Dan Pastorini
Questions about Dan Pastorini or the Oilers?
Dan Pastorini Legacy
HEYTC AIDan Pastorini Rating Breakdown
Dan Pastorini Career Stats via Wikipedia
Dan Pastorini Career Timeline
HEYTC AI1982 1
NFLPA Strike and Retirement
Did not play in the strike-shortened 1982 season; retired from the NFL at age 32 after 11 professional seasons, finishing with 15,278 passing yards, 103 TDs, and a 50.5% completion rate across three teams.
1981 2
Super Bowl XVI with Raiders
Member of the Raiders roster for Super Bowl XVI victory over the Philadelphia Eagles (27-10), though he saw limited action behind starter Jim Plunkett in his lone Raiders season.
Signs with Raiders
Signed as a free agent with the Oakland Raiders for the 1981 season after one year (1980) with the Rams, providing veteran depth during Oakland's Super Bowl XVI-winning campaign.
1980 2
Rams Playoff Appearance
Joined the Rams late in 1980 and backed up Pat Haden during their NFC Championship run, though Houston's playoff loss to Denver marked Pastorini's final Oilers postseason action.
Traded to Rams
Midseason trade from the Houston Oilers to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for quarterback Steve Fuller and draft picks, ending his nine-year Oilers stint (1971-79) after appearing in 103 games with 16,000+ yards.
1979 1
Second Pro Bowl and Playoff Run
Pro Bowl honors again after a 1979 campaign with 3,556 passing yards, 20 TDs, and leading the Oilers to an 11-5 record and AFC Wild Card appearance before the injury-shortened playoff exit.
1978 1
Groin Injury in Wild Card Playoff Loss
Suffered a severe groin injury in the 1979 wild card playoff game against the Denver Broncos (Jan. 6, 1980), sacked by Barney Chavous for an 11-yard loss, sidelining him and contributing to Houston's 13-7 defeat.
1975 1
Pro Bowl Nod with Oilers
Earned his first Pro Bowl selection after a breakout 1975 season, throwing for 2,128 yards and 17 TDs while guiding Houston to a 10-4 record and their first playoff berth since 1967.
1971 2
Signs Rookie Contract with Oilers
Pastorini inked his rookie deal with the Houston Oilers shortly after the draft, stepping in as the franchise QB during the AFL-NFL merger era and leading the team through its early 1970s resurgence.
Drafted by Oilers
Dan Pastorini was selected by the Houston Oilers as the third overall pick (first round) in the 1971 NFL Draft out of Santa Clara University, launching a nine-year tenure as their starting quarterback.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dan Pastorini
Is Dan Pastorini in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
No, Dan Pastorini's not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame—no bust in Canton for the guy who lit up the Astrodome back in the day. Traded for Stabler in '80 and snagged a ring with the Raiders in Super Bowl XV, but his Oilers grit—playing through punctured lungs and broken ribs—hasn't cracked the gold jacket club yet. Still a Houston hero, though.
What is Dan Pastorini doing now in 2026?
In 2026, Dan Pastorini's still hustling like the old days, popping up in interviews reflecting on that infamous '79 AFC title no-call with Mike Renfro that haunts Oilers fans. He's sharing his wild ride—from NFL to NHRA Top Fuel wins—at events like "Sports to Service" talks, keeping the legend alive with zero signs of slowing down at 76.
How would Dan Pastorini perform in today's NFL?
Pastorini would feast in today's NFL—those cannon arms and mobility would've shredded secondaries under pass-happy rules, no more 1970s defenses mugging QBs. Picture his 1978 playoff magic (beating Miami and NE) with modern protection: 18k yards and 103 TDs balloon into starter gold on a contender, like a poor man's early Marino with wheels.
How does Dan Pastorini compare to Warren Moon?
Dan Pastorini edges Warren Moon as Oilers QB1 with a 32.4 passer rating to Moon's 17.59, but Moon's volume stats lap him over longer hauls. Dan's the flash—third pick in '71, Pro Bowl '75, playoff stud—while Moon grinded rings elsewhere; it's like comparing a hot rod dragster to a marathon truck, both blue-chip Houston blood.