Steve Young's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Steve Young. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1978: All-FCIAC West Division First Team Honors

In 1978, his junior year, Steve Young earned All-FCIAC West Division First Team honors.

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.

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.

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.

1992: Young Named NFL MVP

In 1992, Steve Young was named the AP's NFL Most Valuable Player.

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.

1994: Young Wins Super Bowl XXIX MVP

In 1994, Steve Young was named the MVP of Super Bowl XXIX, where he led the 49ers to victory and set a record with six touchdown passes. During this season, Young also set a new NFL record for passer rating at 112.8.

1996: NFL passer rating

In 1996, Steve Young led the NFL in passer rating

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.

1999: Ranked on Top 100 Football Players List

In 1999, Steve Young was ranked No. 63 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players.

2001: Induction into College Football Hall of Fame

In 2001, Steve Young was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.

February 5, 2005: Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

On February 5, 2005, Steve Young was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, becoming the first left-handed quarterback to receive this honor.

August 7, 2005: Enshrinement into Pro Football Hall of Fame

Steve Young was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 7, 2005, with his father, LeGrande "Grit" Young, giving his induction speech.

October 5, 2008: 49ers Jersey Retirement Ceremony

On October 5, 2008, the San Francisco 49ers retired Steve Young's No. 8 jersey during a halftime ceremony against the New England Patriots. Young was the 11th player in team history to receive this honor and the only 49er to wear No. 8.

2009: Completion Percentage Record Eclipsed

Drew Brees surpassed Steve Young's completion percentage record in 2009.

2012: Consecutive Passes Record Eclipsed

In 2012, Alex Smith eclipsed Steve Young's franchise record of 189 consecutive passes thrown without an interception.

2012: Longest Run Record

In 2012, Colin Kaepernick broke Steve Young's record for the longest run by a 49ers quarterback with a 56-yard run.

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.

2025: Young's Passing Ranking

As of 2025, Steve Young was ranked fourteenth all time in passer rating among NFL quarterbacks, and was ranked fourth-highest amongst retired players, behind Drew Brees, Tom Brady, and Tony Romo.