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 and Michael Penix Jr. are currently the NFL's only left-handed quarterbacks.

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 set the NFL record for quarterback rushing yards Michael Vick, November 2006 (1).jpg
Michael Vick set the NFL record for 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 2024, Tua Tagovailoa (pictured) and Michael Penix Jr. are the only left-handed quarterbacks currently playing in the NFL Tua Tagovailoa Dolphins-Falcons OCT2021.png
As of 2024, Tua Tagovailoa (pictured) and Michael Penix Jr. are the only left-handed quarterbacks currently playing in the NFL
NameCareerTeamsNotesReferences
Frankie Albert 1942–53

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

 [5]
Allie Sherman 1943–47

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

 [6]
John Karrs 1944–45

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 1956–57

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 1963–67

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

 [11]
Bobby Douglass 1969–78

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 1970–84

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

 [5]
Jim Del Gaizo 1971–75

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

 [12]
Dennis Morrison 1973–74

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

 [13]
David Humm 1975–84

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

 [11]
Jim Zorn 1975–87

Cal Poly Pomona (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 1980–87

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

 [11]
Boomer Esiason 1984–97

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

 [5]
Steve Young 1984–99

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)

  • Second at the time of his departure [a] in career passing yards in the Pac-10 (now Pac-12). [15]
[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 2001–15

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

 [4]
Chris Simms 2003–10

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 2004–14

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 2004–11

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 2006–13

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

 [4] [28]
Pat White 2009–14

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

 [27]
Tim Tebow 2010–15 [b]

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

 [4] [30] [11]
Kellen Moore 2012–17

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

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Vick</span> American football player and coach (born 1980)

Michael Dwayne Vick is an American college football coach and former player who is the head football coach at Norfolk State University. He played quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, where he became the league's first quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in a season and was the all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards at the time of his retirement. Vick played college football at Virginia Tech, where he won the Archie Griffin Award as a freshman, and was selected first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL draft. During his six years with the Falcons, he was named to three Pro Bowls and led the team to two playoff runs, one division title, and an NFC Championship Game appearance.

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aaron Brooks (American football)</span> American football player (born 1976)

Aaron Lafette Brooks is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons, primarily with the New Orleans Saints. He was a member of the Saints for six seasons, where he set the franchise records for regular season and career touchdown passes. In between his New Orleans tenure, Brooks spent his first season with the Green Bay Packers, who selected him in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL draft, and his final season with the Oakland Raiders.

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

Ryan Joseph Fitzpatrick is an American former professional 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">Brian Daboll</span> Canadian-born American football coach (born 1975)

Brian Michael Daboll is a Canadian-American professional football coach who is the head coach of the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Buffalo Bills. Daboll has also served in various capacities as an assistant coach for the New England Patriots from 2000 to 2006 and again from 2013 to 2016.

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

Timothy Richard Tebow is an American former professional 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 helped lead the team to two BCS National Championship titles in 2006 and 2008. 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.

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

Kellen Christopher Moore is an American professional 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 former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. A member of six teams, he achieved his greatest success with the Philadelphia Eagles, leading the franchise to their first Super Bowl title.

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

Theodore Edmond Bridgewater Jr. is an American professional football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Louisville Cardinals, winning the 2013 Sugar Bowl, and was selected as the final first round pick of the 2014 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings. During his second season, Bridgewater led the Vikings to a division title and earned Pro Bowl honors. Upon suffering a severe leg injury the following offseason, Bridgewater appeared in only one game over the next two years.

<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 professional football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Following a stint with the Florida Gators, he played college football for the NC State Wolfpack and was selected by the Patriots in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. 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 professional 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 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 professional 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 professional football quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oregon Ducks, where he won the 2019 Pac-12 Championship, and 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 professional football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was named the Offensive MVP of the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship during his freshman season. As a sophomore, Tagovailoa won the Maxwell and Walter Camp awards en route to an appearance in the 2019 National Championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tim Boyle (American football)</span> American football player (born 1994)

Timothy Kevin Boyle is an American professional football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UConn Huskies and Eastern Kentucky Colonels and signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Boyle has also played for the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins.

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

Michael McCorkle "Mac" Jones is an American professional 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">Taulia Tagovailoa</span> American gridiron football quarterback (born 2000)

Taulia Tagovailoa is an American professional football quarterback for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He also 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 both completions and passing yards, as well as a tie for Maryland's 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 professional football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kansas State Wildcats 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.