Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…
35. Randall Cunningham
Drafted in the second round (37th overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1985 NFL Draft out of UNLV, Randall Cunningham quickly established himself as a pioneering dual-threat quarterback.
Over 11 seasons with the Eagles, he set franchise records, including most rushing yards by a quarterback (4,482) and became the first black quarterback to start in the Pro Bowl in 1988.
His standout 1990 season saw him rush for 942 yards (second-most ever for a QB at the time) and throw for 3,466 yards with 30 touchdowns, earning Comeback Player of the Year after a 1989 injury. Cunningham led Philadelphia to three straight playoff appearances (1988-1990) and their first playoff win in 12 years in 1992.
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After a brief retirement in 1996, Cunningham joined the Minnesota Vikings in 1997, peaking in 1998 with 3,704 yards, 34 touchdowns, and a league-leading 106.0 passer rating, guiding the team to a 15-1 record and NFC Championship. He later had stints with the Dallas Cowboys (2000) and Baltimore Ravens (2001) before retiring.
Cunningham’s career totals stand at 29,979 passing yards and 207 touchdowns across 161 games, with an 81.5 passer rating and 82-52-1 record. He rushed for 4,928 yards and 35 touchdowns, holding the QB rushing record until 2011. He earned four Pro Bowl nods and ranks among the top dual-threat QBs historically.
While criticized for high sack totals due to holding the ball too long and inconsistent passing early on, his athleticism and risk-taking on the ground redefined the QB position and inspired future stars like Michael Vick.
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Post-retirement, Cunningham became a minister and high school coach.
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
But who ranks ahead of Cunningham at No. 34 all-time?
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