Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…
Drafted in the fourth round (37th overall) by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1949 NFL Draft out of the University of Oregon—where he was an All-American—Van Brocklin began as a backup punter and quarterback.
Over nine seasons with the Rams (1949-1957), he contributed to the 1951 NFL Championship and, after Waterfield’s retirement, became the starter, earning six straight Pro Bowl selections and leading the league in passing yards (1954) and punting average twice.
Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1958, Van Brocklin capped his career with three more Pro Bowls, culminating in the 1960 NFL Championship and MVP award, throwing for 287 yards and two touchdowns in a 17-13 win over the Green Bay Packers. He set an [enduring NFL record](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_yds_single_game.htm) with 554 passing yards in a 1951 game.
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Van Brocklin’s career totals stand at 23,611 yards, 173 touchdowns and 178 interceptions, with a 75.1 passer rating, plus 523 punts for 22,413 yards (42.9 average). He led the NFL in passing three times and earned first-team All-Pro in 1960.
His standout attributes included a powerful arm for long throws, accuracy in tight windows, and versatility as a top punter.
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Criticized for a fiery temper and later coaching conflicts (like with Fran Tarkenton), his interceptions (178 career) reflected the era’s aggressive style.
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Van Brocklin was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.