Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…

30. Dan Fouts

Drafted in the third round (64th overall) by the San Diego Chargers in 1973 out of the University of Oregon, Fouts spent his early career as a backup and inconsistent starter, posting losing records amid coaching changes.

His breakthrough came under head coach Don Coryell in 1978, implementing the innovative “Air Coryell” offense that revolutionized passing. Fouts led the NFL in passing yards four straight years (1979-1982), becoming the first quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards in three consecutive seasons, with a high of 4,802 in 1981. He also topped the league in touchdowns twice (1981-1982) and completion percentage in 1982 (64.3 percent).

Guiding the Chargers to three straight AFC West titles (1979-1981), he sho

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