Biography
Condredge Holloway, born on January 24, 1954, in Huntsville, Alabama, is a former professional American football player who played as a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He attended the University of Tennessee, where he made history as the first African American starting quarterback in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) while leading the Volunteers in a successful collegiate career during the early 1970s. Holloway's dual-threat ability as both a passer and a runner made him a standout player, earning him recognition as an athletic pioneer in the sport.
Selected in the 12th round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Washington Football Team, Holloway's professional career spanned several teams, including stints with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the NFL's New Orleans Saints, where he contributed as both a starter and backup quarterback. Notably, he became the first black quarterback to start a game for the Saints in 1979. Although he faced challenges throughout his career, Holloway's impact on the field and his ability to break racial barriers in football helped pave the way for future generations of African American quarterbacks.
After retiring from professional football, Holloway continued to influence the sport through coaching and mentoring young athletes. His legacy is not only defined by his on-field accomplishments but also by his role in advancing diversity in football, leaving an indelible mark on the game. Condredge Holloway is remembered as a trailblazer in the sport, exemplifying talent, resilience, and leadership throughout his athletic journey.