TTM Stats
- Sent: 7/7/2022 | Received: 7/18/2022 | 11 Days
- ’86 Topps (2), ’12 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Dan Fouts, born on June 10, 1951, in San Francisco, California, is renowned as one of the most influential quarterbacks in NFL history. His leadership of the San Diego Chargers’ high-powered “Air Coryell” offense in the late 1970s and early 1980s revolutionized the passing game and left an indelible mark on professional football.
Growing up in a football-centric household—his father, Bob Fouts, was a longtime broadcaster for the San Francisco 49ers—Dan was immersed in the sport from an early age. He attended Marin Catholic High School and later transferred to St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco. Despite a relatively modest high school football profile, Fouts accepted a scholarship to the University of Oregon.
At Oregon, Fouts blossomed into a prolific passer, setting 19 school records, including 5,995 passing yards and 37 touchdowns over his collegiate career. One of his most memorable performances came in a dramatic comeback against UCLA, where he led the Ducks from a 19-point deficit to a 41-40 victory.
Selected in the third round of the 1973 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, Fouts initially experienced moderate success. His career trajectory changed dramatically with the arrival of head coach Don Coryell in 1978. Coryell’s innovative offensive scheme, dubbed “Air Coryell,” emphasized vertical passing and transformed the Chargers into an offensive juggernaut.
Under Coryell’s guidance, Fouts led the NFL in passing yards for four consecutive seasons (1979–1982), a record that still stands. In 1981, he threw for 4,802 yards, setting a franchise record that endures to this day . Despite his individual brilliance, the Chargers fell short of a Super Bowl appearance, reaching the AFC Championship Game twice during his tenure.
One of Fouts’ most iconic performances occurred during the 1981 AFC Divisional Playoff against the Miami Dolphins, a game famously known as the “Epic in Miami.” Fouts threw for 433 yards and three touchdowns in a thrilling 41-38 overtime victory, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.
Career Achievements
- NFL Career Statistics: 43,040 passing yards, 254 touchdowns, 58.8% completion rate, 80.2 passer rating
- Pro Bowl Selections: Six-time Pro Bowler
- Awards: NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1982), AFC Player of the Year (1979, 1982)
- Hall of Fame Induction: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, his first year of eligibility
- Team Honors: His jersey number 14 was retired by the Chargers, and he was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
Following his retirement in 1987, Fouts transitioned into broadcasting, serving as a color commentator for CBS, ABC’s Monday Night Football, and Westwood One radio. His insightful analysis and deep understanding of the game earned him acclaim in the broadcasting realm.
Dan Fouts’ impact on the game of football is profound. His mastery of the “Air Coryell” offense not only redefined the quarterback position but also paved the way for the modern pass-heavy strategies employed across the NFL today. Though he never hoisted a Super Bowl trophy, Fouts’ contributions to the sport have solidified his place among the game’s greats.
The Score on Dan Fouts – 7.0
Dan is such a reliable signer. And unlike a lot of Hall of Famers, he doesn’t have a fee (or at least he didn’t the last times I sent to him). He does a really consistently good job with his signature on these cards, but across all the returns I have for him. I think my favorite is the ’86 Topps card of just him.
Thanks Mr. Fouts! I’m giving this return a 7 overall.
This isn’t my first return from him. To see the other returns, check out these posts:
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Pro Football Reference.