NFL All-Time QB Rank No. 42: Rich Gannon

Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…

42. Rich Gannon

Drafted in the fourth round (98th overall) by the New England Patriots in the 1987 NFL Draft out of the University of Delaware, Gannon was traded to the Minnesota Vikings before the season after refusing to switch positions from quarterback.

He spent his first six years with the Vikings from 1987 to 1992, initially as a backup before becoming the starter in 1990, leading them to an 8-8 record that year and an 11-5 mark in 1992 with playoff appearances. However, injuries and inconsistency plagued him.

After a one-year stint with the Washington Redskins in 1993 and sitting out 1994 due to a shoulder injury, Gannon joined the Kansas City Chiefs from 1995 to 1998 as a backup to Steve Bono and Elvis Grbac, starting sporadically and posting solid but unspectacular numbers.

Gannon’s career transformed with the Oakland Raiders from 1999 to 2004 under coach Jon Gruden. He earned four straight Pro Bowl selections (1999-2002), two All-Pro honors (2000, 2002) and the 2002 NFL MVP award after a league-leading 4,689 yards, 26 touchdowns and a 97.3 passer rating, guiding the Raiders to a 12-4 record and Super Bowl XXXVII (a 48-21 loss to the Buccaneers, marred by five interceptions).

Gannon’s career totals include 28,743 passing yards, 180 touchdowns and 104 interceptions, with an 84.7 passer rating and a 76-56 record as a starter.

Gannon’s standout attributes were his intelligence and quick release. While not a deep-threat arm, his risk-averse approach minimized turnovers and maximized efficiency.

Retiring after a 2004 neck injury, Gannon transitioned to broadcasting, but his late-blooming stardom at age 34 remains a feel-good narrative in NFL history.

But who ranks ahead of Gannon at No. 41 all-time?