In the glittering world of football, the starting quarterback reigns supreme. But lurking in the shadows, another breed thrives, the backup.
These unsung heroes, often drafted high but relegated to the clipboard, face crushing pressure and perpetual doubt. Yet, some defy the odds, seizing their moment and carving their legacies.
From legendary postseason heroes to unexpected franchise saviors, these stories are testaments to resilience, leadership, and the unyielding spirit of competition. Prepare to be surprised, inspired, and reminded that sometimes, the most remarkable journeys begin with a clipboard in hand.
Nick Foles
Team: Philadelphia Eagles (2013, 2017)
Stats: 14,227 passing yards, 82 touchdowns
Nick Foles’s 2013 season with the Eagles was pure Folean brilliance. Thrust into the starting role due to the injury to Michael Vick, he led the Eagles to a postseason with an 8-2 record (Eagles: 10-6). He threw for 27 touchdowns and led the league with a passer rating of 119.2, earning Pro Bowl honors.
But Foles’ magic wasn’t a one-hit wonder. In 2017, he filled in for Carson Wentz and carried the Eagles to another Super Bowl appearance, showcasing his resilience and clutch throws. He helped them lift the trophy and was awarded the Super Bowl LII MVP.
T.J. Yates
Team: Houston Texans (2011, 2015)
Stats: 2,057 passing yards, 10 touchdowns
T.J. Yates, the ultimate journeyman backup, carved out a 7-year career through resilience and clutch performances.
The Houston Texans picked him as the 152nd choice in the 2011 draft. He was backup for QB Matt Leinart. During the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Leinart suffered a collarbone injury which helped Yates get five starts in 2011.
He threw 949 yards for three TDs at an 80.7 passer rating. He was 2-3 that year.
Likewise, in 2015, he filled in for Brian Hoyer, leading the Texans to a comeback win over the Bengals. He led the team to two wins from equal starts.
Bob Lee
Team: Atlanta Falcons (1973)
Stats: 5,034 passing yards, 30 touchdowns
Throughout his NFL journey, Bob was a second-string QB for the Vikings, Falcons, and Rams.
His most shining moment came in 1973 when he led the Atlanta Falcons to a 9-5 record and an upset win over the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. He was given the starting job due to inconsistent performance from Dick Shiner. He pulled seven successive wins in the 8-2 record over ten starts.
Lee’s arm also shined in the Super Bowl spotlight, tossing a TD in Super Bowl XI. Stepping up for the injured Fran Tarkenton in 1977, he led the Vikings to a playoff victory against the Los Angeles Rams.
Doug Flutie
Team: Buffalo Bills (1998, 1999)
Stats: 14,715 passing yards, 86 touchdowns
Crowned Heisman Trophy winner in 1984, Flutie’s NFL odyssey began as an 11th-round pick (#285).
His 1998 stint with the Buffalo Bills, capped by a Hail Mary touchdown, earned him “Comeback Player of the Year” honors.
He filled in for injured Rob Johnson and started ten games with seven wins. The successive year saw him get the starting duty and pulled a 10-5 record with 3,171 yards and 19 TDs.
Case Keenum
Team: Minnesota Vikings (2017)
Stats: 15,113 passing yards, 79 touchdowns
Undrafted in 2011, Case Keenum carved his path through the NFL, becoming a reliable backup with flashes of brilliance.
His collegiate career at Houston was legendary. Despite the accolades, the NFL draft overlooked him. He spent years honing his craft, bouncing between teams like the Texans, Rams, Vikings, Broncos, Redskins, Browns, Bills, and Texans again.
His 2017 season with the Minnesota Vikings was a fairy tale. An injury to Sam Bradford saw Keenum led the team to a shocking NFC Championship appearance, throwing for 3,547 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Derek Anderson
Team: Cleveland Browns (2007)
Stats: 10,878 passing yards, 60 touchdowns
Drafted late in the 2005 NFL Draft (#213), Derek Anderson wasn’t destined for NFL glory.
Anderson spent much of his career bouncing between teams, but it was with the Cleveland Browns in 2007 that magic struck.
