Parnell Dickinson

Baker Mayfield's arrival in Tampa represents a generational leap from Dickinson's 1976 cameo. Mayfield's thrown for over 20,000 career yards; Dickinson managed 210 in eight games as the Bucs' expansion QB. It's not really a comparison—it's the difference between a franchise cornerstone and a historical footnote who happened to be there when Tampa Bay kicked off.

No, Parnell Dickinson isn't in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and realistically never will be. His one NFL season—210 passing yards, a 25.5 rating—doesn't move the needle for Canton. He was a capable college player at a SWAC school, but his professional window was brutally brief.

I don't have current information about Dickinson's activities in 2026. The search results focus entirely on his 1976 playing career and college accomplishments. To answer this accurately, I'd need recent reporting on his post-football life—whether he's involved in business, broadcasting, or community work.

Modern passing rules would've helped Dickinson's efficiency numbers, sure, but not his arm talent or decision-making. A 38.5% completion rate and five interceptions in 39 attempts screams accuracy issues that rule changes can't fix. He'd likely be a practice squad casualty today, not a starter-in-waiting.

Doug Williams laps Dickinson completely—38.71 rating versus 25.5, plus Williams actually had a multi-year NFL career and threw for real volume. Williams proved he belonged in the league; Dickinson was basically a warm body during Tampa's inaugural chaos. Different eras, but Williams was the legitimate pioneer.