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Doug Flutie
refer to caption
Flutie in 2009
No. 22, 2, 20, 7
Position: Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (1962-10-23) October 23, 1962 (age 62)
Manchester, Maryland, U.S.
Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight: 180 lb (82 kg)
Career information
High school: Natick (Natick, Massachusetts)
College: Boston College (1981–1984)
NFL Draft: 1985 / Round: 11 / Pick: 285
Career history
Career highlights and awards
  • 3× Grey Cup champion (1992, 1996, 1997)
  • 3× Grey Cup MVP (1992, 1996, 1997)
  • 6× CFL's Most Outstanding Player (1991–1994, 1996, 1997)
  • NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1998)
  • 4× Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy (1991–1994)
  • 2× Terry Evanshen Trophy (1996, 1997)
  • 6× CFL All-Star (1991–1994, 1996, 1997)
  • Pro Bowl (1998)
  • 4× CFL Western All-Star (1991–1994)
  • 2× CFL Eastern All-Star (1996, 1997)
  • Heisman Trophy (1984)
  • Maxwell Award (1984)
  • Walter Camp Award (1984)
  • Davey O'Brien Award (1984)
  • UPI Player of the Year (1984)
  • SN Player of the Year (1984)
  • Chic Harley Award (1984)
  • Unanimous All-American (1984)
  • Second-team All-American (1983)
  • 2× First-team All-East (1983, 1984)
  • Second-team All-East (1982)
  • Boston College Eagles No. 22 retired
CFL records
  • Most passing yards in a season: 6,619 (1991)
  • Most passing touchdowns in a season: 48 (1994)
Career NFL statistics
Passing attempts: 2,151
Passing completions: 1,177
Completion percentage: 54.7%
TD–INT: 86–68
Passing yards: 14,715
Passer rating: 76.3
Rushing yards: 1,634
Rushing touchdowns: 10
Career CFL statistics
Passing attempts: 4,854
Passing completions: 2,975
Completion percentage: 61.3%
TD–INT: 270–155
Passing yards: 41,355
Player stats at PFR
Player stats at CFL.ca (archive)
College Football Hall of Fame
Canadian Football Hall of Fame

Doug Flutie (born October 23, 1962) is a famous American football quarterback who played professionally for 21 seasons. He spent 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), eight seasons in the Canadian Football League (CFL), and one season in the United States Football League (USFL).

Flutie played college football for the Boston College Eagles. In 1984, he won the Heisman Trophy, a top award for college football players. That year, he threw a game-winning touchdown pass in the final seconds against the Miami Hurricanes. This play became known as the "Hail Flutie".

After college, Flutie started his pro career with the USFL's New Jersey Generals. Because he signed with the USFL, NFL teams picked him very late in the draft. After the USFL stopped playing, Flutie joined the NFL, playing for the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots.

In 1990, Flutie moved to the CFL, where he became one of the league's best players ever. He played for the BC Lions, Calgary Stampeders, and Toronto Argonauts. He won the CFL's Most Outstanding Player award a record six times. He also won three Grey Cup championships and was named the Grey Cup MVP each time.

Flutie returned to the NFL in 1998 with the Buffalo Bills. He earned the Pro Bowl and NFL Comeback Player of the Year awards. He led the Bills to the playoffs. Later, he played for the San Diego Chargers and finished his career as a backup for the Patriots. Flutie was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2008. He was also the first non-Canadian to be inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

Doug Flutie's Early Life

Doug Flutie was born in Manchester, Maryland. His family moved to Melbourne Beach, Florida, when he was six. His dad worked in the aerospace industry. While in Florida, Doug led his junior high football team to two championships.

In 1976, his family moved to Natick, Massachusetts. Doug graduated from Natick High School. There, he was a top player in football, basketball, and baseball.

Doug Flutie's College Football Career

Doug Flutie played football at Boston College from 1981 to 1984. It was the only big-time college (Division I-A) that recruited him. In his senior year (1984), he won the Heisman Trophy. He also won the Maxwell Award and the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award. Flutie was the first quarterback to win the Heisman since 1971.

He became the NCAA's all-time leader in passing yards with 10,579 yards. He was also named a unanimous All-American in his senior year. His quarterback coach at Boston College was Tom Coughlin.

The Famous "Hail Flutie" Play

Flutie became nationally famous in 1984. He led the Eagles to a thrilling win against the Miami Hurricanes. This game was shown on TV the day after Thanksgiving. Miami took the lead 45–41 in the last minute. Boston College got the ball back with only 28 seconds left.

