NFL All-Time QB Rank No. 30: Dan Fouts

Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…

30. Dan Fouts

Drafted in the third round (64th overall) by the San Diego Chargers in 1973 out of the University of Oregon, Fouts spent his early career as a backup and inconsistent starter, posting losing records amid coaching changes.

His breakthrough came under head coach Don Coryell in 1978, implementing the innovative “Air Coryell” offense that revolutionized passing. Fouts led the NFL in passing yards four straight years (1979-1982), becoming the first quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards in three consecutive seasons, with a high of 4,802 in 1981. He also topped the league in touchdowns twice (1981-1982) and completion percentage in 1982 (64.3 percent).

Guiding the Chargers to three straight AFC West titles (1979-1981), he shone in epic playoff games like the 1981 “Epic in Miami,” throwing for 433 yards in a 41-38 overtime win. A six-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro, and 1982 NFL MVP, Fouts was named to the 1980s All-Decade Team.

In 15 seasons, all with San Diego, Fouts completed 3,297 of 5,604 passes for 43,040 yards and 254 touchdowns, with 242 interceptions and an 80.2 rating, retiring as the third quarterback to surpass 40,000 yards.

Fouts possessed remarkable pocket presence, allowing him to stand tall against blitzes.

Fouts was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. His legacy is cemented as a pioneer of the modern passing game.

But who ranks ahead of Fouts at No. 29 all-time?