Filipino MVP football player? WTF?!

Yes, it's true. Check out this blurb from Wikipedia:

"Roman Ildonzo Gabriel, Jr. is a former American football player. The son of a Filipino immigrant, he was the first Asian-American to start as an NFL quarterback and is considered by many to have been one of the best players at that position during the late 1960s and early 70s."

When I first heard about this, I could not believe my ears. I hardly hear about Filipinos ever playing professional sports, let alone winning the most coveted award given by the NFL. Although he is only half-Filipino it still counts!

I think this is important to note because many Asian-Americans, at a young age, are lead to believe that they are incapable of becoming professional athletes in America. Many, including myself, don't feel we can ever be tall enough, run fast enough, or jump high enough to compete with athletes in the US.

I honestly believe that if younger Asian-Americans, especially Filipinos, knew about this they would become more empowered to become better at whatever sport they choose to play. So spread the word!

- Ernest