List of left-handed quarterbacks

Last updated

This is a list of notable left-handed quarterbacks who have played professionally or for a major college program. In gridiron football, quarterbacks have been predominantly right-handed; only 33 left-handed quarterbacks have appeared in the National Football League (NFL); [1] whilst twelve others were drafted but never played in the NFL. [2] The rarity of left-handed NFL quarterbacks has been a topic of discussion and debate among players, coaches, and analysts. [3]

Contents

Left-handed quarterbacks were relatively prominent in the NFL between the 1970s and the 2000s, but became mostly absent from the league after 2010. [4] The most successful have been Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees Steve Young and Ken Stabler, 1988 Most Valuable Player Boomer Esiason, and Pro Bowl selections Frankie Albert, Mark Brunell, and Michael Vick. Tua Tagovailoa, who was drafted in 2020, is currently the NFL's only left-handed quarterback.

List

Key
^Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Ken Stabler was the first left-handed quarterback to be named Most Valuable Player and win a Super Bowl Ken Stabler 2007 Alabama Broadcasters Convention.jpg
Ken Stabler was the first left-handed quarterback to be named Most Valuable Player and win a Super Bowl
Prior to his coaching career, Jim Zorn was the original quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks Coach Jim Zorn.jpg
Prior to his coaching career, Jim Zorn was the original quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks
Boomer Esiason was named Most Valuable Player in 1988 en route to a Super Bowl XXIII appearance Boomer Esiason at Super Bowl XLI pre-game show in Miami.jpg
Boomer Esiason was named Most Valuable Player in 1988 en route to a Super Bowl XXIII appearance
Considered the greatest left-handed quarterback of all time, Steve Young was the first inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Steve Young (6837509849) (cropped).jpg
Considered the greatest left-handed quarterback of all time, Steve Young was the first inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Mark Brunell led the Jacksonville Jaguars to four consecutive playoff runs and two AFC Championship Games in their first five seasons MarkBrunell95.jpg
Mark Brunell led the Jacksonville Jaguars to four consecutive playoff runs and two AFC Championship Games in their first five seasons
Michael Vick is the NFL leader in quarterback rushing yards Michael Vick, November 2006 (1).jpg
Michael Vick is the NFL leader in quarterback rushing yards
Heisman-winner Tim Tebow led the Denver Broncos to the 2012 postseason, but would not have another NFL start Tim Tebow 20071223.jpg
Heisman-winner Tim Tebow led the Denver Broncos to the 2012 postseason, but would not have another NFL start
As of 2021, Tua Tagovailoa is the NFL's most recent left-handed quarterback and the only currently playing in the league Tua Tagovailoa Dolphins-Falcons OCT2021.png
As of 2021, Tua Tagovailoa is the NFL's most recent left-handed quarterback and the only currently playing in the league
NameCareerTeamsNotesReferences
Frankie Albert 1942–1953

Stanford (college)
San Francisco 49ers (AAFC/NFL)
Calgary Stampeders (CFL)

 [5]
Allie Sherman 1943–1947

Brooklyn (college)
Philadelphia-Pittsburgh Steagles (1943)
Philadelphia Eagles (1944-1947)

 [6]
John Karrs 1944–1945

Duquesne (college)
Cleveland Rams (1944-1945)
Pittsburgh Steelers (1945)

  • Attempted ten passes during the 1944 season, completing four for 49 yards.
 [7]
Harry Agganis 1952

Boston University (college)
Cleveland Browns

[8]
Fred Wyant 1956–1957

West Virginia (college)
Washington Redskins (NFL)
Toronto Argonauts (CFL)

  • West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame (1994)
  • Inaugural member of WVU’s “Mountaineer Legends Society” (2016)
  • NFL referee between 1971 and 1990
  • NFL line judge 1966-1970 and 1991-1992
[9] [10]
Terry Baker 1963–1967

Oregon State (college)
Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
Edmonton Eskimos (CFL)

