The dual-threat pioneer who redefined the role of the modern quarterback

Sport & Games · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Long before the era of mobile quarterbacks became the NFL standard, Kordell Stewart was breaking the mold. Nicknamed "Slash," he was one of the first to use running as a primary offensive weapon rather than just a way to avoid defenders, paving the way for the modern dual-threat era.

Kordell Stewart's career is often viewed through the lens of his versatility. During his 11 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he earned the nickname "Slash" because he could effectively function as a quarterback, receiver, or rusher. His versatility shone during 1997, when he became the inaugural quarterback to record twenty passing touchdowns and ten rushing touchdowns within one season.

His most successful professional campaign arrived in 2001. Guided by offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and QB coach Tom Clements, Stewart steered the Steelers to a 13–3 regular-season tally and the conference's highest seed. That year, he earned Pro Bowl honors and was named the Steelers' MVP after throwing for over 3,000 yards and rushing for five touchdowns.

While contemporaries like Randall Cunningham, Steve Young, and Fran Tarkenton were known for scrambling, Stewart was a precursor to the modern era because he utilized running as a deliberate form of offense. Though he faced significant criticism from local media during his tenure in Pittsburgh, recent assessments have been more positive, with some analysts even ranking him as the Steelers' third-best quarterback of all time, trailing only Ben Roethlisberger and Terry Bradshaw.

Beyond the field, Stewart's legacy includes a notable 80-yard touchdown run against the Carolina Panthers in 1996, which set an NFL record for the longest touchdown run by a quarterback. He remains eighth on the all-time list for quarterback rushing touchdowns with 38.

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