Brady Cook, an undrafted quarterback, is making headlines as he will start for the New York Jets in their upcoming Week 15 clash against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Historically, undrafted quarterbacks face low expectations. However, some have turned their overlooked status into successful NFL careers.
Top 5 Undrafted Quarterbacks in NFL History
While Cook’s future is uncertain, several undrafted quarterbacks have made their mark in the NFL. Here are the top five undrafted quarterbacks based on career passing yards:
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Warren Moon – 49,325 Yards
Warren Moon began his professional career in the Canadian Football League (CFL) after going undrafted in 1978. He eventually joined the NFL and played primarily with the Houston Oilers, where he became the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
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Dave Krieg – 38,147 Yards
Despite starring at Milton College, Dave Krieg was overlooked in the 1980 draft. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks and led them to four playoff appearances during his 12 seasons there, retiring as the franchise’s all-time leading passer.
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Tony Romo – 34,183 Yards
Tony Romo went undrafted in 2003 after a standout career at Eastern Illinois. He joined the Dallas Cowboys and became their franchise quarterback, leading multiple playoff teams and holding several passing records upon his retirement in 2017.
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Kurt Warner – 32,344 Yards
Kurt Warner’s journey was unique. He went undrafted in 1994 and initially stocked shelves at a grocery store. His breakout came after joining the St. Louis Rams, where he helped lead the team to a Super Bowl victory and subsequently earned a spot in the Hall of Fame.
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Jon Kitna – 29,745 Yards
Jon Kitna played at Central Washington before going undrafted in 1996. After signing with the Seattle Seahawks, he enjoyed a lengthy NFL career, earning Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2003 while playing for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Brady Cook’s opportunity as a starting quarterback for the Jets highlights the potential hidden within undrafted players. Every season, new talents emerge, creating hope for players like Cook who seek to carve their own path in the NFL.