 [11]
Bobby Douglass 1969–1978

Kansas (college)
Chicago Bears (NFL)
San Diego Chargers (NFL)
New Orleans Saints (NFL)
Green Bay Packers (NFL)

  • Former holder of several NFL QB rushing records
 [5]
Ken Stabler 1970–1984

Alabama (college)
Oakland Raiders (AFL/NFL)
Houston Oilers (NFL)
New Orleans Saints (NFL)

 [5]
Jim Del Gaizo 1971–1975

Syracuse (college)
Tampa (college)
Miami Dolphins (NFL)
Green Bay Packers (NFL)
New York Giants (NFL)

 [12]
Dennis Morrison 1973–1974

Kansas State (college)
San Francisco 49ers (NFL)

 [13]
David Humm 1975–1984

Nebraska (college)
Oakland Raiders (NFL)
Buffalo Bills (NFL)
Baltimore Colts (NFL)
Los Angeles Rams (NFL)

 [11]
Jim Zorn 1975–1987

Cal Poly (college)
Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
Green Bay Packers (NFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)

 [5]
Rick Leach 1979 Michigan (college)
Denver Broncos 		[14]
Paul McDonald 1980–1987

USC (college)
Cleveland Browns (NFL)
Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
Dallas Cowboys (NFL)

 [11]
Boomer Esiason 1984–1997

Maryland (college)
Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
New York Jets (NFL)
Arizona Cardinals (NFL)

 [5]
Steve Young 1984–1999

BYU (college)
Los Angeles Express (USFL)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
San Francisco 49ers (NFL)

 [5]
Erik Wilhelm 1989–2001

Oregon State (college)
Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
Phoenix Cardinals (NFL)
New York Jets (NFL)
Portland Prowlers (AFL)
Los Angeles Avengers (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm (AFL)

 [16]
Jeff Carlson 1989–92 Weber State (college)
Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
New England Patriots (NFL)		 [17]
Scott Mitchell 1990–2001

Utah (college)
Miami Dolphins (NFL)
Orlando Thunder (WLAF)
Detroit Lions (NFL)
Baltimore Ravens (NFL)
Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)

  • Former holder of several Detroit Lions passing records
 [4]
Todd Marinovich 1990–93, 1999–2001

USC (college)
Los Angeles Raiders (NFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL)
BC Lions (CFL)
Los Angeles Avengers (Arena Football)

 [18]
Will Furrer 1992–95 Virginia Tech (college)
Chicago Bears (NFL)
Houston Oilers (NFL)		 [19]
Mark Brunell 1993–2011

Washington (college)
Green Bay Packers (NFL)
Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)
Washington Redskins (NFL)
New Orleans Saints (NFL)
New York Jets (NFL)

 [4]
Doug Nussmeier 1994–2000

Idaho (college)
New Orleans Saints (NFL)
Indianapolis Colts (NFL)
BC Lions (CFL)

  • Walter Payton Award winner (1993)
  • Holds numerous Idaho passing records
  • Only one of five quarterbacks in NCAA history to pass for over 10,000 yards and rush for over 1,000
 [11]
Tony Graziani 1997–2008 Oregon (college)
Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
Los Angeles Avengers (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul (AFL)		 [21]
Brock Huard 1999–2004

Washington (college)
Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
Indianapolis Colts (NFL)

  • Brother of quarterback Damon Huard
  • First set of brothers in NFL History to start at quarterback on the same weekend [22]
[23]
Cade McNown 1999–2002

UCLA (college)
Chicago Bears (NFL)
Miami Dolphins (NFL)
San Francisco 49ers (NFL)

 [24]
Michael Vick 2001–2015

Virginia Tech (college)
Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
New York Jets (NFL)
Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)

 [4]
Chris Simms 2003–2010

Texas (college)
Green Bay Packers (NFL)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
Tennessee Titans (NFL)
Denver Broncos (NFL)

