Randall Wade Cunningham Sr., born on March 27, 1963, carved out a significant 16-season career in the National Football League (NFL) as a quarterback. Primarily known for his extensive tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles and later with the Minnesota Vikings, Cunningham distinguished himself with a unique blend of passing and rushing prowess. At the time of his retirement, he held the fourth position in NFL quarterback rushing yards, a testament to
his exceptional athleticism and ability to impact the game with his legs as much as his arm. His career was marked by memorable plays and a style that challenged traditional quarterback roles.
Early Career and the Philadelphia Eagles Era
Cunningham's journey to the NFL began with college football at UNLV, where he earned first-team All-American honors twice as a punter and was named PCAA Offensive Player of the Year in both 1983 and 1984. This early display of versatility hinted at the multifaceted player he would become. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 1985 NFL draft, the first quarterback selected that year. Initially, he played sparingly as a backup to veteran Ron Jaworski, but his scrambling ability quickly made a "big splash," even though his passing statistics were modest in his rookie season.In 1986, under new head coach Buddy Ryan, Cunningham's role evolved. Ryan, known for his defensive-minded philosophy, initially used Cunningham in third-and-long situations to leverage his scrambling against defenses. Following a hand injury to Jaworski, Cunningham took over as the Eagles' starter. Despite the team's porous offensive line, which led to him being sacked a then-NFL record 72 times that season, he was permanently handed the starting job for the 1987 season. His talent was undeniable, and he quickly rose to prominence.
Elite Status and Memorable Moments
Cunningham achieved "elite" status during the 1988 season, earning the distinction of being the first black quarterback ever elected as a starter for the NFC in the Pro Bowl by league players. That year, he led the Eagles to the NFC Eastern Division Championship alongside fellow Pro Bowler Reggie White. In the 1988 Divisional Playoffs, known as the "Fog Bowl" against the Chicago Bears, Cunningham set franchise playoff records with 54 passes for 407 yards, though the Eagles ultimately lost. He also shares the franchise record for three interceptions in that game. His performance in the subsequent Pro Bowl earned him the game MVP award as the NFC triumphed 28-3.His career was punctuated by extraordinary plays that showcased his athleticism. In a 1989 game against the Giants, he unleashed a 91-yard punt, the longest in Eagles history and the fourth-longest ever in the NFL, demonstrating his continued prowess as a punter. He had 20 punts during his career, averaging 44.7 yards per punt. A particularly iconic moment occurred in a 1990 game against the Buffalo Bills when, from his own end zone, he evaded a sack by Bruce Smith and threw a 60-yard pass to Fred Barnett, resulting in a 95-yard touchdown. That same year, Cunningham recorded 942 rushing yards, which was the second-most ever for a quarterback at the time, just 26 yards shy of the all-time record. He averaged an impressive 8.0 yards per rush, the most ever by an Eagle with 100 attempts in a season and the third-most in NFL history.
Challenges, Retirement, and Return
Cunningham's career faced a significant setback in 1991 when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the first game of the season after being tackled by Bryce Paup of the Green Bay Packers. Although he returned "completely healed" the following season and led the team to its first playoff victory in 12 years, the injury visibly impacted his speed and athleticism. The 1993 and 1994 seasons were plagued by nagging injuries and a difficult transition to the West Coast Offense, which eventually led to his benching in favor of veteran Rodney Peete. Feeling unappreciated by fans and the organization and unhappy with a backup role, Cunningham retired from football after the 1995 season.However, his retirement was short-lived. He returned a year later to join the Minnesota Vikings, extending his NFL career. Upon leaving Philadelphia, he held the third-most rushing yards in Eagles history with 4,482, a record since surpassed by several players. He was also second only to Ron Jaworski in passing yards with 22,877, a figure later exceeded by Donovan McNabb. Cunningham still holds Eagles records for 6.62 yards per rush attempt, 422 sacks taken, and 6.5 yards per pass attempt in playoff games, solidifying his place as a dynamic and impactful figure in the team's history.
