“Many times what you don’t say or what you say can determine your destiny.” I can speak freer now than I could then. My journey as an undrafted, free-agent NFL quarterback started in 1969. During any era, it is an overwhelming accomplishment to be invited to an NFL training camp. Expectations are high. With many complex environments and systems of established power, the NFL is second-to -none, and many private human circles are formed within the system. Each has its own boundary. Young folk need to know it is not always what it is cut out to be. Unfortunately at times during our lives, because of circumstances and the way the system is set, we are not given the liberty to voice our opinions. There is no assurance that if we did, limited opportunities would not escape us while we are trying to establish ourselves in our career. For many years, starting with Fritz Pollard in the 1920s, the continuing dilemma of the lack of opportunities for Black quarterbacks to gain important roles in the NFL had not eluded controversy. There were other cases, one in the 20s, one in the 40s, two in the 50s, and five in the 60s-before my journey began. Some had played higher quality football only to have the limelight never shine upon them again. Take Sandy Stevens in 1962. Because of his credentials in college, Stevens was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round and the fifth overall selection in the AFL draft by the New York Titans. Both teams said that they wouldn’t use him as a quarterback and he never played a down in either league. The Canadian Football League welcomed him as a quarterback.On September 29, 1968, the Denver Broncos sent rookie Marlin Briscoe into action with just under 10 minutes to play, and he made history that day by becoming the first African American to play quarterback in the American Football League. But as the 1969 season approached, Marlin wasn’t given the chance to compete for the quarterback position. He was never offered an explanation, so he asked for a release. After playing and excelling with other NFL teams as a receiver, finally he retired in 1976, but never played quarterback again.The case of James Harris is one for the books. In 1969 James Harris was an eighth-round pick by the Buffalo Bills, and he made history as a rookie by becoming the first Black quarterback to start a season opener. He finished his career with the San Diego Chargers in 1981. Prior to that, he spent time with the Los Angeles Rams, where in 1974, he helped lead the team to a division title and a playoff win, was chosen M.V.P. of the Pro Bowl in 1975, and was the National Football Conference’s passing champion in 1976.Despite having a record of 21-6 starting at quarterback, James was ultimately traded. Although he was fully supported by the head coach, the Rams’ front office overruled the head coach and James never received his true chance to shine. I wonder if he, as well as others, had voiced their dissatisfaction with this inequality.Our society needed critical, open dialogue to check its biases, and only then could we begin to pursue truth, freedom and vital humane exchange in order to understand each other’s problems and challenges. Dialogue on these inequalities would only be respected from someone at the table with speak-up qualities who is willing to voice an influential and honest opinion.