Discover the enduring quarterbacks who have led NFL franchises for over a decade, from the Patriots’ remarkable 20-year bond to lesser-known tales of loyalty.
Some NFL teams boast quarterbacks who have suited up well past the 10-year mark, with the New England Patriots standing out for their extraordinary 20-year relationship with their top signal-caller. One remarkable story emerges from the Arizona Cardinals, where only one quarterback has managed to last a decade with the team.
Although Jim Hart did not serve as the St. Louis Cardinals’ starter for his entire two-decade tenure, he dominated the majority of those years in Missouri. Hart, an undrafted free agent signed just before the 1966 season, took over from Charley Johnson as the starter in 1967, leading the team in all 14 games. His peak coincided with Don Coryell’s mid-1970s era, during which Hart earned all four of his Pro Bowl selections.
Despite facing challenges such as Steve Pisarkiewicz and Neil Lomax, Hart held onto the starting position until 1981, showcasing his resilience and talent. In contrast, the Atlanta Falcons experienced a tumultuous period due to Michael Vick’s dogfighting scandal, leading to a dismal 2007 season that culminated in a 4-12 record and coach Bobby Petrino abandoning the team prematurely.
Subsequent quarterback performances by Joey Harrington and Chris Redman contributed to the Falcons securing the third overall pick in the 2008 draft. Among the noteworthy quarterbacks taken before this pick were Jake Long and Chris Long, but it was Boston College standout Matt Ryan who swiftly made his mark.