NFL: 4 backup quarterbacks who became stars
By Jeff Glauser
3. Steve Young, San Francisco 49ers
Like Rodgers, Steve Young was a highly-touted pick out of college (in fact, he went No. 1 overall) who had to wait years for his chance to shine. Also like Rodgers, it took the trade of a future Hall of Famer to finally make that happen.
In Young’s case, some of that detour was self-imposed, as he began his professional career with the USFL’s Los Angeles Express for two seasons. This is followed by two forgettable seasons—only one as a full-time starter—with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he was officially deemed a bust and traded to the San Francisco 49ers, paving the way for the Bucs to draft another well-regarded college QB: Vinny Testaverde.
Wrong move, guys.
Young assumed a backup role to none other than Joe Montana, who set the bar astronomically high in San Francisco. However, good things come to those who wait, and Joe Cool’s heir apparent certainly paid his dues, as it wasn’t until his age-30 season that Young took the reigns.
What followed were seven consecutive Pro Bowl appearances, two MVPs (1992 and 1994), a Super Bowl victory and enshrinement in the Hall of Fame.
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