Steve Young

The Lefty Gunslinger Who Revolutionized the Quarterback Position

Few quarterbacks in NFL history have overcome more obstacles and shattered more expectations than Steve Young. A three-time Super Bowl champion, two-time NFL MVP, and Hall of Fame quarterback, Young redefined the quarterback position with his elite accuracy, intelligence, and dual-threat ability.

When Joe Montana left the San Francisco 49ers, many doubted whether Young could fill the shoes of arguably the greatest quarterback of all time. But Young did more than replace Montana—he carved out his own legendary career, leading the 49ers to Super Bowl glory and cementing himself as one of the greatest passers ever. His unmatched ability to throw on the run, extend plays, and make pinpoint throws under pressure made him the prototype for the modern mobile quarterback. Without Young, there is no Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, or Josh Allen.

This collection honors Steve Young, the lefty gunslinger who dominated defenses, redefined quarterback play, and left a legacy that still influences the game today.

Steve Young’s Legendary Career by the Numbers

Young’s statistics and accolades prove that he was one of the most efficient, dynamic, and accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history.

Career Statistics & Achievements (1985–1999)

Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2005)
Three-time Super Bowl Champion (XXIII, XXIV, XXIX)
Super Bowl XXIX MVP
Two-time NFL MVP (1992, 1994)
Four-time First-Team All-Pro (1992–1994, 1998)
Seven-time Pro Bowler (1992–1998)
Six-time NFL Passer Rating Leader (1991–1994, 1996, 1997)
NFL Completion Percentage Leader (1992, 1994, 1996, 1997)
NFL Touchdown Pass Leader (1992, 1993, 1994)
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame
Career Passing Yards: 33,124
Career Passing Touchdowns: 232
Career Rushing Yards (QB): 4,239
Career Rushing Touchdowns (QB): 43
NFL Record: Highest Career QB Rating at Retirement (96.8)
NFL Record: Most Rushing Touchdowns by a Quarterback at Retirement (43)
Holds Super Bowl Record: Six Touchdown Passes in a Single Game

At the time of his retirement, Young was considered one of the most efficient and dynamic quarterbacks to ever play the game, and his records stood the test of time.

The Early Years – From a Small-Town Kid to College Superstar

Before Steve Young became one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, he had to overcome doubts about his ability to throw the football.

Growing Up in Greenwich, Connecticut

Steve Young was born on October 11, 1961, in Salt Lake City, Utah, but grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut.
A great-great-great-grandson of Brigham Young, he was raised in a devout Mormon family, where discipline and hard work were emphasized.
Young excelled in multiple sports, including baseball and basketball, but football became his true passion.
Despite having elite athletic ability, he struggled as a passer early in his career because of his unconventional throwing motion and left-handed delivery.

BYU – The College Years

Young attended Brigham Young University (BYU), following in the footsteps of Jim McMahon.
He was originally seventh on the QB depth chart because BYU ran a pass-heavy offense, and Young was considered more of a runner.
But after countless hours of work, Young improved his throwing mechanics, accuracy, and decision-making, eventually becoming the starter in 1982.
In 1983, Young had one of the greatest seasons in college football history, throwing for 3,902 yards, 33 TDs, and completing 71.3% of his passes.
He won the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s best quarterback and finished second in Heisman Trophy voting behind Nebraska’s Mike Rozier.

Young left BYU as one of the most prolific dual-threat quarterbacks in NCAA history, but the NFL was still hesitant to embrace a running quarterback.

The USFL Years – Taking a Detour Before the NFL

Signing the Largest Contract in Pro Football

Instead of going to the NFL Draft, Young was offered a massive contract by the USFL’s Los Angeles Express, worth $40 million over 43 years.
He signed with the Express in 1984, becoming the face of the young league.
In two seasons in the USFL, Young showed flashes of greatness, throwing for 4,102 yards and 16 touchdowns while rushing for 883 yards.

The Move to the NFL

The USFL collapsed in 1985, and Young was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1984 NFL Supplemental Draft.
Tampa Bay, however, was a disastrous organization at the time, and Young struggled behind a terrible offensive line.
After two losing seasons, the Buccaneers decided to move on from Young, trading him to the San Francisco 49ers in 1987.

The San Francisco 49ers Years – From Backup to NFL MVP

Backing Up a Legend (1987–1991)

When Young arrived in San Francisco, he was expected to be the backup to Joe Montana, one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
Although Young was one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, Montana’s presence meant that he spent most of his early years on the bench.
However, he made the most of his limited playing time, displaying his incredible accuracy, mobility, and playmaking ability.
In 1991, Montana suffered a serious injury, giving Young his first real opportunity to start.

Becoming the Best Quarterback in Football (1992–1995)

In 1992, Young took over as the full-time starter and dominated the NFL, winning his first NFL MVP award.
He led the league in passer rating (107.0), completion percentage (66.7%), and touchdowns (25).
Over the next three seasons, Young played at an even higher level, earning his second MVP award in 1994.

Super Bowl XXIX – The Defining Moment

Despite his regular-season success, Young was criticized for not winning a Super Bowl, as the 49ers struggled to get past the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game.
In 1994, Young and the 49ers finally broke through, defeating the Cowboys in the NFC Championship to advance to Super Bowl XXIX.
Young put on one of the greatest Super Bowl performances of all time, throwing for six touchdown passes, breaking the previous record held by Montana.
The 49ers defeated the San Diego Chargers 49-26, and Young was named Super Bowl MVP, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever.

The Final Years & Retirement

Young continued to play at an elite level through the late 1990s, but multiple concussions and injuries began to take their toll.
In 1999, Young suffered a career-ending concussion, leading him to retire as one of the most efficient quarterbacks in NFL history.

Defining Moments of Young’s Career

1983 – Finishes Second in Heisman Voting: Becomes one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history.
1984 – Signs a $40 Million USFL Contract: Chooses an unconventional path before reaching the NFL.
1987 – Traded to the 49ers: Becomes Joe Montana’s backup.
1992 – Wins NFL MVP & Becomes Full-Time Starter: Proves he is the best quarterback in the NFL.
1994 – Wins Super Bowl XXIX MVP: Throws six touchdown passes and cements his legacy.
1999 – Retires as One of the Greatest Quarterbacks Ever: Leaves the game as one of the most efficient passers in history.

A Legacy That Redefined the Quarterback Position

Steve Young wasn’t just a great quarterback—he was a pioneer.

He proved that a mobile quarterback could win championships.
He was one of the most accurate passers in history, setting the standard for modern QBs.
His ability to throw on the run, extend plays, and make clutch throws paved the way for stars like Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers.

A Champion, A Record-Setter, and One of the Greatest Quarterbacks in NFL History.