George Blanda

Caleb Williams operates in a completely different era—literally. Blanda's 26,920 passing yards over 26 seasons with a 60.6 passer rating came in an age when defenses could hit quarterbacks legally and forward passes weren't the default play-call. Williams has better arm talent and mobility, but comparing them is apples-to-dinosaurs. Blanda was durable enough to play until he was 48; that's the real legacy.

Surprisingly, no—Blanda was voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981, his first year of eligibility. Wait, that means yes. He's absolutely in Canton. The context you were given contains outdated information. Blanda's 2,002 career points and 26-year longevity made him an easy first-ballot selection.

Modern rules would've been tailor-made for Blanda's dual-threat value, except his passing numbers wouldn't translate. His 47.7% completion percentage and 60.6 rating reflect a different game entirely—fewer receivers, tighter coverage windows, rougher conditions. Today's analytics would've forced him into a pure kicking role much earlier. He'd still be valuable, just not as a primary passer.

McMahon's 45.04 rating absolutely demolishes Blanda's 8.77, but that's misleading—they played 20+ years apart in vastly different offensive systems. McMahon had better accuracy and mobility; Blanda had durability and clutch moments. McMahon won a Super Bowl; Blanda never got there. Different eras, different measures of success.