Today, many of the best quarterbacks in the United States are African-American. This wasn't always the case. Just fiftyyears ago, the NFL had no black quarterbacks. Black athletes simply weren't given the chance. Talented players headed north, leaving their country to play the position they loved. Many rose to stardom on Canadian teams, but longed for progress back home. John Danakas looks at the pioneering players who wore new team colours and helped change their sport.

John Danakas is the author of five children's novels, including the Silver Birch Award finalist Hockey Night in Transcona and one nonfiction book for young adults. He lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.