Backup QBs Who Became Legends

Backup QBs Who Became Legends

The term “backup quarterback” often conjures images of clipboard holders and scout team warriors, a signal of impending mediocrity or outright disaster for fans. However, NFL history is replete with tales of these understudies stepping into the spotlight and not just performing well, but becoming the driving force behind a team’s improbable success. This is the story of those backup quarterbacks who didn’t just fill a void, but saved their team’s season.

Earl Morrall: The Unlikely MVP

In 1968, the legendary Johnny Unitas, fresh off his third MVP season, suffered a devastating arm injury in the preseason, sidelining him for most of the year. The weight of the Indianapolis Colts’ Super Bowl aspirations fell upon the shoulders of Earl Morrall. In his 13th NFL season, Morrall, a journeyman who had seen success in brief stints, was tasked with an almost impossible feat: replacing Unitas. Yet, Morrall didn’t just replace him; he transcended the role. He put together an MVP season, leading the league in touchdowns and yards per completion, guiding the Colts to a dominant 13-1 record. Their rivals could only wonder how a team could lose its MVP quarterback and maintain such elite play. Morrall continued his heroics in the playoffs, leading the Colts to the Super Bowl as heavy favorites. However, the magic waned in the championship game against the New York Jets, where three interceptions led to Morrall being benched. Despite Unitas’s return, the Jets pulled off a stunning upset.

Morrall’s story didn’t end there. In 1972, while backing up Bob Griese in Miami, he was again thrust into action when Griese went down in Week 5. With the Dolphins at a perfect 5-0, Morrall stepped in and did the unthinkable, winning his next nine starts and leading Miami to a perfect 17-0 regular season. He finished as the runner-up for MVP, a remarkable achievement for a player who started the season as a backup. The Dolphins went on to win the Super Bowl, completing the only undefeated season in NFL history.

Jim Plunkett: A Raider Resurgence

The Oakland Raiders, a powerhouse of the 1970s, faced uncertainty in 1980. After trading away the legendary Ken Stabler, they acquired Dan Pastorini, who struggled and then fractured his leg in Week 5. Enter Jim Plunkett, a quarterback who had endured a difficult start to his career and was now a backup in Oakland. His first start was a disaster, throwing five interceptions. Yet, the Raiders stuck with him, and what followed was a dramatic turnaround. The team transformed into a well-oiled machine, rattling off victories and finishing 11-5. Plunkett, exceeding all expectations, led the Raiders on a dominant playoff run, topping all quarterbacks in yards, touchdowns, and rating. He capped off the improbable season by earning Super Bowl MVP honors with a commanding performance against the Eagles. Plunkett remained the Raiders’ starter, leading them to another Super Bowl victory in 1983.

Doug Williams: Breaking Barriers

In 1987, the Washington Redskins were contenders, but their starting quarterback, Jay Schroeder, battled a nagging shoulder injury. This created a rift with backup Doug Williams, whom Williams famously quipped about his ego: “I don’t think there was a hat in America that could have fit his head.” Despite Williams’s 0-2 record in his two starts that season, the team opted for him heading into the playoffs, recognizing his superior play over Schroeder. Williams delivered, leading the Redskins to a divisional win, a game-winning drive in the NFC Championship, and a dominant Super Bowl victory over the Denver Broncos. In doing so, he became the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl as a starter and earned MVP honors for the game, achieving this despite not winning an NFL start in over five years prior.

Frank Reich: The Greatest Comeback

The Buffalo Bills of the early 1990s were a team defined by resilience and heartbreak, reaching four consecutive Super Bowls and losing them all. In the 1992 playoffs, their legendary quarterback Jim Kelly was injured. Backup Frank Reich stepped in, but the Bills found themselves trailing the Houston Oilers 35-3 in the second half of their Wild Card game. What followed was the greatest comeback in NFL history at the time. Reich orchestrated four consecutive touchdown drives, leading the Bills to a stunning 41-38 overtime victory. This remarkable performance mirrored his college feat at Maryland, where he led a 31-0 comeback against Miami. Reich continued to guide the Bills to a third straight AFC Championship game before Kelly returned. Even in the Super Bowl, Reich briefly entered when trailing 31-7, sparking a mini-comeback, though it wasn’t enough.

