All-Time Steelers QBs Ranked: Bradshaw #1, Roethlisberger #2

Neil O’Donnell

Retired 13 Years In The NFL
Neil's
HAIR
16.3
HeyTC AI Rating

Questions about Neil O’Donnell or the Steelers?

Neil O’Donnell Legacy

HEYTC AI
Neil O'Donnell was the cool-headed Pittsburgh kid who turned into the Steelers' unflappable field general, slinging passes with a gunslinger's precision and an interception rate that made defensive coordinators weep. What made him special? That ice-in-his-veins poise, captaining the Black and Gold to Super Bowl XXX against his old Cowboys pals, earning a Pro Bowl nod in '92, and later mentoring Titans stars like McNair as the league's ultimate reliable backup. A .550 starter who danced through pressure without the spotlight's glare, O'Donnell embodied blue-collar QB grit—proof you don't need GOAT numbers to leave a lasting dent in Steelers lore.

Neil O’Donnell Rating Breakdown

Season
Subpar
Fantasy
Average
Playoffs
Non-Factor
Overall
NPC
5 years with the Steelers

Neil O’Donnell Career Stats

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Frequently Asked Questions About Neil O’Donnell

How does Neil O’Donnell compare to Aaron Rodgers?

Rodgers is operating in a different stratosphere—a generational talent with an MVP and a Super Bowl ring, elite arm talent that O'Donnell never possessed. Neil was a reliable, efficient game-manager who got the Steelers to one Super Bowl; Rodgers has been a franchise cornerstone for two decades. One was a capable bridge, the other's a Hall of Famer-in-waiting.

Is Neil O’Donnell in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

No, O'Donnell never made it to Canton, and realistically never will. He was a solid backup-turned-starter who had his moments—led Pittsburgh to Super Bowl XXX, threw for over 21,000 career yards—but lacked the sustained excellence or signature moments Canton demands. He's remembered fondly in Pittsburgh, just not immortalized.

What is Neil O’Donnell doing now in 2026?

The search results don't provide current 2026 activities, so I can't speak to what O'Donnell's doing now. After retiring from the Titans in 2003, he was respected in Tennessee's locker room and community, suggesting he maintained strong ties there, but I'd need updated information to tell you where he stands today.

How would Neil O’Donnell perform in today's NFL?

O'Donnell's 57.8% completion rate and 81.8 passer rating wouldn't cut it in today's pass-happy NFL. Modern rules would help his efficiency numbers, but he lacked the arm talent and mobility modern QBs need. He'd probably be a capable backup—his 2.1% interception rate shows football intelligence—but starter material? Unlikely.

How does Neil O’Donnell compare to Terry Bradshaw?

Bradshaw dominates this comparison entirely. Terry's 81.63 rating versus Neil's 81.28 tells you nothing—Bradshaw won four Super Bowls and revolutionized the position; O'Donnell was a one-Super Bowl appearance guy who made one AFC Championship run. It's Hall of Famer versus competent journeyman.