Cade McNown
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Cade McNown Legacy
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Cade McNown Career Stats via Wikipedia
Cade McNown Career Timeline
HEYTC AI2004 1
Career ends in CFL
McNown attempted a comeback with the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL but was released in training camp, effectively ending his professional football career at age 26.
2003 1
Brief stint with 49ers
McNown joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2003, appearing in one game with limited action before being released after one season.
2002 1
Signed and released by Dolphins
McNown signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2002 as a backup but was released before the season after one year on the roster without playing a game.
2001 1
Released by Bears
After two seasons (1999-2000) with the Bears where he appeared in 21 games, McNown was waived by the team in June 2001 due to poor performance and locker room issues.
2000 1
Named Bears starting QB
McNown started 15 games for the Bears in 2000, throwing for 2,509 yards, 16 TDs, and 19 INTs amid high expectations but inconsistent performance.
1999 2
Signed rookie contract with Bears
McNown signed a 6-year, $20.4 million rookie contract with the Chicago Bears following his draft selection.
Drafted by Bears
Cade McNown was the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears out of UCLA.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cade McNown
How does Caleb Williams compare to Cade McNown?
Caleb Williams, the Bears' shiny new No. 1 pick and current starter, towers over Cade McNown's brief, bumpy Chicago stint—3,111 yards, 16 TDs, and a 13.57 rating in 15 games—while Caleb's got Heisman flash and modern weapons. McNown was a college gunslinger who flamed out fast; Williams aims to rewrite that script without the holdout drama or Dick Jauron benchings.
Is Cade McNown in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Nope, Cade McNown's not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton—his four NFL years were too thin, a 57.6% completion clip and more backup gigs than glory. He's got the College Football Hall of Fame nod from 2020 for UCLA fireworks, though, where he owned the Pac-10 record books.
What is Cade McNown doing now in 2026?
In 2026, Cade's crushing it in finance as a managing director at The Carlyle Group, handling client relationships after stints at Kayne Anderson and JPMorgan—smarter pivot than most ex-QBs. He still gives back via boards like Friends of Golf and the California Showcase for unsigned kids, married with four kids keeping life grounded.
How would Cade McNown perform in today's NFL?
McNown's quick release and arm talent would've feasted under today's pass-happy rules—no more 1999 thumpings on shaky O-lines. Imagine his 10,708 UCLA yards in Shanahan trees or with quick slants legalized; he'd stick longer than four seasons, maybe top-15 QB2 material before the attitude whispers caught up.
How does Cade McNown compare to Jim McMahon?
Jim McMahon outshines Cade McNown like a Super Bowl ring over a training camp holdout—McMahon's 45.04 Bears rating fueled '85 magic, while McNown's 13.57 sunk in the same uniform amid turnovers and turmoil. Both pocket scramblers, but Jim's punk-rock grit won titles; Cade's UCLA hype just fizzled.