Heisman Trophy Winners: Top 20 NFL careers of all time

Doug Flutie actually had a more successful career in the Canadian Football League than he did in the NFL, but that doesn’t mean his pro career isn’t worth mentioning. However, his accolades from the CFL that don’t contribute to his ranking on this list. He was named the Most Outstanding Player in the CFL a record six times, is a three-time Grey Cup champion and MVP and is considered the best player in CFL history by some.

Back to the NFL, though. After a successful career at Boston College that was highlighted by his Heisman in 1984, Flutie was known for being too small to play quarterback in the league. Despite receiving every quarterback award in the books, he was still drafted in the 11th round of the 1985 NFL Draft with the 285th-overall pick.

Out to prove his doubters wrong, he spent his first four years in the league as a spot starter, earning the nod in just 12 games and going 9-3. He decided to sign with the CFL’s BC Lions and dominated up north for nearly a decade before making a comeback to the NFL in 1998, signing with the Buffalo Bills.

Flutie was named the Comeback Player of the Year in 1998 and made his first and only Pro Bowl by passing for 2,711 yards and 20 touchdowns in 10 games, going 7-3. He finished his NFL career with 14,715 yards, 86 touchdowns and 68 interceptions. Still, he will always be remembered most for his Hail Mary pass as time expired against Miami while in college.

Next: 19. Cam Newton, Auburn