On the very last play, Flutie threw a long pass, known as a "Hail Mary pass". His roommate, Gerard Phelan, caught it in the end zone. This gave BC a 47–45 win. Flutie won the Heisman Trophy a week later. He said the "Hail Mary" pass helped people remember him.

After this famous play, more students wanted to go to Boston College. This increase in applications is called the "Flutie Effect". It means a winning sports team can make a school more popular.

Doug Flutie was also a great student. He studied communication and computer science. He was even a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship in 1984. Boston College honored Flutie in 2008 with a statue of him throwing the "Hail Mary" pass. His jersey number, 22, has been retired by the Boston College football team.

College Statistics

Season Team GP Passing Rushing
Cmp Att Pct Yds TD Int Rtg Att Yds TD
1981 Boston College 11 105 192 54.7 1,652 10 8 135.8 67 79 2
1982 Boston College 12 162 347 46.7 2,749 13 20 114.1 90 265 2
1983 Boston College 12 177 345 51.3 2,724 17 15 125.2 69 245 0
1984 Boston College 12 233 386 60.4 3,454 27 11 152.9 62 149 3
Total 47 677 1,270 53.3 10,579 67 54 132.2 288 738 7

Doug Flutie's Professional Football Career

Playing in the USFL

Even after his college success, some wondered if Flutie was too small for pro football. He was 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed 180 pounds. The United States Football League (USFL) wanted a star player. Flutie signed a big contract with the USFL's New Jersey Generals in 1985. This made him one of the highest-paid rookies.

His first game in the USFL was not great. He threw two interceptions. In 1985, he completed 134 passes for 2,109 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Generals finished with 11 wins and 7 losses. The USFL stopped playing in 1986.

Doug Flutie, Donald Trump, Generals football press conference
Doug Flutie and Donald Trump at a press conference in 1985.

Time with the Chicago Bears

In 1986, the Los Angeles Rams traded Flutie's rights to the Chicago Bears. Flutie played in four games for the Bears. He started one playoff game against Washington. The Bears lost that game.

First Time with the New England Patriots

The Bears traded Flutie to the New England Patriots in 1987. This was during an NFL player strike. Flutie chose to play for the Patriots, and the strike ended soon after.

In 1988, Flutie led the Patriots to a comeback win against the Indianapolis Colts. He helped the team get a 6–3 record. However, his coach benched him before the last game. The Patriots missed the playoffs. Flutie was released by the Patriots after the 1989 season. No other NFL teams were interested in him.

Dominating the CFL

In 1990, Flutie started his eight-year career in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He signed with the BC Lions. He struggled in his first CFL season, which was his only losing season there.

Setting Records with the BC Lions

In 1991, Flutie set many CFL records:

  • Most passing attempts (730)
  • Most passing completions (466)
  • Most passing yards (6,619)
  • Most 300-yard passing games (14)
  • Most 400-yard passing games (7)
  • Most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (14)

He threw for 582 yards in one game, which was almost a record. He won his first Most Outstanding Player award. The Lions made the playoffs but lost.

Winning Championships with the Calgary Stampeders

In 1992, Flutie joined the Calgary Stampeders for a million-dollar salary. He led Calgary to 13 wins and won his second Most Outstanding Player award. He also won his first Grey Cup championship. In the Grey Cup game, he threw for 480 yards. He was named the Grey Cup MVP.

In 1993, Calgary started 10–0 and finished 15–3. Flutie passed for over 6,000 yards again. He set a record with 44 passing touchdowns. He won his third Most Outstanding Player award. Calgary lost in the playoffs.

In 1994, Calgary again finished 15–3. Flutie broke his own record with 48 passing touchdowns. He also rushed for 760 yards, his best rushing season in the CFL. He won his fourth Most Outstanding Player award. Calgary lost in the playoffs again.

In 1995, Flutie missed some games due to injury. The Stampeders reached the Grey Cup but lost to the Baltimore Stallions.

Back-to-Back Grey Cups with the Toronto Argonauts

Flutie joined the Toronto Argonauts in 1996. They had a great 15–3 season. He won his fifth Most Outstanding Player award. He led the team to a Grey Cup victory in "The Snow Bowl." He won his second Grey Cup MVP award.

In 1997, Toronto had another 15–3 season. They won their second straight Grey Cup. Flutie set a record for most consecutive completions in a Grey Cup game. He won his third Grey Cup MVP award.

