TTM Stats
- Sent: 4/18/2022 | Received: 5/6/2022 | 18 Days
- ’90 Pro Set, ’91 Score, ’91 Fleer Ultra, ’94 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice (kept one card)
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Dave Krieg’s story is one of perseverance, grit, and an unwavering belief in his abilities. From humble beginnings as an undrafted player from a small college, Krieg went on to carve out a remarkable 19-year NFL career. With three Pro Bowl appearances and a reputation for coming through in clutch moments, Krieg’s journey remains an inspiring tale for football fans and aspiring athletes alike.
David Michael Krieg was born on October 20, 1958, in Iola, Wisconsin, a small town where football was a way of life. Growing up in modest surroundings, Krieg didn’t have the same exposure or resources as many of his future NFL peers. He attended Milton College, a now-defunct small school in Wisconsin, where he initially walked on to the football team. Despite limited resources and competition, Krieg’s talent stood out. As a senior, he threw for 1,709 yards and 15 touchdowns, catching the attention of a few NFL scouts. Although Milton College was far from a football powerhouse, Krieg’s strong arm and determination paved the way for his next step.
In 1980, Krieg joined the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent, initially serving as a third-string quarterback. Most undrafted players fade into obscurity, but Krieg’s resilience and preparation would not allow that. He got his chance in 1981 when injuries forced the Seahawks to turn to him. Krieg’s breakout came in 1983 when he took over as the starting quarterback and helped lead the Seahawks to their first-ever playoff appearance. That postseason, Krieg led Seattle to victories over the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins before falling to the Los Angeles Raiders in the AFC Championship game.
Krieg solidified himself as the Seahawks’ starting quarterback for much of the 1980s. Known for his quick release and ability to make plays under pressure, he became a reliable leader for the franchise. One of his best seasons came in 1984, when he threw for 3,671 yards and 32 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
Throughout his time in Seattle, Krieg developed strong connections with star wide receiver Steve Largent, forming one of the most prolific quarterback-receiver duos of the era. Krieg’s knack for pulling off miraculous comebacks earned him a reputation as one of the league’s most clutch performers. By the time Krieg left Seattle after the 1991 season, he held nearly every franchise passing record, including career yards (26,132) and touchdowns (195).
After his tenure in Seattle, Krieg played for several teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and Tennessee Oilers. While his best years were behind him, Krieg continued to show flashes of brilliance. In 1994, while with the Lions, Krieg helped lead the team to a playoff appearance, throwing for 3,115 yards and 15 touchdowns. Despite moving frequently during this stage of his career, Krieg’s professionalism and leadership made him a valuable presence in locker rooms across the league.
Krieg retired in 1998 after 19 seasons in the NFL. Over the course of his career, he threw for 38,147 yards, 261 touchdowns, and 199 interceptions. While Krieg never won a Super Bowl, his career is a testament to overcoming adversity. From undrafted free agent to three-time Pro Bowler, Krieg’s success came from hard work, intelligence, and a knack for performing when it mattered most.
After retiring, Krieg transitioned into private life, staying active in charity work and making occasional appearances at NFL alumni events. He has also been involved in motivational speaking, sharing his story to inspire others to pursue their dreams regardless of the odds. Krieg remains a beloved figure in Seattle, where fans remember him as the quarterback who helped put the Seahawks on the map during their formative years.
Dave Krieg’s journey is one of the most remarkable in NFL history. From a small-town kid at a tiny college to a player who lasted nearly two decades in the NFL, Krieg’s story embodies the essence of perseverance. He proved that talent and determination could overcome any obstacle, inspiring countless others along the way.
For fans of the game, Krieg is a reminder that success isn’t always about where you start—it’s about how you make the most of your opportunities. His career is a celebration of resilience, hard work, and a never-quit attitude that turned an undrafted quarterback into an NFL legend.
The Score on Dave Krieg – 6.5
Dave did something that I’ve had happen to me a few times… “To Ben”. My writing isn’t always great. I’m not exactly sure how Bill and Ben get confused but they do. It’s funny because I work with a Ben and our boss always switches out names. While that is disappointing, Dave’s signature came out really well on all of these.
Thanks Mr. Krieg! I’m giving this return a 6.5 overall.
This is my second successful return from him. To see the first successful return, check out my post from July 2020.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Pro Football Reference.