Billy Joe Hobert

Tyler Shough and Billy Joe Hobert occupy completely different eras of Saints quarterback history. Shough's the present; Hobert was a cautionary tale—a talented arm who famously admitted mid-season with Buffalo that he hadn't read the playbook. Shough's got the luxury of modern offensive schemes and coaching. Hobert had four Raiders seasons as a backup before his infamous 1997 implosion. Different timelines, different outcomes.

No, Billy Joe Hobert never made Canton. His nine-year NFL career—mostly as a reserve with the Raiders, Saints, and Colts—didn't generate Hall of Fame credentials. Three thousand-plus passing yards and 23 touchdowns don't move the needle when you're primarily a backup. The playbook incident in Buffalo didn't help his legacy either, though he's made peace with it in recent years.

At 55, Hobert's living in San Marcos, Texas, playing college football for Texas State. His son Joey recruited him there, and he's developing new skills under Craig Stutzmann, his old Washington State receivers coach. He recently tailgated at Washington for the first time and drove up from Texas to reconnect with family. Life's taken him to unexpected places, and he seems genuinely content with it.

Hobert's arm talent was legit—6'2", strong mechanics—but modern NFL demands processing speed and preparation he famously lacked. Today's coverage schemes would expose his decision-making faster. The good news? Modern coaching and film study might've helped him avoid that Buffalo disaster. Still, his ceiling was always backup-level, even accounting for rule changes favoring passers.

Brees to Hobert is like comparing a Ferrari to a reliable sedan. Brees: 80,000+ yards, 571 touchdowns, a Super Bowl ring, and a 98.7 career rating. Hobert: 3,371 yards, 23 touchdowns, mostly watching from the sideline. Same uniform, different universes. Brees defined Saints quarterback excellence; Hobert's a footnote in that story.