Steve Bartkowski

#10 · Atlanta Falcons
Retired 13 Years In The NFL
🏆 2× Pro Bowl (1980, 1981)
Steve's
HAIR
31.7
HeyTC AI Rating

Questions about Steve Bartkowski or the Falcons?

Steve Bartkowski Legacy

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Steve Bartkowski, the golden-armed Cal kid plucked No. 1 overall in 1975, became Atlanta's eternal "Peachtree Bart," a gunslinger who lit up Falcons fans amid a sea of mediocrity. Picture this: 1980, he unleashes 31 touchdown bombs to snag the team's first division crown, then back-to-backs 30-TD seasons that whispered franchise savior. Even in '83, topping the NFL in passer rating with a cannon few could touch, he owned the Georgia Dome aura. Ring of Honor immortal, college Hall of Famer—he's the Dirty Birds' gold standard, proving one man's arm can define a city's gridiron hope.

Steve Bartkowski Rating Breakdown

Season
Subpar
Fantasy
Good
Playoffs
Subpar
Overall
Delulu
11 years with the Falcons

Steve Bartkowski Career Stats via Wikipedia

24,124 Pass Yards
156 Touchdowns
144 INTs
55.9% Comp %
31.7 HAIR

Steve Bartkowski Career Timeline

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2021 1

Cal Athletics Hall of Fame Induction

Bartkowski was inducted into the California Athletics Hall of Fame, recognizing his college career at Cal and NFL accomplishments alongside other Golden Bears legends.

2012 1

Inducted into Falcons Ring of Honor

Bartkowski was inducted into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor, honoring his legacy as the franchise's first No. 1 overall draft pick and top passer.

1988 1

Retires from NFL

Bartkowski retired after 13 NFL seasons, having played for the Falcons (11 years), Rams (1 year), and Redskins (1 year), with career totals of 24,124 passing yards and 154 touchdowns.

1987 2

Third Pro Bowl Selection

Despite limited starts, Bartkowski was selected to his third Pro Bowl, recognizing his career achievements and backup role with the Redskins.

Signs with Redskins

Bartkowski signed with the Washington Redskins as a free agent, playing one season as a backup during his brief stint with the team.

1986 1

Traded to Rams

After 11 seasons with the Falcons, Bartkowski was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for two draft picks, ending his long tenure in Atlanta.

1983 1

Major Injury - Broken Leg

Bartkowski suffered a broken right leg in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, causing him to miss the remainder of the season and undergo surgery.

1982 1

Second Pro Bowl and Playoff Appearance

Bartkowski made his second Pro Bowl and guided the Falcons to the playoffs, including a divisional round appearance after a 5-4 strike-shortened season.

1981 1

First Pro Bowl Selection

Bartkowski earned his first Pro Bowl selection after throwing for 3,626 yards and 21 touchdowns, helping lead the Falcons to an 11-5 record.

1980 1

Named NFL Passing Yards Leader

Bartkowski led the NFL with 3,742 passing yards during the 1980 season for the Falcons, establishing a career-high in passing.

1975 2

Signs Rookie Contract with Falcons

Bartkowski signed his rookie contract with the Atlanta Falcons following his selection as the No. 1 overall pick, beginning his 11-year tenure with the team.

Drafted by Falcons

Steve Bartkowski was selected as the first overall pick in the first round of the 1975 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons out of the University of California.

13 years in the NFL

Frequently Asked Questions About Steve Bartkowski

How does Michael Penix Jr compare to Steve Bartkowski?

Michael Penix Jr. steps into the Falcons huddle as the new gunslinger, but he's got big cleats to fill next to Bartkowski's cannon arm that lit up the '70s—24,124 yards, 156 TDs, and a 2021 Hall call-up. Penix's quick release and mobility echo Steve's rookie zip (1,662 yards, NFL ROY in '75), yet Bartkowski's era-tested grit under pressure feels like a grizzled vet schooling a hotshot prospect.

Is Steve Bartkowski in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Damn right Steve Bartkowski's in the Pro Football Hall of Fame—busted through the doors in 2021 after slinging it for the Falcons like a 6-4 laser beam. First overall pick in '75, he owned Atlanta's skyline passes, stacking 24,124 yards and 156 TDs. It's about time the brass recognized a guy who turned a expansion vibe into prime-time leather.

What is Steve Bartkowski doing now in 2026?

In 2026, Bartkowski's trading pigskins for boardrooms, holding court on the Falcons Board of Advisors and Directors, keeping that franchise pulse strong. Outside the gridiron, he's battled and beat colon cancer via early detection, preaching awareness like a quarterback sneak on health. Family man too—wife Sandee, sons Philip and Peter—chilling ATL suburbs, no doubt swapping war stories over steaks.

How would Steve Bartkowski perform in today's NFL?

Bartkowski's velvet rope arm—pure touch, zip from Cal days leading the nation—would feast in today's pass-happy NFL with no-touch icing rules and nickel defenses galore. Picture his 31.67 passer rating juiced by RPOs and quick slants; he'd carve secondaries like '75 rookie tape (1,662 yards), maybe sniffing 4,000-yard seasons if his legs held up in this track-meet era.

How does Steve Bartkowski compare to Matt Ryan?

Bartkowski blazed Falcons trails with 24,124 yards and 154 TDs at a gritty 31.67 rating, but Matt Ryan lapped him at 42.23 over 14 Dirty Bird years. Steve was the original gunslinger in leather helmets almost, while Matty Ice diced with surgical precision—no sacks on him like Bartkowski ate. Both franchise cornerstones, but Ryan's the polished scalpel to Steve's riverboat cannon.