NFL: 4 backup quarterbacks who became stars

In the wake of recent injuries to Tony Romo and Teddy Bridgewater, will it pave the way for the next great quarterback to emerge from reserve duty?

Whether we look back at this time as the start what was the Dak Prescott Era in Dallas or whomever surfaces after newly acquired Sam Bradford goes down in Minnesota (you know it’s happening), there is at least a precedent for a play caller to emerge from deep on the bench to ultimately becoming his team’s future franchise QB.

The following are four examples where the loss or departure of a valued starting quarterback had ultimately turned into a blessing in disguise, with the year their worthy replacement took the reigns and took off.

Disclaimer: Context matters for this list. For example, it does not include the likes of a Randall Cunningham in 1998 with the Vikings when he filled in for Brad Johnson, as he was already a star in a previous incarnation with the Eagles. Nor does it include Jeff Hostetler or Doug Williams in the late 1980s, who took over and later led the Giants and Redskins, respectively, to Super Bowl titles, as neither could be really considered a “star” after those runs.

Instead, this is relegated to those who took both their teams and their own careers to greater heights.

4. Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers

It’s near impossible to successfully replace a legend. But that’s exactly what the initial two quarterbacks on this list accomplished. The first, Aaron Rodgers, had the unenviable task of taking over for Brett Favre, who became as indigenous to Wisconsin as beer, cheese and Happy Days.

But as sure as a discount double-check, a seamless handoff from one legendary Packer QB to another had led to pay dirt. And when all is said and done, the latter may just surpass the former as the best in franchise history.

Although his emergence as a top quarterback was not entirely out of the blue, Rodgers certainly underwent his share of detours in order to get there. The first bump in the road was on draft day when he took a surprising tumble to 24th overall to ultimately land in Green Bay’s lap.

However, after three years of holding a clipboard, Rodgers has seamlessly picked up where Favre left off, matching him in Super Bowl victories, adding an MVP in 2011 and another in 2014 to go along with his predecessor’s three, plus five Pro Bowls and a ridiculous 104.1 career passer rating.

And with no signs of tailing off at 32 years old, and an NFC that remains up for grabs, the accolades should continue to pile up for State Farm’s best pitch man.

Next: Young's Gun