A quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football as a member of the offensive team…. who line up directly behind the center on the offensive line. In modern American football, the quarterback is usually considered the leader of the offensive team….and is often responsible for calling the play in the huddle. In the NFL, while the starting quarterback has no other responsibility or authority….he may, depending on the league or individual team, have various informal duties….such as participation in pre-game ceremonies, the coin toss, or other events outside the game.
Often compared to captains of other team sports…..and before the implementation of NFL team captains in 2007….as the starting quarterback is usually the de facto team leader and well-respected player on and off the field. Since 2007, when the NFL allowed teams to designate several captains to serve as on-field leaders….when the starting quarterback has usually been one of the team captains as the leader of the team’s offense.
After a Super Bowl victory, the starting quarterback is the first player (and third person after the team owner and head coach) to be presented with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The starting quarterback of the victorious Super Bowl team is often chosen for the “I’m going to Disney World!” campaign….which includes a trip to Walt Disney World for them and their families….whether they are the Super Bowl MVP or not….as evidenced by examples that include Joe Montana (SB XXIII), Trent Dilfer (SB XXXV) and Peyton Manning (SB LX).
In this wonderful NFL Films clip….the viewer gets to see highlights of such great NFL quarterbacks as Browns Otto Graham…..Vikings Fran Tarkenton….Cowboys Roger Staubach…..and Colts Johnny Unitas…. plus, this piece is narrated by the legendary voice of John Facenda….which makes this another “nugget of gold” in our ImaSportsphile treasure chest of vintage memories.
