Mike Phipps

Shedeur Sanders operates in a different stratosphere than Phipps did. Sanders has the arm talent, mobility, and modern coaching infrastructure that Phipps never enjoyed in Cleveland's chaotic 1970s. Phipps threw 55 TDs in 12 seasons; Sanders could eclipse that in three years. The gap between a generational prospect and a third-overall pick who faced brutal circumstances is enormous.

No, Phipps never made Canton, despite being a unanimous All-America and Heisman runner-up at Purdue. His pro career simply didn't match his college pedigree—10,506 yards and 55 TDs over 12 seasons don't move the needle for enshrinement, especially with the interception problems that plagued his Cleveland tenure.

The search results don't contain information about Phipps's current activities in 2026. Without access to recent reporting on his post-football work, I can't accurately describe what he's doing now—whether that's broadcasting, business ventures, or other pursuits.

Modern rules would've helped Phipps considerably. He'd face fewer sacks (he took a league-worst 44 in 1973 alone) and benefit from today's pass-happy schemes. Still, his sub-50% completion rate and turnover issues suggest he'd struggle even with softer defenses. Better circumstances, same fundamental limitations.

Otto Graham laps Phipps entirely. Graham's 62.63 rating versus Phipps's 27.46 tells the story—one's a Hall of Famer who won championships, the other's a talented kid who got buried by circumstance and his own mistakes. Not even close.