Top 10 quarterbacks in Steelers history
By Harv Aronson
7. Tommy Maddox
“Tommy Gun.”
That was the nickname attributed to the gun slinging Maddox who’s career was filled with ups and downs. Thought to be the successor to John Elway in Denver, the Broncos weren’t satisfied with the play of Maddox.
As a first round 1992 draft pick-turned bust in Denver, the Broncos traded the young quarterback after just two seasons to the Los Angeles Rams. Maddox then bounced around the NFL and other football leagues that landed him on the rosters of the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons.
After a three-year lapse of not playing football (1997-2000, and selling insurance for a living), Tommy Gun was signed by the New Jersey Red Dogs of the Arena Football League (AFL).
Maddox’s career was short in the AFL, just the 2000 season. With the creation of the one-year fiasco by wrestling promoter Vince McMahon called the XFL, Maddox led the Los Angeles Xtreme to that league’s only title.
However, the Pittsburgh Steelers liked what they saw in Maddox and signed him to a deal in 2001.
Maddox had his best success with the Steelers. Maddox was named the league’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2002. He was also a backup when Pittsburgh finally got their “One for the Thumb” Super Bowl title in 2006.
Maddox unseated Kordell Stewart as the starter in 2002 and held the job until he suffered a scary neck injury in 2004, giving way to rookie Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers and Roethlisberger have never looked back.
Maddox will probably be best remembered for the playoff game against the Cleveland Browns in 2002 during the wild card round. After falling behind 24-7, Tommy Gun went to the air and led Pittsburgh to an incredible 36-33 victory behind his 404 yards passing, hitting on 38 of 55 pass attempts. In the process he also threw three touchdown passes.
Next: 6. Bubby Brister