Description
At most levels, but especially at the college and professional level, the quarterback role is the most visible and important role on the team. The quarterback touches the ball on nearly every offensive play and has a great deal of responsibility both in calling plays and making decisions during the play.
In most leagues, the quarterback's uniform number is as low as 1 and as high as 19. It is extremely rare that a quarterback has a number over 19.
While there is liberal substitution at most positions in football based on the play call and to minimize player fatigue, most quarterbacks are on the field for every offensive play leaving only for injury or when the game's outcome is no longer in doubt. Quarterbacks are frequently chosen early in the NFL Draft and often receive much more lucrative contracts than other positions. As of 2011, players in this position have won more Super Bowl MVP awards (24 of 45) than players at all other positions combined.
| “ | he most glorified — and scrutinized — position in team sports. | ” |
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—Los Angeles Times, January 2012 |
The presence or absence of a star quarterback usually greatly affects the team. For example, by ensuring that the team would be able to select Robert Griffin III of Baylor University in the 2012 draft, the Washington Redskins likely became more attractive for free agents who wished to play with the Heisman Trophy winner. By contrast, the Indianapolis Colts—among the most successful franchises in any sport during the 2000s with quarterback Peyton Manning—had a 2-14 record in 2011 because of injuries that prevented Manning from playing. A non-star quarterback on a winning team may be called a "game manager" if he avoids making mistakes that prevent his team's defense and rushing offenses from succeeding.
Read more about this topic: Quarterback
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