Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…
14. Steve Young
Selected first overall in the 1984 NFL supplemental draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after two USFL seasons with the Los Angeles Express, Young entered the league following a record $40 million contract renegotiated amid the USFL’s collapse. He struggled initially in Tampa, going 3–16 as a starter before a 1987 trade to the San Francisco 49ers as Joe Montana’s backup.
Over 15 NFL seasons, Young emerged as a star with the 49ers, leading them to Super Bowl XXIX victory in 1995 with a record six touchdown passes and 325 yards in a 49–26 win over San Diego, earning MVP honors. He won AP NFL MVP in 1992 and 1994, setting a single-season passer rating record of 112.8 in 1994.
Young led the league in passer rating six times, completion percentage five times and touchdowns four times. His 1998 season featured 36 touchdowns and seven 300-yard games.
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Young’s career totals stand at 33,124 yards, 232 touchdowns and 107 interceptions, with a 64.3 percent completion rate and 96.8 passer rating. Young holds franchise marks like a 101.4 career rating and 70.3 percent single-season completion.
Young’s standout attributes included elite efficiency, a strong arm and exceptional mobility as a left-handed dual-threat QB. He excelled in accuracy and decision-making under pressure.
Retiring in 2000 after concussions, Young was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
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But who ranks ahead of Young at No. 13 all-time?