Purdue University has a distinguished history of sending numerous players to the National Football League (NFL), particularly at the quarterback position. This consistent output of talent has led to the program being recognized as "Quarterback U."
In total, sixteen Purdue quarterbacks have reached the NFL. Among these, a significant number have gone on to become starting quarterbacks in the league, while others carved out well-known careers as valuable backups. This tradition highlights Purdue's legacy in developing professional football talent.
Notable Purdue Quarterbacks in the NFL
Purdue's reputation as a quarterback factory is built upon the success of many individuals who transitioned from the collegiate ranks to professional football. Below are some of the most prominent names, showcasing the program's enduring impact on the NFL.
Starting Quarterbacks
Several Purdue alumni have commanded NFL offenses as starting quarterbacks, demonstrating their leadership and skill at the highest level of the sport.
| Quarterback | Notable NFL Teams | NFL Career Span |
|---|---|---|
| Bob DeMoss | Green Bay Packers | 1949 |
| Dale Samuels | Chicago Cardinals | 1953 |
| Mike Phipps | Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears | 1970–1981 |
| Gary Danielson | Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns | 1976–1988 |
| Jim Everett | Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers | 1986–1997 |
| Mark Herrmann | Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams | 1981–1992 |
| Kyle Orton | Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills | 2005–2014 |
| Aidan O'Connell | Las Vegas Raiders | 2023–present |
Well-Known Backup Quarterbacks
Beyond starting roles, Purdue has also produced quarterbacks who excelled as reliable and impactful backups, often contributing significantly when called upon.
- Scott Campbell: Played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons during his NFL career from 1984 to 1987.
- Curtis Painter: Saw action with the Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, and New York Giants between 2009 and 2012.
Purdue's continuous pipeline of quarterbacks to the NFL solidifies its standing as a key development ground for professional football talent.
