USFL Career
Despite winning the Heisman Trophy in his senior season, Flutie was not highly rated going into the 1985 NFL Draft because of his 5'10" height, which many considered too short for an NFL quarterback. He was selected by the USFL's New Jersey Generals (owned by Donald Trump) in the 1985 territorial draft, which took place months before the 1985 NFL Draft; Flutie was officially signed on February 4, 1985. Trump, looking to improve the Generals' passing game that floundered with former NFL MVP Brian Sipe as their quarterback in 1984, signed Flutie to a 3-year, $3.1 million deal. Sipe was traded to the Jacksonville Bulls days later. Having already signed with the USFL, Flutie was not selected in the NFL Draft until the 11th round, 285th overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams.
Flutie completed 134 of 281 passes for 2,109 yards and 13 TD's with the Generals in 1985 in 15 games. He suffered an injury late in the season that saw him turn over the reins to reserve QB Ron Reeves. The Generals went on to sport an 11-7 record and a 2nd place finish in the USFL's Eastern Conference. The USFL folded in 1986, and Flutie and punter Sean Landeta were the league's last active players in the NFL.
Read more about this topic: Doug Flutie
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