The (Card) Story of the Little Quarterback That Could
Flutie Sends Boston College Eagles Soaring
Flutie’s ascent to stardom began at Boston College. A four-year starter, the (generously listed) 5′ 10″ quarterback brought the Eagles’ program to new heights. In 1984, Flutie won the Heisman, the first quarterback to do so since 1971. Flutie left the college game as the all-time passing yards leader. And, of course, there was the Hail Flutie.
Flutie’s Eagles were underdogs against Bernie Kosar (a prototypical 6′ 5″ QB prospect) and the defending National Champion Miami Hurricanes at the Orange Bowl. With 28 seconds left, the Hurricanes led 45-41. With six seconds left, Flutie dropped back, scrambled, avoided a sack, and launched a Hail Mary from his own 37 as time expired, miraculously dropping it into the hands of Gerard Phelan.
Flutie’s Heisman moment, followed by the iconic image of the diminutive gunslinger being lifted downfield in celebration by his offensive lineman, has lived on, his drive and showmanship, endearing him to millions of football fans.
USFL Goes All-In on Flutie
Despite his unprecedented college career, questions quickly emerged about Flutie. Concerns about his size would follow him throughout his journey in professional football. The Los Angeles Rams drafted him in the 11th round of the 1985 NFL draft. Flutie likely would have gone much higher, but he had already signed a record contract to join the New Jersey Generals of the USFL. After an up-and-down rookie season, the USFL folded, and the NFL’s Chicago Bears picked up Flutie.
Flutie Gets His Chance
Flutie was let go by the Bears after an up-and-down season and headed to New England. After the Patriots started the 1988 season 1-3, Flutie was brought off the bench. He went 6-3 but (not for the last time in his career) was controversially benched for the opening playoff game, which the Patriots would lose. The Patriots moved on from Flutie in 1989. So, Flutie began a historic exile from the NFL, joining the Canadian Football League in 1990.
King in the North
Over eight seasons in Canada, Flutie won Three Grey Cup championships, had two 6,000-yard passing seasons, and won six Most Outstanding Player awards. In 2006, Flutie was named the greatest CFL player of all time.
Throughout his time dominating his competition, calls for him to return to the NFL grew louder and louder. Finally, in 1998, the NFL came calling.
Flutie Mania
Think Linsanity but for Upstate New York. Flutie took over from starter Rob Johnson in October and led the Bills to the playoffs. In a playoff loss, he threw for 360 yards. He became the shortest quarterback to make the Pro Bowl since 1970. Flutie was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Flutie Flakes, a wildly popular local cereal brand, flew off the shelves. Flutie Mania was here.
In 1999, having captured the hearts of Bills fans, Flutie led the Bills to a 10-5 start, clinching a playoff birth in the process. Bills Owner Ralph Wilson demanded that the Bills replace Flutie with Rob Johnson for the playoffs. Thanks to what analyst Aaron Schatz described as “The wrong decision on one of the most mismatched quarterback controversies of all time,” Flutie was benched. Karma got to the Bills, who lost to the Tennessee Titans in the Music City Miracle. The Bills did not make the playoffs again until 2017, a streak known as The Curse of Doug Flutie.
A Legacy That Lives On
After stints with the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots (in which Flutie became the first player since 1941 to successfully drop-kick an extra point), Doug Flutie retired from football at 43. Although many see Flutie’s NFL career as a What-if, his influence on the game is unquestioned. Undersized quarterbacks were given more of a shot, including Chargers teammate Drew Brees, who said, “If you would’ve asked me prior to me getting drafted, growing up through high school and college, who I tried to emulate or was the most similar to, I would’ve said Doug Flutie.” Brees even credits Flutie with teaching him his patented back-shoulder throw. Flutie was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the CFL Hall of Fame.
