In the 129 games in his career, Bartkowski connected on 1,932 of 3,456 tries for a total of 24,124 yds. He totaled 187.0 yds per game through the air. Bartkowski passed for 156 touchdowns compared to 144 picks. He lost a total of 2,136 yds while being sacked 356 different times. His touchdown rate on pass attempts was 4.5% and his interception rate was 4.2%.
In his final year, Bartkowski threw for 0 yards with 0 touchdowns and 0 picks. He was sacked 0 different times for a total of 0 yds lost. He had a QB rating of 0.0 with a TD rate of 0.0% and an interception rate of 0.0%. His longest pass was 0 yds and he threw for 0.0 yards per outing. Bartkowski connected on 0 of his 0 passes in his last season for a completion percentage of 0.0%.
As a student of football, the name Steve Bartkowski might not ring a bell immediately, but the impact he had on the sport in the United States and beyond is undeniable. Bartkowski was one of the best college quarterbacks of his time, and his transition into the professional ranks cemented his status as an icon of American football. In this blog post, we’ll explore the in-depth journey of Steve Bartkowski’s career, his accomplishments, and the legacy he left behind.
The legacy of Steve Bartkowski began in college, where he dominated at the University of California-Berkeley, leading the Cal Bears to a stunning 24-9 record and two bowl games. In fact, Bartkowski won the prestigious Davey O’Brien Award in 1974, an award given to the nation’s top quarterback in college football.
His collegiate success made him a highly sought-after NFL prospect, with multiple teams vying for his services. In the 1975 NFL Draft, Bartkowski was selected first overall by the Atlanta Falcons. This marked the beginning of his professional football career, which spanned 11 seasons and left a deep impression on American sports culture.
Once in the NFL, Bartkowski set the stage for a decade-long journey filled with memorable moments, both positive and negative. In his debut season, Bartkowski won the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year award, securing his place as one of the most promising young talents in the league.
Throughout his career, Bartkowski would go on to set numerous franchise records, including most career completions, most career passing yards, and most career touchdown passes. Despite facing numerous challenges, including injuries and poor team performance, Bartkowski was known for his leadership and tenacity on the field.
Though Bartkowski’s career was plagued with inconsistencies, his impact on the sport has remained significant even today. Bartkowski’s dedication to the game, work ethic, and determination to overcome adversity have inspired generations of NFL quarterbacks to follow in his footsteps.
His lasting legacy extends far beyond his contribution to the Falcons, as his performance on the field served as an important stepping stone for future stars in the league. His career was a testament to the potential a player can reach when they combine raw talent with unwavering commitment to growth and improvement.
Steve Bartkowski’s story is one of triumph, perseverance, and inspiration. As a college star and professional NFL player, he demonstrated unparalleled dedication to his sport and left a lasting impact on football culture in general. Today, his legacy continues to live on through the numerous records and accolades he achieved throughout his career – as well as through the countless athletes he inspired to pursue greatness in their own right. Whether it be his determination to overcome adversity or his impressive achievements on the field, it is clear that Steve Bartkowski will always be remembered as an icon and trailblazer in the world of American football.