Randall Cunningham is a former NFL quarterback widely regarded for his unique combination of athleticism, arm strength, and playmaking ability. Often considered one of the most dynamic and exciting quarterbacks of his era, Cunningham revolutionized the position with his dual-threat capabilities, combining an ability to throw the football with rare mobility and running skills.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Randall Wade Cunningham
Born: March 27, 1963, in Santa Barbara, California
High School: Cunningham attended Moorpark High School in Moorpark, California, where he was a standout athlete, excelling in football and track.

• He was known for his impressive speed and ability to throw the ball long distances, qualities that would define his professional career.

College:

• Cunningham played college football at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he became a star quarterback.
• He played for the UNLV Rebels from 1981 to 1984 and set multiple records for both passing and rushing yards.
• At UNLV, Cunningham was known for his arm strength and mobility, earning recognition as one of the top quarterbacks in college football during his time.
• He was drafted in the second round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles after a standout college career.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

• Cunningham was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round (37th overall) of the 1985 NFL Draft.

Philadelphia Eagles (1985–1995)

• Rookie Season (1985): Cunningham served as a backup to Ron Jaworski during his rookie year, but he showed glimpses of his extraordinary talent, particularly in preseason games.
• Starting Quarterback (1986):
  • Cunningham became the Eagles’ starting quarterback in 1986, and he immediately showcased his arm strength and running ability.
  • He set multiple records for a quarterback, particularly in rushing yards, as he was one of the first to successfully integrate the quarterback position with dynamic running ability.
  • In 1990, Cunningham was named NFL MVP after a standout season in which he threw for 3,466 yards and 30 touchdowns while also rushing for 624 yards and 5 touchdowns.
• Injury and Struggles (1991–1995):
  • Cunningham’s career was hampered by injuries in the early 1990s. Despite the setbacks, he continued to be one of the league’s most exciting players, known for his strong arm and ability to extend plays with his legs.
  • In 1995, after several years of injury struggles and inconsistency, Cunningham’s tenure with the Eagles came to an end.

Minnesota Vikings (1997–1999)

• Resurgence with the Vikings (1997–1998):
  • Cunningham’s career experienced a dramatic revival when he joined the Minnesota Vikings in 1997.
  • Under head coach Dennis Green, Cunningham was able to take advantage of a potent offense led by wide receiver Randy Moss and running back Robert Smith.
  • In 1998, Cunningham led the Vikings to a 15-1 record and to the NFC Championship Game, throwing for 3,704 yards and 34 touchdowns. He also guided the Vikings to one of the most explosive offenses in NFL history.
  • The 1998 Vikings offense featured the record-setting combination of Cunningham, Moss, and wide receiver Chris Carter.
• Retirement and Comeback (2000–2001):
  • Cunningham briefly retired after the 1999 season, but he made a comeback in 2000, joining the Dallas Cowboys as a backup to Quincy Carter.
  • Cunningham appeared in a few games but was largely a backup quarterback at this stage of his career.

Baltimore Ravens (2001)

• Cunningham ended his career with a brief stint with the Baltimore Ravens in 2001.
• He played as a backup to Trent Dilfer during the season, but he did not see significant playing time. The Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV that year, though Cunningham was not part of the playoff roster.

Playing Style and Strengths

• Dual-Threat Quarterback: Cunningham was one of the first quarterbacks to showcase the full potential of being a dual-threat quarterback, combining an incredible arm with the ability to run.
• Arm Strength: Cunningham had one of the most powerful arms in NFL history, able to throw the ball deep with ease.
• Mobility: His ability to escape the pocket and create plays with his legs set him apart from most quarterbacks of his era. Cunningham rushed for 4,928 yards in his career, an impressive total for a quarterback.
• Playmaking Ability: Known for making spectacular plays both with his arm and legs, Cunningham was a highlight-reel machine who often kept defenders on their toes.
• Leadership: While sometimes criticized for inconsistency in his early years, Cunningham became known as a leader and was respected by teammates for his athleticism and ability to perform in big moments.

NFL Career Stats

• Passing Yards: 29,979 yards
• Touchdowns: 207 touchdowns
• Interceptions: 134 interceptions
• Completion Percentage: 56.6%
• Rushing Yards: 4,928 yards
• Rushing Touchdowns: 35 touchdowns
• Games Played: 164 games
• Games Started: 129 games
• Passer Rating: 81.2

Career Achievements and Legacy

• NFL MVP (1990): Cunningham was named NFL MVP in 1990 after an incredible season in which he threw for over 3,400 yards, ran for over 600 yards, and scored a total of 35 touchdowns.
• Four-Time Pro Bowl Selection: Cunningham was selected to the Pro Bowl four times during his career (1988, 1990, 1998, 1999).
• Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame: Cunningham is one of the most iconic players in Eagles history and was inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame in 2009.
• Minnesota Vikings Hall of Fame: Cunningham is also remembered fondly in Minnesota, where his play helped lead the Vikings to one of their best seasons in franchise history.

Post-NFL Career

After retiring from football, Cunningham pursued a variety of interests, including ministry work. He became a pastor and has been involved in several charitable organizations. Cunningham also worked as a football analyst for a period. He remains a respected figure in the NFL community for his contributions to the quarterback position.

Summary

• Position: Quarterback
• NFL Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (1985–1995), Minnesota Vikings (1997–1999), Dallas Cowboys (2000), Baltimore Ravens (2001)
• NFL MVP: 1990
• Pro Bowls: 4-time Pro Bowler (1988, 1990, 1998, 1999)
• Super Bowl Appearance: 0 (though he was part of the Vikings team that reached the NFC Championship in 1998)
• NFL Career Stats:
  • Passing Yards: 29,979 yards
  • Touchdowns: 207 touchdowns
  • Rushing Yards: 4,928 yards
  • Rushing Touchdowns: 35 touchdowns

Legacy: Cunningham is remembered as one of the most unique and gifted quarterbacks in NFL history, whose combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength helped shape the evolution of the quarterback position. He remains an iconic figure in both Philadelphia and Minnesota, where he had some of his most memorable seasons.