NFL Quarterback Development—The Role of Competing Quarterbacks, Rookie Playing Time, and Team Quality

Authors

• Brent A. Evans, Georgia College & State University
• Colin Adams, Florida State University
• Joshua D. Pitts, Mississippi College
• Donavan Lingerfelt, George Mason University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2025

Publication Title

American Economist

Abstract

Using data from 1994 to 2017, we consider characteristics that affect quarterback (QB) development in the National Football League. Our analysis leads to three key findings. Firstly, we show that a young QB’s career is worsened when he plays alongside a Pro Bowl QB. Secondly, we find that QB’s career outcomes are better when they are drafted by a bad team. Finally, we investigate the role of rookie playing time and find evidence that playing as a rookie reduces career outcomes. In all three cases, the effects are largest in the latter portion of a QB’s career.

Volume Number

70

Issue Number

1

First Page

146

Last Page

161

DOI

10.1177/05694345241292611

Recommended Citation

Evans, Brent A.; Adams, Colin; Pitts, Joshua D.; and Lingerfelt, Donavan, "NFL Quarterback Development—The Role of Competing Quarterbacks, Rookie Playing Time, and Team Quality" (2025). Faculty and Staff Works. 912.
https://kb.gcsu.edu/fac-staff/912