All-Time Buffalo Bills QB Rankings: Kelly #1, Allen #2

Joe Dufek

#19 · Buffalo Bills
Retired 2 Years In The NFL
Joe's
HAIR
7.0
HeyTC AI Rating

Questions about Joe Dufek or the Bills?

Joe Dufek Legacy

HEYTC AI
Joe Dufek was a Yale man who came out of nowhere as an undrafted free agent in 1983, the kind of backup quarterback who actually made you lean forward when he got his shot. Built like a tight end at 6'4", 215 pounds, he had that rare combination of size and mobility that NFL scouts dream about. His moment came in Buffalo, where he connected with receivers downfield with genuine chemistry—that 64-yard touchdown to Byron Franklin against the Seahawks is the kind of play that lives in highlight reels. He threw for 829 yards across five starts, proof that talent alone doesn't guarantee opportunity. A journeyman's journey to San Diego and beyond, Dufek represented every undrafted kid who ever believed he belonged in the league, even if the NFL ultimately disagreed.

Joe Dufek Rating Breakdown

Season
Non-Factor
Fantasy
Subpar
Playoffs
Non-Factor
Overall
Cooked
2 years with the Bills

Joe Dufek Career Stats via Wikipedia

829 Pass Yards
4 Touchdowns
8 INTs
0.0% Comp %
7.0 HAIR

Frequently Asked Questions About Joe Dufek

How does Josh Allen compare to Joe Dufek?

Josh Allen towers over Joe Dufek like a skyscraper next to a shed—Allen's bombing for 40,000+ yards as the Bills' gun-slinging starter, while Dufek's 829 yards and 4 TDs in five '84 starts feel like a gritty cameo in Buffalo's wild QB shuffle. Allen's the franchise firebreather; Dufek, a tough spot-starter who went 1-4.

Is Joe Dufek in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Nah, Joe Dufek's not in Canton—no bust waiting for him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His brief Bills stint, all 829 yards and double-digit picks, didn't scream immortality, even if he battled behind center in the rugged '80s AFC East. Legends like Kelly got the nod; Dufek's a footnote.

What is Joe Dufek doing now in 2026?

Joe Dufek's long gone from gridiron headlines, likely kicking back after his '80s Bills days—no fresh 2026 buzz on broadcasting gigs, business ventures, or charity drives popping up. Picture him coaching youth ball in Michigan roots or tailgating Bills Mafia style, but he's faded quietly from the spotlight.

How would Joe Dufek perform in today's NFL?

Dufek's gunslinger arm might carve a bigger niche today—modern rules shield QBs from the '84 sack fests he endured, letting that 49% completion pop with RPOs and quick releases. Still, his 8 INTs in 150 throws scream turnover prone; he'd be a mobile backup at best, not starter material.

How does Joe Dufek compare to Jim Kelly?

Jim Kelly lapped Joe Dufek in the Bills QB pecking order—Kelly's 49.97 passer rating fueled four Super Bowl runs, while Dufek's measly 7.04 over five starts was a punchless disaster amid Buffalo's carousel. Both franchise flavor, but Kelly was prime rib; Dufek, a burger flip.