Steve Dils is a former NFL quarterback who played for several teams during the 1980s and early 1990s. Although Dils was never a long-term starter, he had a solid career as a backup quarterback and was known for his ability to step in when needed.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Steven Michael Dils
Born: February 9, 1960, in Greenwich, Connecticut
High School: Dils attended Greenwich High School, where he was a standout athlete in football.

College:

• Dils played college football at Dartmouth College, where he was a starting quarterback for the Dartmouth Big Green.
• He was known for his leadership and passing skills, and he helped lead the team to a successful college career.
• Although not a top-tier program, Dils’ performance at Dartmouth caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he was eventually drafted.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

• Dils was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 6th round (157th overall) of the 1982 NFL Draft.

San Francisco 49ers (1982–1984)

• Dils started his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played as a backup quarterback to Joe Montana.
• While Dils was not the starter, the 49ers were a powerhouse during his time there, and he benefited from being part of a successful team.
• He spent several seasons as a backup, learning from one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Joe Montana.

Minnesota Vikings (1985–1988)

• Dils was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 1985, where he continued his career as a backup quarterback.
• During his time with the Vikings, Dils had the opportunity to start a few games, but he was never able to secure a full-time starting role.
• He played sporadically and served primarily as a backup to Wade Wilson.

St. Louis Cardinals (1989)

• Dils had a brief stint with the St. Louis Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals) in 1989, but he did not have a significant impact on the team, and he moved on after one season.

Cleveland Browns (1990–1991)

• Dils played for the Cleveland Browns for a brief period in the early 1990s, once again mostly in a backup role.
• He didn’t get many starts during his time in Cleveland, and his role was largely limited to a reserve quarterback.

Seattle Seahawks (1992)

• Dils had a short tenure with the Seattle Seahawks in 1992, but he did not appear in many games, and his NFL career came to an end soon after.

Career Style and Strengths

• Backup Role: Dils was primarily known for his role as a reliable backup quarterback throughout his career. While he did not have many standout moments as a starter, he was respected for his preparedness and ability to step in when necessary.
• Game Management: Dils was known as a steady, reliable player who could manage games effectively, although he lacked the dynamic playmaking ability that defined many other quarterbacks of his era.
• Leadership: While not a superstar, Dils was considered a valuable veteran presence on the teams he played for, offering leadership and experience in the quarterback room.

NFL Career Stats

• Passing Yards: 2,169 yards
• Touchdowns: 12 touchdowns
• Interceptions: 17 interceptions
• Games Played: 30 games
• Games Started: 8 games
• Completion Percentage: 56.4%
• Passer Rating: 67.3

Post-NFL Career

After retiring from football, Dils went on to work in various roles, including in the financial sector and other business ventures. He has maintained a low profile and hasn’t been heavily involved in media or public-facing roles since his retirement.

Summary

• Position: Quarterback
• NFL Teams: San Francisco 49ers (1982–1984), Minnesota Vikings (1985–1988), St. Louis Cardinals (1989), Cleveland Browns (1990–1991), Seattle Seahawks (1992)
• NFL Draft: 6th round (157th overall) in 1982
• Career Stats:
  • Passing Yards: 2,169 yards
  • Touchdowns: 12 touchdowns
  • Games Played: 30 games
  • Games Started: 8 games
  • Passer Rating: 67.3

Legacy: While Steve Dils never became a star quarterback in the NFL, he had a solid career as a backup and played for several notable teams, including the San Francisco 49ers during their Super Bowl years. His experience and leadership were valued in the locker room, and his contributions were often more in support roles than as a starter. Dils’ ability to step in when needed and his years spent backing up some of the league’s best quarterbacks reflect a career marked by professionalism and reliability.