Rodney Peete facts for kids
Peete in 2010
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| Position: | Quarterback | ||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||
| Born: | March 16, 1966 Mesa, Arizona, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 230 lb (104 kg) | ||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||
| High school: | Shawnee Mission South (Overland Park, Kansas) |
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| College: | USC (1985–1988) | ||||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1989 / Round: 6 / Pick: 141 | ||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||
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Rodney Peete Sr. (born March 16, 1966) is a former American football player. He was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). Peete played college football for the USC Trojans. He was recognized as an All-American in 1988. The 1989 NFL draft selected him in the sixth round. He played for several NFL teams, including the Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers.
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Early Life and Sports
Rodney Peete was born in Mesa, Arizona. He grew up playing many sports. At Sahuaro High School in Tucson, he was a top player. He earned awards in football, basketball, and baseball. As a junior, he was named Arizona High School Player of the Year. He also helped his teams win state championships.
Peete moved to Overland Park, Kansas for his senior year. His father, Willie Peete, became a coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. Rodney continued to excel in football. He was even drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays for baseball. However, he chose to go to college instead. In 2012, he was honored in the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame.
College Football Career
Peete accepted a football scholarship to the University of Southern California (USC). He wanted to play quarterback there.
Starting at USC
As a freshman, he started as a backup quarterback. He got his chance to play in the ninth game. He helped USC win against UCLA. He finished his first season with a 2-2 record as a starter.
In his second year, Peete started all 12 games. He helped the team achieve a 7-5 record. He continued to improve his passing and rushing skills.
During his junior year, Peete again started every game. He led the team to an 8-4 record. He set a school record with five touchdown passes in one game. The team played in the 1988 Rose Bowl.
Senior Year Success
As a senior, Peete led USC to a 10-2 record. He had great passing statistics. His team won against Troy Aikman's UCLA teams twice. One notable win happened when Peete played despite having measles the week before. USC played in the 1989 Rose Bowl.
Peete won the Johnny Unitas Award as the nation's best senior quarterback. He finished second in voting for the Heisman Trophy. This award goes to the most outstanding player in college football.
College Baseball
Peete also played baseball at USC. He played second base, shortstop, and third base. He was a strong hitter. He was drafted by Major League Baseball teams three times. But he chose to focus on football.
In 2009, Peete was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame. He also received the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award in 2014.
Professional Football Career
The Detroit Lions drafted Rodney Peete in 1989. He was picked in the sixth round. Many thought he was too small for the NFL. He joined Barry Sanders, who was also drafted by the Lions that year.
Detroit Lions Years
Peete was supposed to start as a rookie. But he hurt his knee and missed the first three games. He later led the Lions to a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He earned NFC Offensive Player-of-the-Week honors.
In 1990, Peete had a good season. He threw 13 touchdowns. He also ran for 365 yards and six touchdowns. He suffered a hamstring injury that year.
In 1991, Peete started strong, leading the team to a 5-2 record. However, he suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury. This ended his season. His replacement, Erik Kramer, led the team to the NFC Championship Game.
Peete returned in 1992 and 1993. He continued to play quarterback for the Lions. In 1993, he had a career-high completion percentage.
Dallas Cowboys
In 1994, Peete joined the Dallas Cowboys. He was the backup to Troy Aikman. He stepped in when Aikman was injured. Peete helped the Cowboys win games. He even started one game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Philadelphia Eagles
Peete signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1995. He became the starting quarterback after the team had a slow start. He led the Eagles to a 9-3 record as a starter.
In 1996, Peete tore his patella tendon. This injury caused him to lose his starting job. He played in five games that season. In 1998, he split time at quarterback with other players.
Later NFL Teams
In 1999, Peete was traded to the Washington Redskins. He was a backup quarterback there. He became the first quarterback to throw a regular season pass for three different NFC East teams.
In 2000, Peete joined the Oakland Raiders. He was the third-string quarterback and did not play in any games that year. He briefly rejoined the Raiders in 2001.
Carolina Panthers
In 2002, Peete signed with the Carolina Panthers. At 37 years old, many thought his career was over. But he became the starting quarterback. He led the team to a 7-9 record. This was a big improvement from their 1-15 record the year before. He had career highs in passing yards and touchdowns.
In 2003, Peete was replaced by Jake Delhomme during the first game. Delhomme then led the Panthers to the Super Bowl XXXVIII. Peete retired from football in 2005. He finished his career with over 16,000 passing yards.
Life After Football
After retiring from the NFL, Rodney Peete became a sports commentator. ..... In 2015, the Oprah Winfrey Network created a TV show about his family.
Rodney Peete and his wife, Holly Robinson Peete, appear in commercials. He also co-hosted the Hallmark Kitten Bowl in 2019. Currently, he co-hosts a sports radio show in Los Angeles called Roggin and Rodney.
Personal Life
Rodney Peete is married to actress Holly Robinson Peete. They have four children. Their son, Rodney Peete Jr., was diagnosed with autism spectrum at age three. Peete has spoken about his relationship with his son. As of 2023, Rodney Peete Jr. works for the Dodgers baseball team.
Rodney's father, Willie Peete, was also an NFL coach. His brother, Skip Peete, is also an NFL coach. Rodney is also related to the late professional golfer Calvin Peete.
See also
- Racial issues faced by black quarterbacks
