Vince Young

Cam Ward's got the arm talent and mobility Vince Young possessed, but Young's 30-2 college record and Rose Bowl dominance gave him a mystique Ward hasn't earned yet. VY's NFL journey was messier—injuries, scheme mismatches, financial chaos—while Ward's still writing his story in Tennessee. One's a cautionary tale, one's a blank canvas.

Nope, Young never made Canton despite his legendary Texas run and College Football Hall of Fame induction in 2019. His NFL career—just 8,964 passing yards and 12 TDs across multiple teams—didn't stack up to Hall standards. The Titans tenure was brief and turbulent, overshadowed by injuries and inconsistency that defined his pro arc.

Young's keeping busy away from the field. He works for the University of Texas Division of Diversity and Community Engagement as a development officer, raising money for first-generation and low-income students. He also runs youth camps and community programs in Austin, staying connected to the city that made him famous while building something lasting beyond football.

Modern rules would've helped Young's dual-threat game—today's defenses can't touch QBs like they did in 2006. But his arm talent was never elite; he thrived on scrambling and athleticism. In a pass-happy league, he'd likely still struggle with consistency and decision-making that plagued his actual career. The rules change helps, but mechanics matter.

McNair was the superior pro by light-years—two MVPs, Super Bowl run, 42.22 rating versus Young's 4.99. McNair was a toughness icon who elevated teammates; Young had higher upside athletically but lacked McNair's football intelligence and durability. Steve was a franchise cornerstone. Vince was a what-if wrapped in tremendous potential.