Introduction
When people talk about the greatest college quarterbacks of all time, the names that come to mind are usually Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Joe Montana, and Dan Marino. While these quarterbacks certainly deserve their place in history, there is another quarterback who is often overlooked: Thad Busby. Busby was the starting quarterback at Florida State University from 1994-1997 and led the Seminoles to three ACC titles and a national championship. Despite his success, Busby is still relatively unknown. In this blog post, we will explore why Thad Busby is the underrated quarterback you need to know about.
His Career at Florida State University
Thad Busby was a standout quarterback at Florida State University from 1994-1997. During his time at FSU, he threw for over 7,600 yards and 55 touchdowns. He also led the team to three ACC championships and a national championship in 1997. Despite his success, he is often overshadowed by other quarterbacks who played at the same time, such as Peyton Manning and Danny Wuerffel.
His NFL Career
After his successful college career, Busby went undrafted in the 1998 NFL Draft but was later signed as a free agent by the San Francisco 49ers. He spent two seasons with the 49ers as a backup quarterback before being released. He then spent a season with the Green Bay Packers before being released again. In total, Busby played in six NFL games, throwing for 459 yards and three touchdowns.
Skillset
Thad Busby was known for his strong arm and accuracy when throwing the football. He was also able to read defenses effectively and make quick decisions when necessary. While he wasn’t the most mobile quarterback, he was able to move around in the pocket and avoid sacks.
His Impact at FSU
While Thad Busby’s statistics may not jump off the page, his impact on the Florida State University football program cannot be understated. He led the Seminoles to a national championship in 1997 and helped establish FSU as one of the top football programs in the country during his time there. His leadership and work ethic were also instrumental in the success of the team.
The 1996 Florida vs. Florida State Game
One of Thad Busby’s most memorable performances came in the 1996 game between Florida and Florida State. In that game, Busby threw for 330 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Seminoles to a 24-21 victory. The win helped FSU secure a spot in the national championship game.
His Coaching Career
After his playing career ended, Thad Busby went into coaching. He has held positions at various high schools and colleges, including as the offensive coordinator at Gulf High School and the head coach at North Florida Christian High School.
The Importance of Remembering Underrated Players
While Thad Busby may not be a household name, it’s important to remember players like him who had successful careers but are often overlooked. These players helped shape the sport of football and should be recognized for their contributions to the game.
Conclusion
Thad Busby may not have had a long, storied career in the NFL, but he was a standout quarterback at Florida State University and played a significant role in the team’s success during his tenure there. His leadership and impact on the program cannot be understated, and he should be remembered as one of the great college quarterbacks of his time.
FAQs
Q: Where is Thad Busby from?
A: Thad Busby is from Pace, Florida.
Q: Was Thad Busby ever drafted by an NFL team?
A: No, Thad Busby went undrafted in the 1998 NFL Draft.
Q: What was Thad Busby’s most memorable college game?
A: Thad Busby’s most memorable college game was the 1996 game between Florida and Florida State, in which he threw for 330 yards and four touchdowns.
Q: What was Thad Busby’s NFL career like?
A: Thad Busby played in six NFL games, throwing for 459 yards and three touchdowns.
Q: What is Thad Busby doing now?
A: Thad Busby is currently a coach at North Florida Christian High School.