Dan Fouts
San Diego Chargers
A
three-year starter at quarterback for the University of Oregon, Fouts
was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 1973
NFL college draft. The low draft selection was primarily due to the fact
that the Oregon program had struggled during his time there. He became
The Chargers’ starting quarterback before the end of his rookie season.
When Don Coryell became head coach in 1978, he install a pass-oriented
offense that became known as "Air Coryell." During the next eight
seasons, Fouts averaged 2,729 yards and 24 touchdown passes a year. He
set an NFL record with 4,082 yards passing in 1979 and extended it to
4,715 yards in 1980 and to 4,802 yards in 1981.
Fouts was named the American Football Conference player of the year by
The Sporting News and United Press International in 1979 and by UPI in
1982, when he was selected as the NFL player of the year by the
Professional Football Writers Association.
During his 15 years in the NFL, Fouts completed 3,297 of 5,604 passes
for 43,040 yards. He also rushed for 13 touchdowns. Fouts ranks sixth
all-time in yardage and 10th in touchdown passes. He retired after the
1987 season and became a broadcaster.
