The quarterbacks from Louisville got together for the first time in April at a event for kids in their adopted city. Their shyness made it hard to be the first to speak up.
After a few minutes of looking at each other, Bridgewater and Jackson joked. Cunningham started laughing and away they went the rest of the day, teasing and cajoling and having fun playing football with the boys and girls who have known nothing but Teddy, Lamar or Malik as the starting quarterbacks.
The city embraces them as if they were hometown stars because they were not expected to choose Louisville. Three elite Black quarterbacks starting in near succession for more than a decade, that's what they represent, both to the kids at the camp and the nation as a whole.
"It makes a statement in the city of Louisville, us being the face of the university, that's something that's big in the communities out there where they don't have much hope." "For us to be able to give an ounce of hope to a kid down in the communities, whether it's the West End or different parts of Louisville, that Teddy did it, Lamar did it, maybe one day I can do it as well."
When Cunningham takes the field Friday against Florida State, he will inherit a legacy that began when he committed to Charlie Strong. The person from South Florida was going to Miami. He took a chance on Strong and his plan to restore Louisville's football tradition.
Louisville has a long, proud history at the position, going back to Johnny Unitas. He became the starter his freshman year. The Sugar Bowl was a game in which Louisville was not given much of a chance. During a 33-23 win, Bridgewater threw for 266 yards and two scores, but had his helmet knocked off, and gained fans everywhere.
Jackson and Cunningham lived in South Florida and Alabama, respectively. Jackson saw the possibilities in Louisville when he was a sophomore in high school.
Jackson and he are both from South Florida and he was doing a great job. When he was there, he had my eyes open.
Louisville went from being a top 10 team to a top 10 team in less than two years. He was selected in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings.
"You never really know the impact you can have, so I'm happy I've been able to set the tone or be the foundation for what has come from Louisville quarterbacks," he said.
Bobby Petrino took over as Louisville's coach when Jackson arrived. As Jackson took off to unprecedented heights, the two developed a friendship over text messages, even though they didn't play on the same team. Jackson won the first Heisman Trophy for Louisville after a remarkable sophomore season in which he gained 4,661 total yards and scored 48 touchdown.
Jackson's performance in the Music City Bowl is what Cunningham remembers the most. Jackson had a Music City Bowl-record 226 yards and four touchdown runs. Cunningham committed to Louisville in April 2016 because he felt he could maximize his potential in the Petrino offense, and also because he knew he would get a chance to start as a freshman.
Cunningham shared a room with Jackson and Jawon Pass. Cunningham said that they were all around each other and that they would all be together all the time.
He says they grew close because they were young black quarterbacks trying to get into the league. There aren't many people from my neighborhood who make it to the football team. All of us are from the same place. We had mothers in our lives. It always made sense to me to be around those guys and look up to them.
Cunningham ended up being a special player after what Jackson saw. Jackson claimed that he had lightning in a bottle. Whenever he got that little lane, he was able to take the ball the distance. He wanted to learn and improve.
The way Louisville made them feel like they were one of their own has never gone away, even after Jackson won the Most Valuable Player award. Jackson's jersey number is found across the city.
That's an army of kids with parents behind Lamar Jackson and Teddy Bridgewater. pic.twitter.com/CAx7RGtjvA
— Tyler Greever (@Tyler_Greever) April 30, 2022
This year's Derby City Reunion Weekend was held before the Kentucky Derby and it was important that Cunningham be with them.
Jackson said it was a no-brainer to give back because he and Teddy love children. Even though we play for an NBA team, they still love us. It's a big deal to us.
Cunningham has been the full-time starter for four years and knows he has work to do. Jackson was the second quarterback in school history to run for more than 1,000 yards. He ranked fourth in the nation in rushing touchdown with 20 and was the leader in the conference. His ability on the ground has drawn comparisons to Jackson, but neither of them want those comparisons to be made.
Jackson said that he was his own player. Let him do his thing as he builds his own legacy. When I played, it wasn't about Teddy, it was about the guy who was out there performing. Being the best player he can be is what he has to concentrate on.
Cunningham came back to Louisville for his final season after leaving school early. He wanted to finish his career in Louisville, even though other schools tried to get him.
The results have been mixed. Cunningham stayed in the pocket instead of using his running ability in the opener. Louisville didn't score a lot of points. Cunningham had 34 yards on the ground.
Pick games and play for prizes. Pick your favorites.
Cunningham ran for 121 yards and a touchdown in last week's come-from-behind win over UCF, and he looked more like himself. He was off on his passes.
Satterfield said that they didn't let him play his game enough. Cunningham was pulled aside by Satterfield in the lead up to the game. Cunningham looked at him and said he wanted it that way.
The stakes are higher for the two teams. With three other ranked teams from the division remaining on the schedule, Louisville can't afford to start the season with an 0-1 record.
The program's people know that. Cunningham is especially important.
Cunningham said that he needed to win. There are numbers. It's all about the victories. Can I put together a good season and win? That's what the people at the next level want to see.
He knows that the foundation for quarterback play is set by the two that have done that.
Cunningham said he felt honored to be a part of the Fraternity. You've got a trophy in that house. The Sugar Bowl was held in the Fraternity. My job right now is to get the championship for our quarterback.
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