Some people thought Flutie couldn't win in cold weather. But he proved them wrong by winning two Grey Cups in cold conditions. He learned to throw with gloves in cold weather. Flutie said his time in the CFL helped him become a better pro quarterback. He learned from other CFL quarterbacks like Damon Allen.

By the end of his CFL career, Flutie held many records:

  • 6 seasons with over 5,000 passing yards.
  • 2 seasons with over 6,000 passing yards (a pro football record).
  • 74 games with over 300 passing yards.
  • 29 games with over 400 passing yards.
  • 6 Most Outstanding Player awards.

He ranked third in CFL history for passing yards (41,355) and touchdowns (270). In 2006, he was named the greatest CFL player of all time by TSN. In 2007, he became the first non-Canadian in Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.

Return to the NFL with the Buffalo Bills

In 1998, the Buffalo Bills signed Flutie. He came in for an injured teammate and led a comeback win. The next week, he started his first NFL game in nine years. He led the Bills to a win against the unbeaten Jacksonville Jaguars. Flutie's record as a starter that season was 8 wins and 3 losses. He played in the 1998 Pro Bowl. He is the shortest quarterback to make the Pro Bowl since 1970.

In 1999, Flutie led the Bills to an 11–5 record. But his coach controversially benched him for the playoffs. The Bills lost their playoff game. Flutie was the last quarterback to lead the Bills to the postseason for 17 years.

In 2000, Flutie was mostly a backup. He had a perfect passer rating in one game. After the season, the Bills decided to keep the other quarterback and cut Flutie.

Playing for the San Diego Chargers

In 2001, Flutie signed with the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers had a bad record the year before. They started 3–0 with Flutie. He won a game against his old team, the Bills. This was the Chargers' last win of the season.

In 2002, Flutie was a backup to Drew Brees. Brees looked up to Flutie and said Flutie helped him a lot.

In 2003, Flutie replaced Brees when the Chargers were struggling. At 41 years old, Flutie became the oldest player to score two rushing touchdowns in a game. He also won the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award. In 2005, at 42 years old, Flutie became the oldest player to score a touchdown. The Chargers released him in 2005.

Second Time with the New England Patriots

Flutie signed with the Patriots again in 2005. He was a backup to Tom Brady. He played a few times at the end of games. In one game, he played against another quarterback over 40, Vinny Testaverde. This was the first time two quarterbacks over 40 played against each other in NFL history.

In a game against the Miami Dolphins in 2006, Flutie did something special. He successfully drop kicked a football for an extra point. This had not been done in an NFL game since 1941. It was a unique moment for the veteran quarterback. Flutie retired from football on May 15, 2006, at age 43.

Professional Statistics

USFL Statistics

Year Team Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
1985 New Jersey Generals 15 15 134 281 47.6 2,109 7.5 13 14 67.8 65 465 7.2 6
Career 15 15 134 281 47.6 2,109 7.5 13 14 67.8 65 465 7.2 6

NFL Regular Season Statistics

Year Team Games Passing Rushing Sacks Fumbles
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg Lng TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg Lng TD Sck SckY Fum Lost
1986 CHI 4 1 1–0 23 46 50.0 361 7.8 58 3 2 80.1 9 36 4.0 19 1 6 30 3 1
1987 CHI 1 0 – 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
NE 1 1 1–0 15 25 60.0 199 8.0 30 1 0 98.6 6 43 7.2 13 0 1 3 1 0
1988 NE 11 9 6–3 92 179 51.4 1,150 6.4 80 8 10 63.3 38 179 4.7 16 1 11 65 3 3
1989 NE 5 3 1–2 36 91 39.6 493 5.4 36 2 4 46.6 16 87 5.4 22 0 6 52 1 1
1998 BUF 13 10 7–3 202 354 57.1 2,711 7.7 84 20 11 87.4 48 248 5.2 23 1 12 78 3 0
1999 BUF 15 15 10–5 264 478 55.2 3,171 6.6 54 19 16 75.1 88 467 5.4 24 1 26 176 6 4
2000 BUF 11 5 4–1 132 231 57.1 1,700 7.4 52 8 3 86.5 36 161 4.5 32 1 10 68 5 2
2001 SD 16 16 5–11 294 521 56.4 3,464 6.6 78 15 18 72.0 53 192 3.6 16 1 25 168 7 2
2002 SD 1 0 – 3 11 27.3 64 5.8 47 0 0 51.3 1 6 6.0 6 0 0 0 0 0
2003 SD 7 5 2–3 91 167 54.5 1,097 6.6 73 9 4 82.8 33 168 5.1 17 2 8 27 7 2
2004 SD 2 1 1–0 20 38 52.6 276 7.3 29 1 0 85.0 5 39 7.8 20 2 1 7 0 0
2005 NE 5 0 – 5 10 50.0 29 2.9 13 0 0 56.2 5 −1 −0.2 2 0 1 13 1 1
Career 91 66 38–28 1,177 2,151 54.7 14,715 6.8 84 86 68 76.3 338 1,634 4.8 32 10 107 687 37 16

