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

Tommy Wade

#16 · Pittsburgh Steelers
Retired 2 Years In The NFL
🏆 National champion (1963)
Tommy's
HAIR
5.1
HeyTC AI Rating

Questions about Tommy Wade or the Steelers?

Tommy Wade Legacy

HEYTC AI
Tommy Wade was a Texas Longhorn who tasted championship glory before reality hit hard in Pittsburgh. He engineered a crucial fourth-quarter drive in the 1963 title game—the kind of moment that defines a college career—but the NFL had different plans. Wade's professional arc was brief and brutal: a taxi squad stint, a minor league detour with the Valley Ironmen, and then two forgettable seasons backing up the Steelers, capped by an infamous December 1965 game where he threw seven interceptions, a franchise record that still stands. He was a bridge player in an era when depth meant something different, a reminder that college heroics don't always translate to the pro game's unforgiving stage.

Tommy Wade Rating Breakdown

Season
Non-Factor
Fantasy
Non-Factor
Playoffs
Non-Factor
Overall
Cooked
2 years with the Steelers

Tommy Wade Career Stats via Wikipedia

0 Pass Yards
2 Touchdowns
13 INTs
0.0% Comp %
5.1 HAIR

Frequently Asked Questions About Tommy Wade

How does Aaron Rodgers compare to Tommy Wade?

Aaron Rodgers running the Steelers’ offense is a wild thought—imagine that gunslinger precision paired with Pittsburgh grit. Tommy Wade, meanwhile, was more of a backup-turned-hero at Texas and a brief, interception-prone stop in Steelers lore. Rodgers is a generational talent; Wade’s legacy is more about one clutch drive in college than NFL dominance.

Is Tommy Wade in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Tommy Wade isn’t in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and honestly, he’d be the first to admit it. His NFL career was short and unspectacular, though he’s remembered fondly in Texas for helping deliver a national title. Canton’s doors haven’t opened for him, but his name still pops up in Steelers trivia for that infamous seven-interception game.

What is Tommy Wade doing now in 2026?

As of 2026, Tommy Wade keeps a low profile, focused on family and a quiet life in Texas. He’s not a regular on TV or at team events, but he’s stayed involved in local charities and occasionally shares stories from his football days at Longhorn alumni gatherings. No flashy endorsements, just a humble post-football life.

How would Tommy Wade perform in today's NFL?

If Tommy Wade stepped into today’s NFL, he’d benefit from modern passing rules and better protection, but his arm and accuracy would still be a question mark. The game’s faster now, and with more emphasis on QB athleticism and deep throws, he’d need a serious upgrade to thrive—more of a camp arm than a starter in 2026.

How does Tommy Wade compare to Terry Bradshaw?

Comparing Tommy Wade to Terry Bradshaw is like contrasting a flicker to a spotlight. Bradshaw’s 81.63 passer rating and four Super Bowls put him in the franchise’s Mount Rushmore, while Wade’s 5.05 rating and brief tenure mark him as a footnote. Bradshaw defined an era; Wade’s known for one wild game and a college championship.