All-Time Colts QBs Ranked: Manning #1, Unitas #2

Bill Troup

#12 · Indianapolis Colts
Retired 4 Years In The NFL
Bill's
HAIR
15.4
HeyTC AI Rating

Questions about Bill Troup or the Colts?

Bill Troup Legacy

HEYTC AI
Bill Troup, the steel-tough Pittsburgh kid who quarterbacked South Carolina before bouncing around the NFL as the ultimate clipboard warrior for the Colts, Eagles, and Packers, embodied the grit of '70s football's forgotten backups. Undrafted in '74, he stepped up when stars like Bert Jones faltered, flashing laser concentration and poise in spot starts—his highlights capture that classic drive-saving magic amid the era's brutal defenses. A CFL detour with Winnipeg added wanderlust to his tale, proving journeymen like Troup kept the game alive. He passed in 2013 at 62, leaving a legacy of quiet resolve.
Bill Troup passed away on December 14, 2013 at the age of 62.

Bill Troup Rating Breakdown

Season
Subpar
Fantasy
Subpar
Playoffs
Non-Factor
Overall
NPC
4 years with the Colts

Bill Troup Career Stats via Wikipedia

2,047 Pass Yards
10 Touchdowns
0 INTs
50.6% Comp %
15.4 HAIR

Frequently Asked Questions About Bill Troup

How does Daniel Jones compare to Bill Troup?

Comparing Troup to Jones is like putting a 1970s backup against a franchise cornerstone—they're operating in entirely different eras. Troup threw for 2,047 yards across five seasons with the Colts and Packers, a journeyman's résumé. Jones, meanwhile, is building something in Indianapolis with modern passing concepts and talent around him. Troup was a game manager; Jones is expected to be a franchise guy. Different times, different expectations.

Is Bill Troup in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Bill Troup never made the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and his career numbers explain why. With just 10 touchdowns against 26 interceptions over 43 games, he was a depth quarterback who got his shot but didn't leave a lasting mark. Canton's reserved for the transformative ones—Troup was more of a footnote in Colts history.

How would Bill Troup perform in today's NFL?

Troup would struggle mightily in today's NFL. Modern rules have turned passing into an art form, but his 50.6% completion percentage and 10-to-26 TD-to-INT ratio suggest he lacked the precision and decision-making modern defenses would absolutely punish. He'd need a complete overhaul of mechanics and football IQ. The game's evolved past what he could offer.

How does Bill Troup compare to Peyton Manning?

This isn't even a competition—it's a chasm. Manning's 55.59 rating versus Troup's 15.35 tells you everything. Peyton was a generational talent who revolutionized quarterback play; Troup was a backup trying to survive. Manning won Super Bowls and MVPs. Troup threw more interceptions than touchdowns. Same uniform, different universes.