This is a top ten ranking of former UCLA quarterbacks based on what they did in the NFL.
There are many reasons why certain UCLA quarterbacks are and were successful or a not in the NFL. One reason is looking at physical attributes. Certain NFL quarterbacks need to be physically gifted in order to succeed. They need to have a strong arm, be able to scramble and be durable enough to withstand the punishment of the NFL game. Some former Bruin quarterbacks physical attributes helped them be successful in the NFL, while others were limited by their physical characteristics and were not as successful in the league.
The second reason is the mental makeup of being able to thrive under pressure and overcome mistakes and bounce back in games. In the NFL, quarterbacks need to be mentally tough and have the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. They also need to be able to handle the scrutiny that comes with being a starting quarterback in the NFL. There were former UCLA quarterbacks like Aikman who thrived under pressure while other former Bruin quarterbacks did not do as well under the intense scrutiny that NFL quarterbacks receive.
Another reason is the skill sets transitioning to the NFL. Successful NFL quarterbacks need to have a wide range of skills in order to succeed. They need to be able to throw the ball accurately, read defenses, and make plays with their feet. There were specific former Bruin quarterbacks who had certain skills that allowed them to play in the NFL for six or more seasons. Other former UCLA quarterbacks, unfortunately, did have the skill sets that made them successful in college and transition to the same success in the NFL.
The fourth reason is scheme fit. Not all college quarterbacks are a good fit for every NFL offense. Some quarterbacks are better suited for spread offenses, while others are better suited for pro-style offenses. Former UCLA quarterbacks played for a coach in the NFL that helped them thrive in the league, while other former Bruin quarterbacks were drafted by a team and coach in the NFL draft and they were not able to be successful in their offensive scheme.
The last reason is to have a legit opportunity to start and play for a good NFL team. Some of the former Bruin quarterbacks got a better opportunity to succeed in the NFL than others. Certain former UCLA players were drafted by a team with a good offensive line and a solid receiving corps.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the above-given reason on why some were successful and others not so much in the NFL as a quarterback. Some quarterbacks who were successful at UCLA struggled in the NFL, while others who were not stars at UCLA went on to have successful NFL careers. However, the factors listed above are some of the most common reasons why successful UCLA quarterbacks were and or are successful or considered to have an underwhelming career in the NFL.
Tom Ramsey (1984-1989): New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts
Ramsey does not have any major accomplishments in the NFL but his dedication, work ethic, and being a reliable backup quarterback allowed him to play in the NFL for multiple seasons. He is a member of the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame, and his accomplishments will be remembered for years to come.
Interesting non-football fact: He is a philanthropist and works with numerous charities, including the Boys and Girls Club of America, Parkinson’s Foundation, the Epilepsy Foundation, and Wounded Warriors.
NFL Stats:
*Career passing yards: 1,285 yards
*Career touchdown passes: 7 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 50.5
*Interceptions: 10
*Passer rating of 60.6
UCLA accomplishments and highlights:
Pac-10 Co-Player of the Year: 1982
UCLA Hall of Fame: 1998
Rose Bowl Hall of Fame: 2007
UCLA Stats:
*Total passing yards: 6,168 yards
*Collegiate touchdown passes 50 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 58.7
*Interceptions: 34
*Passing efficiency rating: 140.6
Josh Rosen (2018-2021): Arizona, Atlanta, and Miami
Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals with the 10th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Rosen has played for the Cardinals, Falcons, and Dolphins.
Josh Rosen was a highly-touted prospect coming out of UCLA, where he was a two-year starter and won the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year award in 2017.
He has thrown for just under 3,000 yards in his first two seasons. Rosen’s NFL career has been up and down. He has started 16 games in his first two seasons, with a record of 3-13. He has thrown for 2,864 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions and his best game was a home win against San Fransico in his rookie season when he threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns.
Interesting non-football fact: At the age of 12, he played tennis and was the No. 1-ranked player for his age group in Southern California and top-50 in the nation and he became a top-10 player in junior rankings.
NFL Stats:
*Career passing yards: 2,864 yards
*Career touchdown passes: 12 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 54.0
*Interceptions: 21
*Passer rating of 61.1
UCLA accomplishments and highlights:
*Freshman All-American: 2015
*Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year: 2015
*Second-team All-Pac-12: 2017
UCLA Stats:
*Total passing yards: 9,340 yards
*Collegiate touchdown passes 59 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 60.9
*Interceptions: 26
*Passing efficiency rating: 140.1
Brett Hundley (2015-2019): Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals
Drafted by the Green Bay Packers with the 147th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Hundley has played in regular season games for the Packers and Arizona Cardinals. He has thrown for just under 2,000 yards in three seasons where he saw playing time in the regular season.
Hundley played well throughout his time at UCLA, where he threw for almost 10,000 yards and three a remarkable 75 touchdowns as a Bruin before being drafted by the Packers.
