AFL/NFL 3,000 Yard Passers State by State Rank: Installment 3

Installment 3 of our database gives in-depth statistical data for states 11-17 in our per capita ranking system.

For those of you interested in an overview of the rankings, a table can be found by clicking the installment 1 link in the text box to your right. In addition, links to all installments for the 3,000 yard passer database can be found in the text box to your right.

For those of you that are interested in other state football production databases presented by Larry Rankin, links can be found by clicking the Larry Rankin profile in the upper right-hand corner or by using the links at the end of this page.

In compiling this data the author used NFL.com, Profootballreference.com, and Wikipedia for research.

If you encounter any information you believe to be flawed, the author would appreciate your feedback.

Per Capita Score: 159

3,000 Yard Passing Performances: 7

Phil Simms wasn’t a flashy player, and the Bill Parcels offensive style he played underemployed a grind it out style, but Sims was an excellent field general.

His Super Bowl victory with the giants in which he went 22/25, threw for 3 touchdowns, and had a 150.9 QB rating is one of the finest Super Bowl performances ever and garnered him a Super Bowl MVP.

Should he be in the Hall of Fame? It is hard to say, but he is certainly worthy of consideration.

Per Capita Score: 156

3,000 Yard Passing Performances: 18

Arguably the most notable name amongst Ohio born QBs is Roger Staubach, a Hall of Famer who went to 4 Super Bowls with the Cowboys, winning 2 and losing 2 and finishing as MVP of one.

One could also make the argument for Ben Roethlisberger, who has been to 3 Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning 2.

Other notable names on Ohio’s list are Bernie Kosar, who had a stellar career for the Browns, and Jim Harbaugh, who had a good career at QB, but is having an elite career as a coach.

Per Capita Score: 153

3,000 Yard Passing Performances: 6

Neil Lomax is one of those quarterbacks not many people remember, but considering the talent around him at the Cardinals, he put up some very impressive numbers.

Per Capita Score: 152

3,000 Yard Passing Performances: 10

Indiana’s list of QBs is somewhat of a laundry list of players that didn’t or haven’t lived up to the lofty expectations fans had for them coming out of college.

Jeff George was very highly touted coming out of college, and he certainly did some good things, but he never quite lived up to what was expected of him. Either fairly or not, many indicated that he was difficult to work with.

Jay Cutler has looked supremely talented at times and not so great at others. Again, fairly or not, he is a player many have complained about as being difficult to work with.

Rex Grossman was another player that was highly thought of coming out of college. He managed to guide the Bears to a Super Bowl appearance in 2006, but with exception of that, his career has been fairly uneventful.

Per Capita Score: 145

3,000 Yard Passing Performances: 12

There have been a number of talented quarterbacks to come out of Virginia. Perhaps the greatest career was that of Fran Tarkenton, who at the time of his retirement had almost ever career passing record. Takenton took the Vikings to 3 Super Bowls, though he lost all of them, and is a member of the Hall of Fame.

Those who remember Tarkenton usually describe him as an elusive QB with poor arm strength and a knack for finding open receivers, especially on short routes.

Before Drew Brees, Aaron Brooks was the field general for the Saints and had a number of good seasons.

Michael Vick is arguably the most physically talented QB to ever play the game, and he is the only quarterback to ever rush for over 1,000 yards in a season.

Russell Wilson is not a flashy quarterback. With above average speed, he is undersized with average arm strength, but has been an elite team manager for the Seahawks. Wilson already has a Super Bowl ring.

Obscure Stat: Norm Snead’s 175 completions in 1963 are the fewest for any QB ending a season with over 3,000 yards.

Per Capita Score: 139

3,000 Yard Passing Performances: 8

Dave Krieg is the standout performer at QB for Wisconsin thus far, though Colin Kaepernick is still early in what looks to be a very promising career.

Many people overlook that Dave Krieg had a statistically significant career on many levels. With almost 40,000 career passing yards and 261 career touchdowns, had it not been for his lack of post-season games and penchant to fumble the ball, he would surely be in the Hall of Fame.

Dubious Distinction: Dave Krieg’s 153 career fumbles is an NFL record he probably doesn’t want.

Per Capita Score: 135

3,000 Yard Passing Performances: 12

Joe Flacco is certainly the most significant quarterback to come out of the state of New Jersey. Thus far in his career, he has taken the Ravens to the playoffs every season save one, has won a Super Bowl, and garnered MVP honors.

Also of note for New Jersey is the career of Joe Theismann, who led the Washington Redskins to 2 Super Bowl appearances during his career, winning one. Theismann’s career was ended by Lawrence Taylor, who snapped his leg on a tackle that is considered one of the most gruesome injuries in NFL history.

Obscure State: Frank Tripucka was among three players to first break the 3,000 yard passing barrier in 1960.