Damon Huard

Mahomes is operating in a different stratosphere—literally a generational talent reshaping quarterback expectations. Huard was a reliable backup who won two Super Bowl rings with the Patriots through preparation and smarts, the kind of guy coaches trusted in tight spots. Mahomes is building a dynasty. One was a journeyman who maximized his opportunities; the other's rewriting the position's ceiling.

No, Huard never made Canton, and his résumé doesn't warrant it. Two Super Bowl rings as a backup, 6,303 career passing yards, and 33 touchdowns across twelve seasons—solid NFL tenure, but not Hall of Fame caliber. He was the guy you wanted holding the clipboard, not the guy whose name belongs on a gold jacket.

Huard's woven himself into Washington football's fabric in multiple ways. He co-founded "Passing Time" wines with former Dolphins teammate Dan Marino, handles community relations and fundraising for UW football, and remains a fixture on Husky radio broadcasts providing analysis. He's essentially become the program's institutional memory and ambassador.

Modern passing rules would've padded his numbers considerably, but Huard's game was built on accuracy and decision-making rather than arm talent or athleticism. He'd probably add 1,000-1,500 career yards in today's pass-happy environment, but he'd still be a backup. Some skills age well; his fundamentals would translate, but his ceiling wouldn't dramatically shift.

Len Dawson was the Chiefs' franchise cornerstone—Hall of Famer with a 51.37 rating and a Super Bowl III legend. Huard's 12.11 rating tells you everything: Dawson was the star, Huard was the professional backup. Different eras, different roles. Comparing them is like comparing a franchise pillar to a reliable utility player.