Thrust into the starting role mid-season, he led the Browns to a remarkable 10-5 record and a playoff berth, culminating in a Pro Bowl selection. That year, he threw for 3,787 yards and 29 touchdowns, his career highs.
Gardner Minshew
Team: Jacksonville Jaguars (2019)
Stats: 9,796 passing yards, 59 touchdowns
Gardner Minshew’s 2019 breakout year with the Jaguars was electrifying. The left clavicle fracture to Nick Foles handed him the starter role.
Minshew Mania swept the league as he tossed 3,271 yards, 21 touchdowns, and completed 60.6% of his passes, leading Jacksonville to a surprising 6-6 record. He even sported a magical beard that captivated the nation.
The tide has once again shifted in Minshew’s favor in 2023. Anthony Richardson’s injury saw him start ten games for the Colts. He is 6-4 with 2,739 yards and 14 TDs.
Cody Carlson
Team: Houston Oilers (1992)
Stats: 4469 yards, 21 touchdowns
Cody Carlson was a backup quarterback for the Houston Oilers from 1987 to 1994. He is best known for his 1992 season when he went 10-4 as a starter while filling in for an injured Warren Moon.
Drafted 64th in the third round of the 1987 draft, Carlson’s career stats include an 11-8-0 record, 56.1% completion percentage, and a 70.0 passer rating.
Matt Moore
Team: Miami Dolphins (2011)
Stats: 7,597 passing yards, 49 touchdowns
Undrafted out of Eastern Washington in 2007, Moore landed with the Carolina Panthers, patiently learning under Jake Delhomme.
In 2011, opportunity struck. Chad Henne faltered, and Moore seized the reins, guiding the Miami Dolphins to a stunning 6-10 record. His 60.5% completion rate and 16:9 TD-INT ratio showcased his pinpoint accuracy and clutch gene. He threw 2,497 yards that year.
After the arrival of Ryan Tannehill in 2012, he was back to being the second-fiddle QB. He stepped up for the week 8 match against the New York Jets for the injured Tannehill.
Frank Reich
Team: Buffalo Bills (1989)
Stats: 6,075 passing yards, 40 TDs
Frank Reich’s playing career might best be described as “understudy extraordinaire.” Drafted by the Bills in 1985, he spent most of his tenure backing up Jim Kelly. Yet, when opportunity struck, Reich delivered.
Reich helped the Bills get two crucial wins in the 1989 and 1990 seasons.
Similarly, his 1992-93 NFL playoffs comeback against the Houston Oilers remains engraved in history – the largest in league history at the time. He orchestrated a 32-point deficit reversal, culminating in a game-winning drive with 47 seconds left.
Todd Collins
Teams: Buffalo Bills (1997), Washington Redskins (2007)
Stats: 4,547 passing yards, 22 touchdowns
Drafted by the Bills in 1995 as Jim Kelly’s heir, Todd Collins’ best season came in 1997 with the Bills where he got the starting role after being the backup in 1995 and 1996. He threw 2,367 yards for 12 TDs with 55% completion.
Leaping to 2007 with the Washington Redskins, a second wind arrived for Collins. Jason Campbell’s injury gave an opening to Todd and he capitalized fully. He registered four regular season wins, helping the Redksins to a 9-7 record and a wild card slot.
In four games, he threw 888 yards and five TDs with a passer rating of 106.5.
Brian Hoyer
Team: Cleveland Browns (2013, 2014)
Stats: 10,899 passing yards, 53 touchdowns
Undrafted in 2009, Hoyer’s 14-year career boasts the combined third-most starting teams with nine (Patriots, Steelers, Cardinals, Browns, Texans, Bears, 49ers, Colts, Raiders).
During his stint with the Browns (2013-2014), the thumb injury to Brandon Weeden led the coach to start Hoyer. He delivered a 3-0 record but was sidelined with an ACL tear for the rest of the season. In 2014, he was given the starter role for 13 games. He threw a career-best 3,326 yards for twelve touchdowns.
Though never a leading man, Hoyer’s veteran presence and clutch moments solidified his place among the best backups ever.