Doug Flutie: The Underdog Who Conquered College and Beyond
Doug Flutie, the Heisman Trophy winner from Boston College, is remembered as an undersized quarterback who defied expectations and left an indelible mark on football. From his electrifying college career to his professional exploits in the USFL, CFL, and NFL, Flutie's journey is a testament to his skill, charisma, and unwavering determination.
Early Life and High School Career
Born in Baltimore, Flutie's family relocated to Natick, Massachusetts, during his teenage years. He excelled in multiple sports at Natick High School, earning all-league honors in football, basketball, and baseball. His all-around athletic ability and leadership qualities hinted at the success that awaited him.
Boston College: A Collegiate Legend
Flutie's impact at Boston College was immediate and profound. Earning the starting quarterback role as a true freshman, he never missed a game, showcasing his durability and commitment.
Freshman Year and Early Success
In his first year, Flutie threw for 1,652 yards and 10 touchdowns, signaling the arrival of a special talent. He continued to develop as a sophomore and junior, amassing 2,749 yards and 2,724 yards, respectively. During his junior year, Boston College achieved a 9-3 record and won the Liberty Bowl. Flutie's outstanding performance led to him becoming a Heisman finalist, finishing third in the voting behind Mike Rozier.
The Heisman Trophy and "Hail Mary"
Entering the 1984 season, Flutie was a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy, and he lived up to the hype. He threw for 3,454 yards and 27 touchdowns during his senior year, leading the Eagles to a 9-2 regular-season record and a No. 8 ranking in the polls.
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The defining moment of Flutie's college career came in a game against Miami. With seconds remaining on the clock, Flutie launched a 63-yard "Hail Mary" pass to Gerard Phelan, securing a 47-45 victory for Boston College. This iconic play remains one of the most memorable in college football history.
Academic Achievements and Legacy
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Flutie was also an excellent student and a candidate for a Rhodes Scholarship. He set the NCAA all-time passing yardage mark with 10,579 career yards and won Boston College's first Heisman Trophy in 1984. In 2007, he was elected to the National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
Professional Career: A Journey Through Leagues
After graduating from Boston College, Flutie embarked on a professional football career that spanned over two decades and multiple leagues.
United States Football League (USFL)
Flutie's professional debut occurred in the USFL in February 1985 with the New Jersey Generals. Despite high expectations, his first game against the Orlando Renegades was challenging, with his first two passes being intercepted. In 15 games, he completed 134 of 281 passes for 2,109 yards and 13 touchdowns before an injury cut his season short.
National Football League (NFL)
Chicago Bears and New England Patriots
Flutie was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the 11th round of the 1985 NFL Draft but never played for the team. He was later traded to the Chicago Bears, where he started in the 1986 divisional playoff game against the Washington Redskins due to an injury to Jim McMahon. Flutie completed 11 of 31 passes for 134 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in that game.
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In 1987, Flutie was traded to the New England Patriots during the NFL players' strike. He led a comeback victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5, sealing the game with a 13-yard bootleg touchdown. Flutie guided the Patriots to a 6-3 record as a starter, including a four-touchdown performance against his former team, the Chicago Bears. However, head coach Raymond Berry benched Flutie late in the season in favor of Tony Eason.
Canadian Football League (CFL)
Flutie's career took off in the CFL, where he became one of the league's most dominant players.
BC Lions and Calgary Stampeders
He joined the BC Lions and, in his second season (1991), set a CFL single-season record by throwing for 6,619 yards. This achievement earned him his first CFL Most Outstanding Player (MOP) award, an honor he would claim a record six times (1991-94, 1996-1997).
In 1992, Flutie joined the Calgary Stampeders and continued his success, passing for 6,092 yards. He became the only quarterback in CFL history to surpass the 6,000-yard mark with two franchises. He led Calgary to a 24-10 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 80th Grey Cup and was named Grey Cup MVP.
Toronto Argonauts
Flutie joined the Toronto Argonauts in 1996 and made an immediate impact, leading the team to consecutive championships. He earned Grey Cup MVP honors in both games and back-to-back Most Outstanding Player awards.
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Return to the NFL
Buffalo Bills
In 1998, Flutie returned to the NFL, signing with the Buffalo Bills. After Rob Johnson sustained an injury in the season opener against the San Diego Chargers, Flutie stepped in and ignited "Flutie-Mania" in Buffalo. He led the Bills to an 8-3 record and a playoff berth. During his three-year tenure in Buffalo, Flutie led the Bills to a 21-9 record.
San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots
In 2001, at age 39, Flutie signed with the San Diego Chargers and started the season as the team's quarterback. He led the Chargers to a 5-2 record through the first seven games. During his time in San Diego, Flutie mentored a young Drew Brees.
In 2005, Flutie returned to the New England Patriots as Tom Brady's backup. He successfully executed a drop kick for an extra point, becoming the first player to do so in an NFL game since 1941, earning him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
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