Steve Young
Questions about Steve Young or the 49ers?
Steve Young Legacy
HEYTC AISteve Young Rating Breakdown
Steve Young Career Stats via Wikipedia
Steve Young Career Timeline
HEYTC AI1999 1
Retires from NFL
After 13 seasons with the 49ers, Young announced his retirement at age 38 following chronic injuries, having amassed 33,124 passing yards, 232 TDs, and 3 Super Bowl rings.
1998 1
NFC Championship & Pro Bowl
Despite rib injuries, Young led the 49ers to the NFC Championship (lost to Atlanta); earned Pro Bowl nod with 3,704 yards and 34 TDs.
1997 1
Second NFL MVP
Young won his second NFL MVP award, throwing for 3,456 yards, 19 TDs, and only 7 INTs with a 104.7 passer rating; Pro Bowl selection.
1996 1
Record-Setting Season
Young set NFL single-season records for passer rating (104.0), completion percentage (70.3%), and touchdowns (41); Second-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl.
1994 1
NFL MVP & Super Bowl XXIX Win
Young won NFL MVP, First-Team All-Pro, and Pro Bowl honors, leading the 49ers to Super Bowl XXIX victory over San Diego (49-26), earning Super Bowl MVP with 6 TDs.
1993 1
First-Team All-Pro & Pro Bowl
Young threw for 4,023 yards, 29 TDs, and 11 INTs, earning First-Team All-Pro honors and Pro Bowl selection; led 49ers to playoffs.
1992 1
NFC Championship Appearance
Young led the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game, where they lost to the Dallas Cowboys 30-20; he passed for 313 yards and 3 TDs in the game.
1991 1
Starts for Injured Montana
With Montana out due to injury, Young started 10 games for the 49ers, passing for 2,516 yards, 17 TDs, and 9 INTs while rushing for 529 yards.
1990 1
First 49ers Pro Bowl
Young made the Pro Bowl as Montana's backup, appearing in 11 games and rushing for 448 yards and 4 touchdowns.
1989 1
Shoulder Injury
Young suffered a shoulder injury that sidelined him for part of the season, limiting him to 5 games while Montana led the 49ers.
1988 1
Backup to Montana with 49ers
As Joe Montana's backup, Young played in 10 games, rushing for a league-leading 112 carries for 464 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns.
1987 1
Traded to 49ers
Young was traded from the Buccaneers to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a second-round pick (#36 overall) and quarterback Mike Cofer.
1986 1
First Pro Bowl Selection
Young earned his first Pro Bowl selection after leading the Buccaneers to a 5-11 record, throwing for 2,555 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions.
1985 1
Buccaneers Rookie Season
Young appeared in 9 games as a rookie for the Buccaneers, completing 41 of 71 passes for 568 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions.
1984 1
Drafted by Buccaneers
Steve Young was selected as the 1st overall pick in the first round of the 1984 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers out of Brigham Young University.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steve Young
How does Brock Purdy compare to Steve Young?
Young and Purdy represent different eras of 49ers excellence. Young was a dual-threat pioneer who won MVP twice and threw six TDs in Super Bowl XXIX, while Purdy's still writing his story as the current starter. Young's 96.8 career passer rating edges Purdy's early numbers, but comparing a 15-year veteran to someone still ascending feels premature. Young's the established legend; Purdy's the heir apparent trying to match that standard.
Is Steve Young in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Surprisingly, no—Young isn't in Canton despite his credentials. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on February 5, 2005, becoming the first left-handed QB honored. The 49ers retired his #8 jersey in 2008. His two MVPs, Super Bowl XXIX MVP, and seven straight Pro Bowls made him one of the most underrated QBs ever, but Canton eventually recognized his greatness.
What is Steve Young doing now in 2026?
The search results don't provide current 2026 activities for Young. His last documented achievement was his Hall of Fame election in 2005 and jersey retirement in 2008. For his present-day work in broadcasting, business, or charity, you'd need more recent sources beyond what's available here.
How would Steve Young perform in today's NFL?
Young would dominate today's NFL. He was "ahead of his time"—mobile, accurate, and could win with his arm or legs. Modern rules protecting QBs would've extended his career and inflated his stats. If playing now, he'd likely be "the best quarterback in the league considering how mobile and accurate he was". His dual-threat skills fit perfectly with today's offensive evolution.
How does Steve Young compare to Joe Montana?
Montana edges Young slightly in pure passing—Montana's 85.15 rating versus Young's 53.48. But Young threw 36 TDs in 1998 and owned a 89-32 record as a 49er starter, topping Montana's .719 winning percentage. Both are franchise icons, though Montana's earlier arrival and four Super Bowls give him historical weight. Young's the more complete athlete; Montana's the purer passer.