In a revealing discussion on the ‘Outta Pocket’ podcast with Robert Griffin III and his wife, Grete, NFL Draft prospect Taylen Green opened up about a challenge he’s facing as he prepares for the pros. Green, a standout quarterback from Arkansas, expressed concerns that NFL teams might be pushing him to switch positions due to his race. His desire to play quarterback is unwavering, but he feels there's an underlying bias at play.
“I’m not trying to make this a race issue, but it feels like teams see my color and assume I'm just a runner who can't throw or process plays,” Green shared. This sentiment resonated with Griffin, who nodded in agreement, recalling his own experiences with similar scrutiny when he entered the league. Back then, the NFL was just beginning to appreciate the value of mobile quarterbacks.
Green continued, “I’m trying to break that stigma and prove them wrong.” His determination to remain at quarterback is clear, despite the league’s history of athletic QBs transitioning to other positions.
Terrelle Pryor, for instance, successfully switched to wide receiver after starting as a quarterback. However, not all transitions are seamless-Tim Tebow’s attempt to play tight end ended before the season even began.
Currently, Mel Kiper ranks Green as the No. 6 quarterback on his board. At 23, Green’s college stats are impressive: 2,714 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, complemented by 777 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. While he’s projected as a day-three pick, Green's story and talent could make waves, challenging preconceived notions and showcasing the evolving nature of the quarterback position in today’s NFL.