Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…

38. Boomer Esiason

Drafted in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1984 out of the University of Maryland, Esiason brought a fiery New York attitude to the Midwest, quickly becoming the team’s starting quarterback and injecting swagger into the franchise.

Over 10 seasons with the Bengals (1984-1992, 1997), he peaked in 1988, leading the NFL in passer rating (97.4) while throwing for 3,572 yards and 28 touchdowns, earning NFL MVP, First-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. That year, he guided Cincinnati to a 12-4 record and Super Bowl XXIII, where they fell 20-16 to the San Francisco 49ers .

Traded to the New York Jets in 1993, Esiason revived his career with a 3,421-yard, 16-touchdown season, earning another Pro Bowl. He later pl

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