All-Time Rams QBs Ranked: Warner #1, Ferragamo #2

Bob Waterfield

#7 · Los Angeles Rams
Retired 8 Years In The NFL
🏆 2× NFL champion (1945, 1951)
Bob's
HAIR
31.0
HeyTC AI Rating

Questions about Bob Waterfield or the Rams?

Bob Waterfield Legacy

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Bob Waterfield was the ultimate gridiron Swiss Army knife—a 6'1" gunslinger from UCLA who could bomb deep passes, boot 88-yard punts, nail field goals, and pick off foes as a safety, all while starring for the Rams in Cleveland and L.A. As a rookie in '45, he became the first ever to snag NFL MVP, dragging his squad to a title with pure moxie. His signature? Epic comebacks, like the '48 miracle rally from 28-0 down against the Eagles, or captaining another championship in '51. A two-time champ and Hall of Famer, Waterfield revolutionized versatility in the leather-helmet era. He passed in 1983, leaving an indelible Rams legacy.
Bob Waterfield passed away on March 25, 1983 at the age of 62.

Bob Waterfield Rating Breakdown

Season
Good
Fantasy
Subpar
Playoffs
Average
Overall
Delulu
8 years with the Rams

Bob Waterfield Career Stats via Wikipedia

11,849 Pass Yards
97 Touchdowns
128 INTs
50.3% Comp %
31.0 HAIR

Bob Waterfield Career Timeline

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1955 1

Retires from NFL

After 8 seasons primarily with the Rams (1945-1952), Waterfield retired as player following the 1955 season, having appeared in 67 games with 56 starts.

1952 1

Injured, Shares Duties

Waterfield missed time due to a knee injury sustained early in the season; Van Brocklin took over as primary starter while Waterfield platooned upon return.

1951 1

Named NFL MVP

Waterfield was awarded the NFL Most Valuable Player honor after leading the Rams to a league-best 8-4 record, earning First-Team All-Pro recognition.

1950 1

Rams Reach and Lose NFL Championship

Waterfield shared quarterback duties with Van Brocklin as the Rams advanced to the NFL Championship Game but lost 30-28 to the Cleveland Browns on a last-second field goal.

1949 1

Trades with Norm Van Brocklin

Waterfield was traded to the Baltimore Colts mid-season but returned to the Rams shortly after; the team acquired Norm Van Brocklin, beginning a quarterback platoon system with Waterfield.

1946 1

Rams Relocate to Los Angeles

The Rams franchise relocated from Cleveland to Los Angeles, California, where Waterfield continued as the primary quarterback for the next several seasons.

1945 1

Rams Win NFL Championship

As starting quarterback for the Rams, Waterfield led the team to the NFL Championship victory over the Washington Redskins, completing key passes including a 44-yard touchdown to Jim Benton.

1944 1

Drafted by Cleveland Rams

Bob Waterfield was selected by the Cleveland Rams in the first round (11th overall pick) of the 1944 NFL Draft out of UCLA.

8 years in the NFL

Frequently Asked Questions About Bob Waterfield

How does Matthew Stafford compare to Bob Waterfield?

Matthew Stafford's got the arm and the Super Bowl ring to chase Waterfield's ghost, but Bob's the original Rams gunslinger—two NFL titles in '45 and '51, rookie MVP with 14 TD passes, and that cannon for "bombs" before anyone called 'em deep shots. Stafford's volume stats dwarf Waterfield's 11,849 yards, yet Bob did it all as two-way star in leather helmets. Legacy? Waterfield owns the blueprint.

Is Bob Waterfield in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Nah, Bob Waterfield's not in Canton—shocking, right? Guy quarterbacked the Rams to NFL crowns in '45 and '51, snagged MVP as a rookie, led the league in passing twice, and held kicking records at retirement. Hall snubbed him despite 97 TD passes and All-Pro nods. Feels like they forgot the guy who bombed it long before Montana dreamed of it.

How would Bob Waterfield perform in today's NFL?

Waterfield would feast today—those 17.8 yards per completion in '51 scream downfield wizardry, and modern pass-happy rules with no face masks would turn his "bomb" into a red-zone nightmare. Sure, 128 picks look ugly, but he'd adapt like he did punting 42.4 yards a pop or picking off six as a DB. Imagine him with McVay scheming? Touchdown machine.

How does Bob Waterfield compare to Kurt Warner?

Waterfield vs. Warner? Both Rams saviors, but Kurt's 47.85 rating smokes Bob's 31.04—Warner slinging no-lookers in domes, Waterfield threading leather helmets for two titles and 97 TDs. Bob's the pioneer, kicking five field goals in a playoff game; Kurt's the gunslinger who lit up '99. Apples to oranges, but both etched Rams lore deeper than most.