Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Steve Young

How Steve Young built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Steve Young is a retired American football quarterback renowned for his illustrious NFL career, primarily with the San Francisco 49ers. Before the NFL, Young showcased his talents with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Express in the USFL. A standout college player for BYU, he established numerous records. Young's NFL tenure, particularly with the 49ers, cemented his legacy as one of the sport's greatest quarterbacks, marked by Super Bowl victories and MVP awards.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1983: Holiday Bowl Victory

In 1983, Steve Young capped his college career by scoring the game-winning touchdown on a pass in BYU's 21-17 victory over Missouri in the Holiday Bowl.

March 1984: Signing with the Los Angeles Express

In March 1984, Steve Young signed with the Los Angeles Express, accepting a 10-year, $40 million contract.

1984: Drafted by the USFL Los Angeles Express

In January 1984, Steve Young was selected by the USFL Los Angeles Express in the first round (11th overall) of the draft.

1985: Young Joins the Buccaneers

In 1985, Steve Young left the USFL and joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

1986: Young Buys Out Express Contract

In 1986, after giving the USFL an ultimatum, Steve Young bought out his contract with the Los Angeles Express and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

April 24, 1987: Young Traded to the 49ers

On April 24, 1987, Steve Young was traded to the San Francisco 49ers to serve as a backup to Joe Montana.

1987: Substituting for Montana

In 1987, Steve Young substituted for an injured Joe Montana in a game against the Chicago Bears and threw four touchdown passes. He also replaced Montana in a playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings, performing well in a loss.

1987: Young Traded to the 49ers

In 1987, after two seasons with the Buccaneers, Steve Young was traded to the San Francisco 49ers.

1987: Young collected a total of $4.8 million of the $5.8 million due in total through the final year of that deal

In 1987, facing the prospect of both a faltering owner and an unstable league, Young had already renegotiated his 10-year deal down to 4 years, and had already collected a total of $4.8 million of the $5.8 million due in total through the final year of that deal, working out to an annual rate of pay of $2.4 million for his first two seasons that was the highest in all of American sports

October 30, 1988: Game-Winning Touchdown Run

On October 30, 1988, Steve Young ran for a 49-yard, game-winning touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings. He also started the game with a 73-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor, leading the 49ers to a crucial victory.

October 22, 1989: Perfect Passer Rating

On October 22, 1989, Steve Young posted a perfect passer rating of 158.3 in a victory over the New England Patriots.

1989: Quest for Super Bowl

After key free agent signings, the 49ers aimed to win their first Super Bowl since 1989. The team started strong, with Young throwing four touchdown passes in a game against the Los Angeles Raiders.

December 23, 1990: Career-High Rushing Yards

On December 23, 1990, Steve Young rushed for a career-high 102 yards against the New Orleans Saints, becoming only the second 49ers quarterback to rush for at least 100 yards in a single game, though the 49ers lost the game.

1990: Montana's Injury

Following an injury to Joe Montana's elbow in the 1990 NFC Championship Game, Steve Young got his chance to lead the 49ers.

October 20, 1991: Highest Single Game Completion Rate

From October 20, 1991, to October 1, 2023, Steve Young held the franchise's highest single game completion rate of 90% against the Detroit Lions.

1991: Young Becomes 49ers' Starting Quarterback

In 1991, Steve Young became the full-time starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.

1991: Best Passer Rating

In 1991, Steve Young finished the season with an NFL best 101.8 passer rating, but the 49ers did not make the playoffs.

1991: Young's Chance to Lead

In 1991, Steve Young got his chance to lead the 49ers after an injury to Joe Montana, though the team struggled early in the season. He suffered a knee injury, and later closed out the season with a strong performance against the Chicago Bears.

1992: Comparison to 1993 Season

During the entire 1992 season, Steve Young threw less interceptions than in the first four games of the 1993 season.

1993: Ascension to 49ers' Undisputed Starter and Record-Breaking Season

In 1993, Steve Young became the 49ers' undisputed starting quarterback after Joe Montana was traded. Despite a rough start to the season with a swollen thumb, Young recovered and set franchise records for most passing yards (4,023) and consecutive passes without an interception (189). He also led the NFL in touchdown passes (29) and passer rating (101.5). The 49ers advanced to the NFC championship game but were defeated by the Dallas Cowboys. Young also founded the Forever Young Foundation in 1993.

1993: Founded Forever Young Foundation

In 1993, Steve Young founded the Forever Young Foundation, which supports children facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

1995: Early Playoff Exit and Injuries

In 1995, Steve Young and the 49ers faced an early playoff exit and Young suffered injuries that caused him to miss several games.

1996: NFL passer rating

In 1996, Steve Young led the NFL in passer rating

1997: Early Playoff Exit and Injuries

In 1997, Steve Young and the 49ers faced an early playoff exit and Young suffered injuries that caused him to miss several games.

1998: Career Numbers and Playoff Run

In 1998, Steve Young achieved career highs in passing yards (4,170) and passing touchdowns (36). The 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card Round with Young throwing the winning touchdown to Terrell Owens, known as "The Catch II". However, Garrison Hearst's injury and Young's interceptions led to a loss against the Atlanta Falcons.

September 27, 1999: Injured on Monday Night Football

On September 27, 1999, Steve Young was injured during a Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals after being hit by Aeneas Williams on a corner blitz. This happened with just seconds remaining before halftime.

2007: Co-founded Huntsman Gay Global Capital

In 2007, Steve Young co-founded Huntsman Gay Global Capital (HGGC) with Jon M. Huntsman and Robert C. Gay, serving as a managing director.

2009: Spokesman for Charitable Dodgeball Tournaments

In 2009, Steve Young became the honorary league commissioner and national spokesman for charitable dodgeball tournaments held on college campuses.

2022: Chairman of the Board

As of 2022, Steve Young has been serving as chairman of the board for Integrity Marketing Group and his private equity firm, Huntsman Gay Global Capital, held a position in the partnership.

June 30, 2023: Layoff from ESPN

On June 30, 2023, Steve Young was laid off by ESPN after being a fixture on NFL studio shows, including NFL Countdown, for over two decades.

October 1, 2023: Single game Completion Rate Record Eclipsed

On October 1, 2023, Brock Purdy bested Steve Young's single game completion rate of 90% against the Detroit Lions, with 95.2% against the Arizona Cardinals.