Former NFL Player Doug Williams Became The First Black Quarterback In Super Bowl History To Earn The MVP Title

This weekend will be a significant one to sports fans everywhere as the NFL's annual Super Bowl will air Sunday -- but it also marks another historic moment worth honoring.

On this day in 1988, former American football player Doug Williams was named the first African-American player to earn the MVP title. Williams also broke barriers by becoming the first black football quarterback to play in a Super Bowl game.

Williams, now 59, played for the Washington Redskins and helped the team defeat the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII at the Jack Murphy stadium in San Diego, California. The final score was Washington 42, Denver 10.

The former quarterback eventually retired from the sport after the 1989 season and went on to take on head coaching roles at numerous schools including Morehouse College and Grambling State. He later accepted a position in the front office with the Washington Redskins last February.

Take a look back at some of Williams' impressive career highlights in the pictures below as we honor his contributions to sports -- and black -- history:

Focus On Sport via Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA- JANUARY 31: Doug Williams #17 of the Washington Redskins walks off the field holding his helmet in the air after the Redskins defeated the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII on January 31, 1988 at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. The Redskins won the Super Bowl 42-10. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery via Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 1, 1981: Doug Williams #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers goes back to pass during a NFL game against the Chicago Bears on November 1. 1981 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images)

Focus On Sport via Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 31: Doug Williams #17 of the Washington Redskins walks past the media after winning the Super Bowl XXII against the Denver Broncos at Jack Murphy Stadium on January 31, 1988 in San Diego, California. The Redskins defeated the Broncos 42-10. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Jonathan Daniel via Getty Images

1987: Doug Williams #17 of the Washington Redskins scrambles with the ball during a 1987 NFL season game. (Photo by: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Focus On Sport via Getty Images

CIRCA 1978: Quarterback Doug Williams #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers circa 1978. Williams played for the Buccaneers from 1978-82. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Peter Brouillet via Getty Images

1985: Oklahoma Outlaws Quarterback Doug Williams, USFL. (Photo by Peter Brouillet/Getty Images)

Mike Powell via Getty Images

27 Jan 1988: Quarterback Doug Williams of the Washington Redskins fields questions during Media Day for Super Bowl XXII against the Denver Broncos at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. The Redskins won the game, 42-10. Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell via Getty Images

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington Redskins quarterback Doug Williams is surrounded by members of the media after leading the Redskins to a 42-10 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII in San Diego, Jan. 31, 1988. Williams completed 18 of 29 attempts and was named Most Valuable Player. (AP Photo)

Nate Fine via Getty Images

Quarterback Doug Williams of the Washington Redskins in a 21 to 20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on September 28, 1987 at Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia . (Photo by Nate Fine/NFL/Getty Images