  • Former holder of several Texas Longhorns football passing records
  • Son of quarterback Phil Simms
[4]
Jared Lorenzen 2004–2014

Kentucky (college)
New York Giants (NFL)
Indianapolis Colts (NFL)
Kentucky Horsemen (AF2)
Northern Kentucky River Monsters (UIFL/CIFL)
Owensboro Rage (CIFL)

  • Second Team All-SEC (2002)
  • Most pass attempts and yards in Kentucky Wildcats football history
  • Super Bowl XLII champion
 [26]
Tyler Palko 2004–2011

Pittsburgh (college)
New Orleans Saints (NFL)
Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
California Redwoods (UFL)
Montreal Alouettes (CFL)
Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)

  • USA Today All-America Team (Second-team) (2001)
  • University of Pittsburgh Team MVP (2004)
  • 2× Second-team Big East (2004, 2005)
 [27]
Matt Leinart 2006–2013

USC (college)
Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
Houston Texans (NFL)
Oakland Raiders (NFL)
Buffalo Bills (NFL)

 [4] [28]
Pat White 2009–2014

West Virginia (college)
Miami Dolphins (NFL)
Virginia Destroyers (UFL)
Washington Redskins (NFL)
Edmonton Eskimos (CFL)

 [27]
Tim Tebow 2010–2015 [lower-alpha 2]

Florida (college)
Denver Broncos (NFL)
New York Jets (NFL)
New England Patriots (NFL)
Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)

 [4] [30] [11]
Kellen Moore 2012–2017

Boise State (college)
Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
Detroit Lions (NFL)

 [4] [3]
Tua Tagovailoa 2020–present Alabama (college)
Miami Dolphins (NFL)		 [27]
Holton Ahlers 2022–present East Carolina (college)
Seattle Seahawks (NFL)		 [32] [33] [34]
Michael Penix Jr. 2024–present Washington (college)
Atlanta Falcons (NFL)

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Behind only John Elway.
  2. ↑ Tebow converted to tight end upon returning to professional football before the 2021 NFL season. [29]

Related Research Articles

Passer rating is a measure of the performance of passers, primarily quarterbacks, in gridiron football. There are two formulas currently in use: one used by both the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL), and the other used in NCAA football. Passer rating is calculated using a player's passing attempts, completions, yards, touchdowns, and interceptions. Passer rating in the NFL is on a scale from 0 to 158.3. Passing efficiency in college football is on a scale from −731.6 to 1261.6.

The National Football League Comeback Player of the Year Award refers to a number of awards that are given to a National Football League (NFL) player who overcomes adversity to return to remarkable performance, in the form of not being in the NFL the previous year, a severe injury, or simply poor performance. The awards have been presented by several organizations, including the Associated Press (AP), Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA), Sporting News, and United Press International (UPI). As of the 2022 season, Chad Pennington has been the only recipient of the award to have won the Associated Press NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award in multiple seasons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Fitzpatrick</span> American football player (born 1982)

Ryan Joseph Fitzpatrick is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons. Fitzpatrick started at quarterback for nine teams, the most in league history. He is also the only NFL player to have a passing touchdown with eight different teams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sam Bradford</span> American football player (born 1987)

Samuel Jacob Bradford is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tim Tebow</span> American football and baseball player (born 1987)

Timothy Richard Tebow is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for three seasons, primarily with the Denver Broncos. Tebow played college football for the Florida Gators, where he became the first underclassman to win the Heisman Trophy and led the team to two BCS National Championship titles in 2007 and 2009. At the conclusion of his collegiate career, he held the Southeastern Conference's records for career passing efficiency and rushing touchdowns. He was selected by the Broncos in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

The 1979 New York Giants season was the franchise's 55th season in the National Football League (NFL). The Giants had a 6–10 record in 1979 and finished in fourth place in the National Football Conference East Division.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kellen Moore</span> American football player and coach (born 1988)

