The rookie quarterback who rewrote the NFL record books in a single season

History · Published 5 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 1999, an unheralded second-round draft pick stepped into the spotlight following an injury. By leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers through a landmark campaign, Shaun King made history as the inaugural rookie quarterback to lead a Conference Championship game during the Super Bowl era.

Shaun King’s ascent began with a record-breaking collegiate career at Tulane University. Between 1995 and 1998, he led the Green Wave to an undefeated season and a victory in the Liberty Bowl. During the 1998 season, King set a then-NCAA Division I-A record for passing efficiency at 183.3. He also achieved a rare feat on November 14, 1998, against Army, becoming the first player in NCAA history to record both 300 passing yards and 100 rushing yards in a single game. Under the guidance of head coach Tommy Bowden and quarterback coach Rich Rodriguez, King utilized the Spread offense, a tactical approach that has since gained massive popularity across college football. He also earned a 10th-place finish in the 1998 Heisman Trophy voting.

His professional career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was defined by sudden transitions. King took over the starting position following Trent Dilfer's broken collarbone, having been selected during the 1999 NFL draft's second round. King’s impact was immediate; he led the team to an NFC Central title and a playoff victory against the Washington Redskins. During his first professional start against the Minnesota Vikings on December 6, he completed 11 of 19 passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns. Since Pat Haden's 1976 achievement, no rookie quarterback had secured a postseason victory until him.

Despite his early success, King's tenure was marked by intense competition and shifting roles. While he started every game in 2000, he was eventually replaced by Brad Johnson in 2001. King remained a vital figure for the Buccaneers, stepping in during the 2002 season to help secure a victory against the Carolina Panthers and appearing as the third-string quarterback during their Super Bowl XXXVII victory. Following his NFL career, which included stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, and Indianapolis Colts, King transitioned into coaching and sports broadcasting. Beyond the NFL, King played for the Las Vegas Gladiators in the Arena Football League and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League. He also served as an assistant coach for the South Florida Bulls, where he coached running backs and helped D'Ernest Johnson achieve his best collegiate season.

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