How Many Rookie QBs Have Won a Playoff Game?
In the world of professional football, there are many milestones that a quarterback can achieve during their career. One of the most significant accomplishments is winning a playoff game, especially as a rookie. This feat is considered rare and impressive, as it requires a quarterback to perform at a high level under intense pressure.
Direct Answer:
As of the 2020 NFL season, a total of 11 rookie quarterbacks have won a playoff game. This number is impressive, considering the difficulty of the task and the limited experience of rookie quarterbacks.
Early Success
Before we dive into the list of rookie quarterbacks who have won a playoff game, let’s take a look at some of the earliest success stories.
- Jim Kelly (1986): Kelly led the Buffalo Bills to a 20-12 victory over the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game. Although the Bills ultimately lost to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXV, Kelly’s performance in the AFC Championship Game showcased his potential as a playoff quarterback.
- Troy Aikman (1989): Aikman led the Dallas Cowboys to a 30-6 victory over the Chicago Bears in the NFC Divisional Playoff game. The Cowboys went on to win Super Bowl XXVII, and Aikman was named the Super Bowl MVP.
Recent Success
In recent years, we’ve seen a few rookie quarterbacks make a name for themselves in the playoffs.
- Ben Roethlisberger (2006): Roethlisberger led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 21-18 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional Playoff game. The Steelers went on to win Super Bowl XL, and Roethlisberger was named the Super Bowl MVP.
- Russell Wilson (2012): Wilson led the Seattle Seahawks to a 24-14 victory over the Washington Redskins in the NFC Wild Card game. The Seahawks went on to win Super Bowl XLVIII, and Wilson was named the Super Bowl MVP.
- Patrick Mahomes (2018): Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs to a 21-16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional Playoff game. The Chiefs went on to win Super Bowl LIV, and Mahomes was named the Super Bowl MVP.
The Complete List
Here is the complete list of rookie quarterbacks who have won a playoff game:
| Year | Quarterback | Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Jim Kelly | Buffalo Bills | New York Jets | 20-12 |
| 1989 | Troy Aikman | Dallas Cowboys | Chicago Bears | 30-6 |
| 2006 | Ben Roethlisberger | Pittsburgh Steelers | Indianapolis Colts | 21-18 |
| 2012 | Russell Wilson | Seattle Seahawks | Washington Redskins | 24-14 |
| 2018 | Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs | Indianapolis Colts | 21-16 |
| 1968 | Roman Gabriel | Los Angeles Rams | Green Bay Packers | 30-27 |
| 1987 | Vinny Testaverde | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Philadelphia Eagles | 27-24 |
| 1991 | Mark Brunell | Jacksonville Jaguars | Buffalo Bills | 17-14 |
| 1998 | Donovan McNabb | Philadelphia Eagles | Atlanta Falcons | 20-6 |
| 2000 | Chad Pennington | New York Jets | Indianapolis Colts | 41-0 |
| 2019 | Daniel Jones | New York Giants | Minnesota Vikings | 31-24 |
Conclusion
Winning a playoff game as a rookie quarterback is an impressive feat that requires a combination of talent, hard work, and good fortune. The list of rookie quarterbacks who have achieved this milestone is a testament to the growth and development of these young players. As the NFL continues to evolve, we can expect to see more rookie quarterbacks make a name for themselves in the playoffs.