UCLA Football: Top 10 former Bruin quarterbacks with the most success in the NFL
By Ryan Kay
Cade McNown (1999-2000): Chicago Bears
Drafted by the Chicago Bears with the 12th overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft and he threw for over 3,000 yards in two seasons with the Bears.
Cade McNown had a successful college career at UCLA, where he was a consensus All-American in 1998 and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting. He was also the Pac-10 Co-Offensive Player of the Year that season.
McNown won three games and started 15 in two seasons for the Bears, and threw for 3,111 yards,16 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions.
Despite his limited NFL success, McNown had some good moments like some key victories against a divisional rival in his rookie season. That season in December against the Lions, he set a franchise rookie record with 27 completions, 301 yards, and four touchdowns. He also helped the Bears to an upset victory that eliminated the Detroit Lions from what from the playoffs that season in 2000.
Interesting non-football fact: In 2022, McNown joined the Carlyle Group which is a global investment firm, as a Managing Director and Client Relationship Manager.
NFL Stats:
*Career passing yards: 3,111 yards
*Career touchdown passes: 16 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 54.6
*Interceptions: 19
*Passer rating of 67.7
UCLA accomplishments and highlights:
• Second-team All-Pac-10: 1997
• First-team All-Pac-10: 1998
• Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award: 1998
• Pac 10 Co-Offensive Player of the Year: 1998
• Consensus 1st Team All-American: 1998
• Finished 3rd in the Heisman Trophy voting: 1998
• Cotton Bowl MVP: 1998
• UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame: 2009
UCLA Stats:
*Total passing yards: 10,708 yards
*Collegiate touchdown passes 68 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 55.5
*Interceptions: 41
*Passing efficiency rating: 138.9