UK professor spotlights history of Black quarterbacks in Peacock series
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2026) — A University of Kentucky history professor is lending his expertise to “Field Generals: History of the Black Quarterback,” a new four-part docuseries streaming on Peacock that explores the history of Black quarterbacks in professional football.
Derrick White, Ph.D., professor of history and African American and Africana Studies at the UK College of Arts and Sciences, appears in the series as a contributing historian.
The series, produced by NBC Sports and executive produced by Maria Taylor, traces the rise of Black quarterbacks from the AFL-NFL merger through the turn of the century, showing how politics, culture and race shaped their struggles and triumphs. It features interviews with pioneering players and commentators and places their journeys in rich historical context.
A Lexington native, White’s research focuses on modern Black history, sports history and intellectual history. His book “Blood, Sweat, and Tears: Jake Gaither, Florida A&M, and the History of Black College Football,” is among the first comprehensive histories of Black college athletics. He also co-hosts “The Black Athlete Podcast,” which examines the intersection of sports and society.
“Field Generals: History of the Black Quarterback” premiered Feb. 5 with new episodes streaming weekly on Peacock throughout Black History Month.
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