Hundley’s NFL career was a bit of a roller coaster. He has started 10 regular season games in three seasons, with a record of 3-7. Despite his limited playing time, Hundley has had some notable games in the NFL. During the 2017 season, he threw for 212 yards with a touchdown in a road win over the Chicago Bears and he threw for 265 yards and three touchdowns in another road win against the Cleveland Browns.
Interesting non-football fact: Hundley through philanthropy, has been involved with many charitable epilepsy organizations and fundraisers.
NFL Stats:
*Career passing yards: 1,902 yards
*Career touchdown passes: 9 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 59.1
*Interceptions: 13
*Passer rating of 67.6
UCLA Stats:
*Total passing yards: 9,966 yards
*Collegiate touchdown passes 75 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 67.4
*Interceptions: 25
*Passing efficiency rating: 150.8
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
Tommy Maddox (1992-1997 and 2001-2005): Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams, and Denver Broncos
Maddox played in the NFL for nine seasons and he was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 1992 NFL Draft, and he also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and Los Angeles Rams.
Maddox had a rough start to his NFL career but he bounced back with the Steelers and was a productive primary backup quarterback in the NFL. He ended up being a crucial part of the Steelers teams that reached the Super Bowl in 2005. He was a talented quarterback who didn’t reach his full potential as a former first-round pick but he had a sustainable and respectful career highlight by his seasons played with the Steelers.
Interesting non-football fact: He was the assistant coach of the Grapevine High School baseball team that capture the 5A Texas UIL State Championship.
NFL’s most notable accomplishments:
*NFL Comeback Player of the Year: 2002
*Super Bowl champion: XL
NFL Stats:
*Career passing yards: 8,087 yards
*Career touchdown passes: 48 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 57.2
*Interceptions: 54
*Passer rating of 72.4
UCLA Stats:
*Total passing yards: 5,363 yards
*Collegiate touchdown passes 33 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 58.4
*Interceptions: 30
*Passing efficiency rating: 132.9
Jay Schroeder (1984-1994): Washington Redskins, Oakland Raiders, and Arizona Cardinals
Schroeder played in the NFL for 10 seasons, from 1985 to 1994. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the third round of the 1984 NFL Draft, and he also played for the Oakland Raiders, and the Arizona Cardinals.
Schroeder’s accomplishments in the NFL are not very long but he had his moments like he did in the 1986 and 87 seasons with Washington where he helped lead them to a combined 20-6 record when he was their starting quarterback. He also later in his career was a successful quarterback who helped Oakland win 19 games when he started for the Raiders during the 90 and 91 seasons.
Schroeder was a versatile quarterback who could make plays with his arm and his He when given the opportunity to play, was a successful quarterback who helped both Washington and Oakland win games.
Interesting non-football fact: He was a catcher who was taken #3 overall in the 1979 MLB Draft.
NFL’s most notable accomplishments:
*NFL Pro Bowl: 1986
*Super Bowl champion: (XXII)
NFL Stats:
*Career passing yards: 20,063 yards
*Career touchdown passes 114 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 50.8
*Interceptions: 108
*Passer rating of 71.7
UCLA Stats:
*Total passing yards: 681 yards (1980 season)
*Collegiate touchdown passes 4 touchdowns (1980 season)
*Pass completion percentage: 58.6 (1980 season)
Steve Bono (1985-1999): Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, San Fransico 49ers, and Pittsburg Steelers
Bono played in the NFL for 15 seasons, from 1985 to 1999. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 1985 NFL Draft, and he played for seven different NFL teams.
He was a productive quarterback in the NFL, and he was a vital part of the 49ers’ team success during the 1991 season as well as Kansas City’s in 95 and 96. He was a talented and productive backup quarterback who was able to make plays with his arm and his legs when given the chance to be a starter. Bono was also a leader on the field, and he was a respected teammate and had his moments with the Chiefs and 49ers.
Bono’s accomplishments in the NFL are not long and don’t truly show how talented he was and his dedication and longevity of being an NFL quarterback for 14 seasons. He was a proven backup quarterback who helped his teams win games when the starting quarterback went down with an injury.
Interesting non-football fact: Bono played in the 1993 Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tournament.
NFL’s most notable accomplishments:
*NFL Pro Bowl: 1995
*Super Bowl champion: XXIV
NFL Stats:
*Career passing yards: 10,439 yards
*Career touchdown passes 62 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 54.9
*Interceptions: 42
*Passer rating of 75.3
UCLA Stats:
*Total passing yards: 1875 yards
*Collegiate touchdown passes 10 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 54.8
*Interceptions: 11
*Passing efficiency rating: 114.3
Bob Waterfield (1945-1952): Cleveland/Los Angeles Rams
He played quarterback for the UCLA Bruins and Cleveland/Los Angeles Rams and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. His No. 7 jersey was retired by the Los Angeles Rams in 1952.