NFL Postseason Statistics

Year Team Games Passing Rushing Sacks Fumbles
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg Lng TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg Lng TD Sck SckY Fum Lost
1986 CHI 1 1 0–1 11 31 35.5 134 4.3 50 1 2 33.5 2 12 6.0 11 0 1 7 1 1
1998 BUF 1 1 0–1 21 36 58.3 360 10.0 65 1 1 90.0 4 29 7.3 14 0 3 21 2 2
1999 BUF 0 0 – DNP
2004 SD 0 0 – DNP
2005 NE 0 0 – DNP
Career 2 2 0–2 32 67 47.8 494 7.4 65 2 3 63.9 6 41 6.8 14 0 4 28 3 3

CFL Statistics

Year Team Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
1990 BC 16 8 207 392 52.8 2,960 7.6 16 19 71.0 79 662 8.1 3
1991 BC 18 18 466 730 63.8 6,619 9.1 38 24 96.7 120 610 5.1 14
1992 CAL 18 18 396 688 57.5 5,945 8.6 32 30 83.4 96 669 7.0 11
1993 CAL 18 18 416 703 59.1 6,092 8.7 44 17 98.3 74 373 5.0 11
1994 CAL 18 18 403 659 59.1 5,726 8.7 48 19 101.5 96 760 7.9 8
1995 CAL 11* 10 223 332 67.1 2,788 8.4 16 5 102.8 46 288 6.3 5
1996 TOR 18 18 434 677 65.0 5,720 8.4 29 17 94.5 101 756 7.5 9
1997 TOR 18 18 430 673 63.9 5,505 8.2 47 24 97.8 92 542 5.9 5
Career 135 126 2,975 4,854 61.3 41,355 8.5 270 155 93.9 704 4,660 6.6 66

* Flutie only saw game action in 10 of the 11 games he dressed for during the 1995 season.

Doug Flutie's Life After Football

Working as a Sports Commentator

After retiring from the NFL, Flutie became a sports commentator. He worked for ESPN and ABC from 2006 to 2008, talking about college football. He also worked as an analyst for Notre Dame Football on NBC from 2011 to 2019.

Dancing with the Stars

In 2016, Flutie was a celebrity contestant on Dancing with the Stars. He danced with professional dancer Karina Smirnoff. They finished in ninth place.

Video Game and Endorsements

In 2018, Flutie partnered with the Maximum Football video game. Future versions of the game will be called Doug Flutie's Maximum Football. He also endorses health supplements.

Personal Life and Family

Flutie is the older brother of Darren Flutie, who was also a famous CFL player. His nephews, Billy and Troy Flutie, also played college football.

Doug is married to his high school sweetheart, Laurie. They have a daughter, Alexa, who was a cheerleader for the Patriots and Chargers. They also have a son, Doug Jr., who has a rare form of autism spectrum disorder. The Fluties started The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc., to help others. Doug also created a cereal called Flutie Flakes, with money from sales going to his foundation.

Dougflutie
Flutie playing drums with the Flutie Brothers Band in 2009.

Doug enjoys attending college football and basketball games at Boston College. He also plays drums in the Flutie Brothers Band with his brother Darren. In 2006, November 13 was named "Doug Flutie Day" in Boston. A road near his hometown in Massachusetts is named "Flutie Pass" in honor of his famous "Hail Mary" play.

In 2015, Doug's parents, Dick and Joan Flutie, sadly passed away within an hour of each other from heart attacks.

Doug Flutie's Hall of Fame Inductions

Doug Flutie's Legacy and Records

  • He holds the professional football record for most passing yards in a single season (6,619 yards).
  • He holds the CFL record for most touchdown passes in a season (48 in 1994).
  • He was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player a record six times.
  • He is the only player in pro football history to pass for over 6,000 yards in a season twice.
  • In 2006, he was named the greatest CFL player of all time.
  • He is the oldest NFL player to score two rushing touchdowns in a game.
  • He is the oldest player to win the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award.
  • Flutie has the most rushing yards (212) for any player over 40 years old.
  • Football commentator John Madden once said, "Inch for inch, Flutie in his prime was the best QB of his generation."

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