As we kick off Black History Month 2012 we salute African- American firsts in professional football.

All month long we spotlight athletes, inventors, entrepreneurs, politicians, military, educators, doctors, and other notable "not so well known" facts. 

Day 1: We salute 

Washington Redskins QB, Doug Williams. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1978 and as a starter, he took the Redskins to Super Bowl XXII and won. He would be the first African-American starter to reach this level. He was named game MVP in the last full year of his career. The next year he would be riddled with injury and retire. 

* There has not been another starting African-American QB with a Super Bowl Ring since: 

Super Bowl XXXIV Steve "AIR" McNair (Feb. 14, 1973-July 4, 2009) came close but did not win. 

Super Bowl XXXIX Donavan McNabb and the Eagles lost by 3 to the New England Patriots.

It is also surprising to note that the first African-American to referee in a Super Bowl was Mike Carey. Super Bowl XLII was the 2008 Patriots v. Giants game, and Carey witnessed a handful of miracles that game.  The NY Giants beat the NE Patriots that year, making their record 18-1 that season. 

On Feb 5, 2012, the world will watch as the rematch between both teams unfolds.

The referee's for Sunday's Super Bowl XLVI are seasoned veterans. They are the best of the best; however, it must be noted that the only African-American is alternate (HL) Head Linesman, Wayne Mackey. Cuban-American alternate (R) referee Alberto Riveron is the only Hispanic referee in the National Football League. 

African-American coaches have always been in the trenches with the team, but only a few receive the prestigious title of "Professional Football Coach." In fact, it wasn't until 2006 when Lovie Smith and his Chicago Bears faced Tony Dungy and his Indianapolis Colts that African-American coaches reached the Super Bowl.  

FOR MORE DETAILS ON PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL FIRST'S CLICK HERE