LEFTHANDERS IN SPORTS

Lefthanded Quarterbacks

The Best Lefthanded Quarterbacks in NFL History

The Best Lefthanded Quarterback Not In The NFL

Tua Tagovailoa joined the Miami Dolphins in 2020 and became the first lefthanded quarterback to play in the NFL since 2016. He became the Dolphins starter midway through his rookie year, and has improved every year. In 2023 he led the Dolphins to an 11-6 record and a playoff berth, while earning his first Pro Bowl appearance.

The biggest concern about Tua is that he has missed significant time for concussions in 2022 and 2024, and some have suggested that he should retire from football for his own safety. But he has returned from his latest stint on the disabled list, and is determined to continue his NFL career.

Tua Returns from lastest Concussion

Why Aren't There More Lefthanded Quarterbacks?

Who Might Be Next?

Welcome to the NFL, Michael Penix Jr.

The best lefthanded quarterback ever

to play professional football might be

Nick Davila of the Arizona Rattlers

in the Arena Football League.

Other Lefthanded Starting Quarterbacks in the NFL

Bobby Douglas, Paul McDonald, Scott Mitchell, Cade McNown, Matt Leinart, Chris Simms, and

Tim Tebow are the only other lefthanded quarterbacks with more than 10 career starts in the NFL.

Dillon Gabriel is a lefthanded quarterback playing his senior year at the University of Oregon with plenty of college experience and strong credentials. He is expected to be a top pick in the 2025 draft. As for any other lefthanded quarterbacks playing in the NCAA who might be NFL prospects, the bench is pretty thin.

Starting with Ken Stabler (1970-1984), followed by Jim Zorn (1976-1987),

then Boomer Esiason (1984-1997), followed by Steve Young (1985-1999),

then Mark Brunell (1994-2011), followed by Michael Vick (2001-2015)...

During every year for forty-five years, there was at least
one great Lefthanded Starting Quarterback in the NFL.

Michael Penix Jr. was the #8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons, a team that had just traded for a veteran starting quarterback. Penix has appeared in just two games so far this year, throwing just 5 passes, with 3 completions for 38 yards.

Hopefully we will see more of Michael Penix Jr. soon, but it might not be until next year or the year after. At least he has played, and earned his way into pro football history as the only other lefthanded quarterback besides Tua Tagovailoa to play in the NFL since 2016.

LEFTHANDERS IN SPORTS​

Lefthanded Quarterbacks

LEFTHANDERS IN SPORTS