Steve DeBerg

Steve DeBerg embodied perseverance and professionalism during his remarkable 21year NFL career becoming one of footballs most respected journeyman quarterbacks while mentoring three future Hall of Famers Born January 19 1954 in Oakland California DeBerg attended Savanna High School in Anaheim before excelling at Fullerton College 19721973 where he led the Hornets to a 101 record and South Coast Conference title He transferred to San José State University earning PCAA Offensive Player of the Year honors in 1976 after completing 141 of 262 passes for 2084 yards and 19 touchdowns Drafted in the tenth round by Dallas in 1977 but waived before the season the 6foot3 approximately 210pound DeBerg signed with San Francisco and became the first quarterback to implement Bill Walshs innovative West Coast Offense in 1979 leading the NFL with 347 completions and 578 attempts while passing for 3652 yards Over 18 seasons he played for six teams 49ers 19771980 Broncos 19811983 Buccaneers 19841987 and 19921993 Chiefs 19881991 Dolphins 1993 Falcons 1998 accumulating 34241 passing yards 196 touchdowns and 204 interceptions across 206 games DeBergs strengths defined the ultimate professional masterful playaction technique studied by Peyton Manning meticulous film preparation carried his own projector to training camp and remarkable toughness played through injuries including damaged vocal cords requiring a portable amplifier system in his shoulder pads in 1980 He prepared as if he knew he lacked elite physical tools keeping detailed notebooks filled with plays tendencies and wisdom from coaches His greatest moments showcased excellence and longevity During his 1990 season with Kansas City DeBerg posted careerbest 963 passer rating with 3444 yards and 23 touchdowns against just four interceptions leading the Chiefs to the playoffs and setting a team record with 223 consecutive passes without an interception On September 13 1987 DeBerg had a careerhigh five touchdown passes in an openingday victory over Atlanta completing 24 of 34 attempts for 333 yards and on October 25 1998 at age 44 DeBerg became the oldest quarterback to start an NFL game a record later broken by Tom Brady then became the oldest player on a Super Bowl roster 45 years 12 days when the Falcons reached Super Bowl XXXIII After retiring DeBerg served as quarterbacks coach for the New York Giants 19951996 under Dan Reeves then briefly coached in the Arena Football League as head coach of the Indiana Firebirds 2004 and assistant with the Tampa Bay Storm