He led the Rams to NFL championships in 1945 and 1951 and was selected as the NFL’s most valuable player in 1945. He was the first-team All-Pro quarterback in 1945, 1946, and 1949.
Interesting non-football fact: He was commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
NFL’s most notable accomplishments:
*Selected as the first-team quarterback on the All-Pro Teams: 1945, 1946, and 1949
*He received the Joe F. Carr Trophy as the NFL’s most valuable player: 1945
*Selected twice to play in the Pro Bowl: 1950, 1951
*He was on the All-Pro Second-team All-Pro: 1950, 1951
*Jersey No. 7 was retired by the Los Angeles Rams: 1952
*Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the third class of inductees: 1965
*Selected as a quarterback on the NFL 1940s All-Decade Team: 1969
NFL Stats:
*Career passing yards: 11,849 yards
*Career touchdown passes 97 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 50.3
*Interceptions: 20
*Passer rating of 61.6
UCLA accomplishments and highlights:
*Led the Pacific Coast Conference in passing: 1942
*Selected first-team quarterback All-Pacific Coast team: 1942
*Associated Press second-team All-Pacific Coast football team: 1944
*UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame: 1984
UCLA Stats:
*Total passing yards: 1,033 yards (1942 season)
*Collegiate touchdown passes 12 touchdowns (1942 season)
*Pass completion percentage: 42.4 (1942 season)
In 1942, he led UCLA to a Pacific Coast Conference championship and was selected as the quarterback on the All-Pacific Coast team. He also led the Bruins to their first victory over USC and to their first Rose Bowl invitation in 1942.
Billy Kilmer (1958-1972): San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, and New Orleans Saints
Kilmer played in the NFL for 18 seasons, from 1961 to 1978. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 1961 NFL Draft, and he also played for the New Orleans Saints and the Washington Redskins.
Kilmer was a productive quarterback in the NFL, and he was a vital part of the Redskins’ teams that reached the Super Bowl in 1972 and 1973. He was a talented quarterback who was able to make plays with his arm and his legs. Kilmer was also a leader on the field, and he was a respected teammate.
Kilmer was a two-time Pro Bowl selection, and he was the NFL Passing Touchdowns Leader in 1972. He also led the NFL in passer rating in 1972.
Interesting non-football fact: He was an actor in the film The Last Time I Saw Archie
NFL’s most notable accomplishments:
*NFL passer rating leader: 1972
*Selected to the All-Pro team: 1972, 1975
*NFL Pro Bowl: 1972
*Tied for the most NFL Passing Touchdowns: 1972 (26)
*George Halas Award: 1976
*Named one of the 80 Greatest Redskins
*He is in the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame
NFL Stats:
*Career passing yards: 20,495 yards
*Career touchdown passes 152 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 53.1
*Interceptions: 146
*Passer rating of 71.6
UCLA accomplishments and highlights:
*All-American: 1960
*Finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting: 1960
*Awarded the W.J. Voit Memorial Trophy: 1960
*Most valuable player College All-Star Game: 1961
*UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame: 1984
*College Football Hall of Fame: 1999
UCLA Stats:
*Total passing yards: 1881 yards
*Collegiate touchdown passes 15 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 42.7
*Interceptions: 13
*Passing efficiency rating: 113.9
Kilmer’s accomplishments in the NFL are a testament to his talent and his dedication. He was a successful quarterback who helped his teams win games. He is a member of the 80 Greatest Redskins, the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame, and the College Football Hall of Fame, and his accomplishments will be remembered for years to come.
Troy Aikman (1989-2000): Dallas Cowboys
He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys with the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft, Aikman went on to win three Super Bowls with the Cowboys. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1993.
Interesting non-football fact: From 2005 to 2009, he and Roger Staubach established a NASCAR team called Hall of Fame Racing, fielding the No. 96 car.
NFL’s most notable accomplishments:
*Won three Super Bowls with the Cowboys
*Was selected for the Pro Bowl six times from 1992-97
*Super Bowl MVP in 1992
*All-Pro Selection in 1993
*Named to the All-NFC Second Team in 1994 and 1995
*NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 1997
*Member of the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2005
*Became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006
NFL Stats:
*Career passing yards: 32,942 yards
*Career touchdown passes 165 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 61.5
*Interceptions: 141
*Passer rating of 81.6
UCLA accomplishments and highlights:
*Named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year 1987
*Recipient of the Davey O’Brien Award in1988
*Finished third in the Heisman voting in 1988
*Named Consensus All-American in1988
*Cotton Bowl MVP in 1989
*UCLA Bruins No. 8 retired in 1999
UCLA Stats:
*Total passing yards: 5781 yards
*Collegiate touchdown passes 42 touchdowns
*Pass completion percentage: 63.3
*Interceptions: 21
*Passing efficiency rating: 147.1
Aikman’s legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history is secure. He was a winner on the field and a role model off the field, and his accomplishments will be remembered for years to come.