Kellen Christopher Moore is an American football coach and former quarterback who is the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Boise State Broncos, where he set the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) record for quarterback wins. Moore spent the majority of his professional career from 2012 to 2017 as a backup, only seeing playing time with the Dallas Cowboys in 2015. After retiring as a player, Moore began a coaching career and became the Eagles' offensive coordinator in 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick Foles</span> American football player (born 1989)

Nicholas Edward Foles is an American football quarterback who is a free agent. Foles previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. He played college football for the Arizona Wildcats and was selected in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. Foles had a breakout season in 2013 when he set the NFL season record for the best touchdown–interception ratio and led the Eagles to a division title, earning him Pro Bowl honors. Unable to duplicate his success the following year, Foles was traded to the St. Louis Rams, where he also struggled during his one season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Teddy Bridgewater</span> American football player (born 1992)

Theodore Edmond Bridgewater Jr. is an American former football quarterback who played for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dual-threat quarterback</span> Quarterback in gridiron football

In gridiron football, a dual-threat quarterback, also known as a running quarterback, is a quarterback (QB) who is able to run with the ball as effectively as they can pass. With the rise of several blitz-heavy defensive schemes and increasingly faster defensive players, the importance of a mobile quarterback has been redefined. While arm power, accuracy, and pocket presence – the ability to successfully operate from within the "pocket" formed by his blockers – are still the most important quarterback virtues, the ability to elude or run past defenders creates an additional threat that allows greater flexibility in the team's passing and running game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacoby Brissett</span> American football player (born 1992)

Jacoby JaJuan Brissett is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Following a stint at Florida, he played college football at NC State and was selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft by the Patriots. Brissett was traded to the Indianapolis Colts after his rookie season, where he was their primary starter in 2017 and 2019. He spent his next three seasons alternating as the starter and backup with the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Commanders before rejoining the Patriots in 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lamar Jackson</span> American football player (born 1997)

Lamar Demeatrice Jackson Jr. is an American football quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Louisville Cardinals, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2016, and was selected by the Ravens with the final pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft. Intended to serve as a backup in his rookie season, Jackson became the Ravens' starting quarterback after an injury to the incumbent Joe Flacco. He went on to clinch a division title with the team and became the youngest NFL quarterback to start a playoff game at age 21.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jalen Hurts</span> American football player (born 1998)

Jalen Alexander Hurts is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He began his college football career with the Alabama Crimson Tide, leading the team to consecutive College Football Playoff National Championship appearances in 2016 and 2017. After being benched for Tua Tagovailoa during Alabama's victory in the latter championship, Hurts spent one season as a backup in 2018. He played his final season with the Oklahoma Sooners, leading them to an appearance in the 2019–20 College Football Playoff.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Herbert</span> American football player (born 1998)

Justin Patrick Herbert is an American football quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Oregon, where he won the 2019 Pac-12 Championship and was named MVP of the 2020 Rose Bowl. Herbert was selected by the Chargers as the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tua Tagovailoa</span> American football player (born 1998)

Tuanigamanuolepola Donny Tagovailoa is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, winning a national championship in 2017, and named the Offensive MVP of the national championship game as a freshman. As a sophomore, Tagovailoa won the Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Award in 2018, earning a 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship appearance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Burrow</span> American football player (born 1996)

Joseph Lee Burrow is an American football quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). Following a stint at Ohio State, Burrow played college football at LSU, winning the Heisman Trophy and the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship as a senior. He was selected by the Bengals first overall in the 2020 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mac Jones</span> American football player (born 1998)

Michael McCorkle "Mac" Jones is an American football quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). Jones played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he set the NCAA season records for passer rating and completion percentage as a junior en route to winning the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship. He was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Miami Dolphins season</span> 55th season in franchise history

The 2020 season was the Miami Dolphins' 51st in the National Football League (NFL), their 55th overall and their second under head coach Brian Flores.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taulia Tagovailoa</span> American football quarterback

