Super Bowl MVP and HBCU legend honored at 2025 gala

By Steven Corder

When Doug Williams walked onto the stage at the 2025 Louisiana Legends Gala, the applause echoed far beyond the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge—it reverberated through the heart of HBCU sports history.

Williams, a Grambling State icon and the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl, was celebrated as one of six Louisiana Legends honored for excellence in fields ranging from arts to athletics. For HBCU fans, this wasn’t just another award—it was a tribute to a legacy built on breaking barriers and opening doors.

A Trailblazer From Day One

Doug Williams’ story began under the mentorship of coaching legend Eddie Robinson at Grambling State. As a Tiger, Williams threw for over 8,000 yards and 93 touchdowns, setting the stage for a groundbreaking NFL career. In 1978, he made history as the first African American quarterback selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. His Super Bowl XXII MVP performance—340 yards and four touchdowns in one quarter—remains one of the most dominant displays in championship history.

Building Pathways for Future HBCU Talent

Williams didn’t stop at personal accolades. He co-founded the Black College Football Hall of Fame and the HBCU Legacy Bowl with James “Shack” Harris, creating a national platform for HBCU players to gain NFL exposure. Dozens of athletes have signed with NFL teams thanks to this initiative, cementing Williams’ role as more than a pioneer—he’s a builder.

A Legacy Beyond the Field

Following his NFL career, Williams returned to Grambling State in 1998 to succeed Coach Robinson as head coach, guiding a new generation with the same values he’d been taught. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, and rings of honor in both Tampa Bay and Washington, reflect a legacy that continues to inspire.

As Williams received his award, one thing was clear—this moment was not just about what he had done, but what he continues to make possible for others.