Tom Flores: Opening Doors With The "RAY-DAS" (Raiders)

Tom Flores

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. Pursued career and became successful in spite of the initial obstacles.

2. Opened the door for many Mexican-Americans in the NFL.

3. Only person to win at least one Super Bowl as a quarterback, assistant coach, and head coach.

Last Sunday Night Football, the NFL and NBC observed the begining of National Latino Heritage Month. As they introduced the Pittsburgh Steelers as "Los Acereros De Pittsburgh," I began to wonder who was the first Mexican-American to demonstrate Mexillence in the NFL. 

Flores as Head Coach

After consideration, Tom Flores is perhaps the first influential Mexican-American in the NFL. Flores is most known for leading the Los Angeles Raiders to victories in Super Bowl XV and XVIII as their head coach. However, many often overlook the doors that Flores opened for minorities in the NFL, especially Mexican-Americans. 

Flores's Hisory:

Flores as head coach

Flores played for and graduated from the University of the Pacific in 1958. Initially, Flores did not find many offers to pursue his career as a professional athlete. In fact, he was cut by the Clagary Stampeders (CFL) and the Washington Redskins (NFL). However, Flores persevered, joined the Oakland Raiders, and became the first Hispanic starting quarterback in professional football. After his career as a player, Flores pursued a coaching career with equal success. Flores is the only person ever to win at least one Super Bowl as a quarterback, assistant coach, and head coach. Flores demonstrates that perseverance can open any door.