All-Time Buccaneers QBs Ranked: Brady #1, Johnson #2

Craig Erickson

Retired 6 Years In The NFL
🏆 2× National champion (1987, 1989)
Craig's
HAIR
16.5
HeyTC AI Rating

Questions about Craig Erickson or the Buccaneers?

Craig Erickson Legacy

HEYTC AI
Craig Erickson was the steady hand who steered Miami's Hurricanes to the 1989 national title, stepping into Jimmy Johnson's stacked locker room as a quiet gunslinger amid legends like Michael Irvin and Blaze Battier. Clutch in the Sugar Bowl rout of Alabama, he shredded records with the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm, cementing his spot in 'Canes lore before a fifth-round slide to the Bucs. NFL journeyman through Tampa, Indy, Marino's shadow in Miami, and a gritty Bears stint, Erickson embodied resilience—bouncing back from Tommy John surgery like few QBs ever have. A Hurricane hero whose poise outshone the pros.

Craig Erickson Rating Breakdown

Season
Subpar
Fantasy
Average
Playoffs
Non-Factor
Overall
NPC
3 years with the Buccaneers

Craig Erickson Career Stats via Wikipedia

7,625 Pass Yards
41 Touchdowns
38 INTs
0.0% Comp %
16.5 HAIR

Frequently Asked Questions About Craig Erickson

How does Baker Mayfield compare to Craig Erickson?

Baker Mayfield's got the arm and swagger to eclipse Craig Erickson's Buccaneers peak—think that 1993 explosion of 2,919 yards and 16 TDs under Sam Wyche—but Erickson's the original 'Canes kid who dragged a middling Bucs squad to relevance with a gritty 82.5 rating. Baker's chasing rings in Tampa; Erickson set the bar as the franchise's first real post-Steve Young hope.

Is Craig Erickson in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Nah, Craig Erickson's not in Canton—no bust waiting for him alongside the legends. The guy lit up '93 for Tampa with 3,000+ yards and 18 scores, but six seasons, 7,625 yards, and a 74.3 career rating across Bucs, Colts, and Dolphins? Solid journeyman, not Hall stuff. Closest he got to glory was that Tommy John comeback grit.

What is Craig Erickson doing now in 2026?

Craig Erickson's off the grid in 2026—no headlines on broadcasting gigs or big charity swings. Post-NFL, the ex-'Canes champ and Bucs trailblazer faded quietly after '98, likely coaching youth ball or grinding family life in Florida. Guy who survived Tommy John twice deserves a cold one, not spotlights; he's the NFL's stealth retiree.

How would Craig Erickson perform in today's NFL?

Erickson's quick-release pocket game—56% completion, 7.3 YPA in the '90s hit parade—would feast under today's pass-happy rules, no-dunk defenses, and RPOs. Imagine his '93 zip in Tony Dungy's scheme with 17-game slates and analytics? Backup fodder at best in this QB circus, but he'd carve 4,000-yard seasons on weak rosters.

How does Craig Erickson compare to Shaun King?

Shaun King outshone Erickson as Tampa's franchise bridge QB—30.98 passer rating to Erickson's middling 16.52—but both were Bucs placeholders pre-brad Johnson glory. King rode that '99 playoff magic to the NFC title game; Erickson grinded '93 relevance. Solid journeymen, neither the savior, but King's flash edges the 'Canes gun-slinger.