example,the Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF) has made it its mission to provide college football scholarships to deserving white running backs who may lack traditional athletic scholarships.
Another program that has caught my attention is “Build the Back”,a platform dedicated to uplifting white running backs by teaching them proper training techniques and weightlifting concepts,as well as providing college recruitment opportunities. It’s a great way to help young players expand their skill sets and make a name for themselves in the world of football.
It’s encouraging to see organizations and programs dedicated to promoting fairness and opportunity for all, regardless of skin color or race. It demonstrates that there is a common goal amongst the NFL, schools and coaches in bringing diversity to the field and especially in the world of white running backs.
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In general,it’s becoming increasingly difficult for white running backs to make it in the NFL today. This is due to the shortened careers of traditional power backs, the high competition for the position and the false preconception that white players can’t compete at the highest level.
Despite this discouraging reality,there are still great white running backs out there, with New England’s LeGarrette Blount and Detroit’s Theo Reddick being the prime examples. With continued support from the NFL,schools and coaches,we can show that race is no barrier when it comes to succeeding in the world of football.
We can also raise awareness about the issue,so that the next generation of white running backs will have the same opportunities to make their own mark and pursue their NFL dreams. Programs such as “Build the Back” and The Tim Tebow Foundation are great initiatives to open pathways for young players to become stars in the NFL.
It is imperative that we practice fairness and give these athletes a fair chance to develop their talents no matter what their skin color or race is. That is the true spirit of competition and equality,and if we stick to this belief,we will see a much brighter future for white running backs in the NFL.