Kurt Warner: From Grocery Bagger to MVP

In 1999, the St. Louis Rams, with an over/under of 5.5 wins, were expected to be one of the league’s worst teams. Their outlook darkened when starting quarterback Trent Green suffered a season-ending preseason injury. All hopes turned to Kurt Warner, a player who had been undrafted, released by the Packers, bagged groceries, played in arena football, and in NFL Europe before landing as a backup in St. Louis. Against all odds, Warner didn’t just perform; he dominated. He led the league in completion percentage and touchdowns, winning NFL MVP and guiding the Rams to a 13-3 record. He then carried that momentum into the playoffs, throwing five touchdowns in his debut, leading the Rams to a Super Bowl victory where he threw for over 400 yards and two touchdowns in a dramatic win over the Titans. Warner’s Hall of Fame career continued with more success in St. Louis and Arizona.

Tom Brady: The Sixth-Round Steal

The 2001 New England Patriots, coming off a 5-11 season, were not expected to contend. Their hopes dimmed further with an 0-2 start and a season-ending injury to their starting quarterback. Enter Tom Brady, a sixth-round pick who had been a third-stringer and was nearly cut. Brady seized his opportunity, orchestrating a solid, game-managing offense that, combined with a strong defense, led the Patriots to an 11-5 record and a surprise playoff berth. Despite a late-game fumble against the Raiders that was controversially overturned by the tuck rule, the Patriots advanced. Even with a subsequent injury to Brady, Drew Bledsoe helped keep the improbable season alive. In a quarterback controversy heading into the Super Bowl, Bill Belichick chose Brady, who then led a game-winning drive to secure a Super Bowl title, forever changing the Patriots’ franchise.

Colin Kaepernick: Explosive Potential

In 2012, the San Francisco 49ers were dominant, sporting a 6-2 record led by Alex Smith. However, Smith suffered a concussion in Week 9, paving the way for second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick impressed immediately, leading the 49ers to a blowout win. Head coach Jim Harbaugh acknowledged they had “two quarterbacks that have a hot hand,” hinting at a potential quarterback controversy. Despite Smith being medically cleared, Kaepernick’s explosive and dynamic play earned him the starting job. He led the 49ers to an 11-4-1 record and a Super Bowl appearance. In the playoffs, Kaepernick set a record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback in a playoff game with 181 yards against the Packers and led a comeback win against the Falcons. Though they fell short in the Super Bowl after a power outage and a late rally, Kaepernick had established himself as a star, leading the 49ers through the 2016 season before Alex Smith was traded.

Nick Foles: The Philly Special

In 2017, the Philadelphia Eagles, with Carson Wentz nearing MVP form, suffered a devastating blow when Wentz tore his ACL late in the season. Backup Nick Foles, a former Pro Bowler who had bounced around the league, was thrust into the starting role. Despite a shaky end to the regular season, Foles ignited in the playoffs. He led the Eagles to a low-scoring divisional win over the Falcons and then dominated the Vikings in the NFC Championship game with over 350 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-7 rout. The Eagles, with their backup quarterback, reached the Super Bowl to face Tom Brady and the Patriots. Foles delivered a legendary performance, throwing for over 370 yards and three touchdowns, famously catching a touchdown on the “Philly Special” on a critical fourth-down play. The Eagles stunned the Patriots 41-33, and Foles was named Super Bowl MVP, completing one of the most improbable championship runs in NFL history.

Joe Flacco: The Baltimore Spark

The 2023 Cleveland Browns endured a bizarre season, navigating through three different starting quarterbacks to reach a 7-4 record, largely carried by their defense. With cracks showing, they needed competent quarterback play to salvage their season. Enter Joe Flacco, an unsigned free agent who had been training by throwing to his kids. Desperate, the Browns signed Flacco and thrust him into the starting role against the Rams. After an initial rusty performance, Flacco found a second wind, throwing for over 300 yards in four consecutive wins. He became a hero, leading the Browns to their second playoff appearance in 20 years and earning Comeback Player of the Year honors. Though their playoff run ended in disappointment against the Texans, Flacco’s late-season heroics are etched in Browns history.

These stories highlight the extraordinary impact a backup quarterback can have when called upon. They are not just placeholders; they are potential saviors, capable of turning a team’s fortunes around and etching their names into NFL lore.

Source: Backups QBs Who Saved the Season (YouTube)