Taulia Tagovailoa is an American football quarterback. He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins and Alabama Crimson Tide. He holds the Big Ten Conference record for most all-time passing yards, and holds the Maryland single-season and career school records for completions, passing yards and a share of the single-season touchdowns record. He is the younger brother of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skylar Thompson</span> American football player (born 1997)

Skylar John Thompson is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Kansas State and was drafted by the Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

References

  1. ↑ Holcomb, Dave (16 December 2020). "The most notable lefty NFL quarterbacks". MSN . Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  2. ↑ Maxymuk, John (2009). "Left Wingers". The Coffin Corner. Vol. 31, no. 8. pp. 9–11.
  3. 1 2 Toney, Nick (August 13, 2018). "Why are there no lefty quarterbacks in the NFL?". NFL.com. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Edholm, Eric. "Are Lefty Quarterbacks Going Extinct?". FiveThirtyEight.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Left-handed QBs | Pro Football Hall of Fame Official Site
  6. ↑ "Allie Sherman Stats". Pro Football Reference.
  7. ↑ "Donelli Has Tough Job in Pro League". The Herald-Press. September 8, 1944 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  8. ↑ Maxymuk, John (November 30, 2007). Strong Arm Tactics: A History and Statistical Analysis of the Professional Quarterback. McFarland Incorporated. p. 13. ISBN   0786432772.
  9. ↑ "Fred Wyant (1994)". West Virginia Mountaineers.
  10. ↑ Rolfe, Shelley (1953-11-03). "Wyant Is Big-Leaguer on Big League Club". The Times Dispatch . Richmond, Virginia . Retrieved 2022-02-02. (noting that he was left-handed)
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 Stine, Carl. "Tim Tebow and the 14 Greatest Left-Handed CFB Quarterbacks of All Time". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2019-04-05.
  12. ↑ "Jim Del Gaizo Stats". Pro Football Reference.
  13. ↑ "Dennis Morrison Stats". Pro Football Reference.
  14. ↑ "For "As Long As They Want Me" Leach Is a Tiger". Petoskey News-Review . June 8, 1979. p. 17.
  15. ↑ "Pacific-12 Conference Career Leaders and Records for Total Yards". Sports Reference — College Football. Archived from the original on 27 March 2015.
  16. ↑ "Erik Wilhelm Stats". Pro Football Reference.
  17. ↑ "Jeff Carlson". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  18. ↑ Todd Marinovich Stats | Pro Football Reference
  19. ↑ "Will Furrer". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  20. ↑ "Plenty to learn and like about AFL". 25 February 2007.
  21. ↑ "Tony Graziani". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  22. ↑ "The NFL: Which Son To Watch?". Kitsap Sun. 2000.
  23. ↑ Brock Huard Stats | Pro Football Reference
  24. ↑ Cade McNown Stats | Pro Football Reference
  25. ↑ "Michael Vick Biography". Biography.com . 17 July 2020. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  26. ↑ Jared Lorenzen Stats | Pro Football Reference
  27. 1 2 3 Brief, Sam (2018-11-02). "Tua Tagovailoa is making left-handed college QB history". SI.com. Retrieved 2019-07-04.
  28. ↑ Matt Leinart Stats | Pro Football Reference
  29. ↑ Reid, John (2021-05-20). "Jaguars sign Tim Tebow to play tight end". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2021-05-31.
  30. ↑ Tim Tebow Stats | Pro Football Reference
  31. ↑ Casagrande, Michael. "How Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa became left-handed". AL.com. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  32. ↑ "NFL Draft Profile: Holton Ahlers, Quarterback, East Carolina Pirates". SI.com. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  33. ↑ "Packers reportedly met with ECU QB Holton Ahlers: What to Know". dairylandexpress.com. February 7, 2023.
  34. ↑ "2023 Senior Bowl Watchlist Scouting Notes: QB Holton Ahlers, East Carolina". nfldraftblitz.com. October 18, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.