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Doug Flutie

Doug Flutie is an American football quarterback known for winning the 1984 Heisman Trophy at Boston College and for a long professional career in the USFL, NFL, and CFL.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Doug Flutie is an American football quarterback known for winning the 1984 Heisman Trophy at Boston College and for a long professional career in the USFL, NFL, and CFL. He is widely remembered for his 1984 “Hail Mary” touchdown pass against Miami and for major success in Canadian football.

Early life and college career

Flutie was born in 1962 and played college football at Boston College from 1981 to 1984. He became one of college football’s best-known players after winning the 1984 Heisman Trophy and setting major passing records.

Professional career

Flutie began his pro career in the USFL, was drafted by the NFL while unavailable to NFL teams, and later played in the NFL, CFL, and again in the NFL. His career spanned more than two decades across three leagues.

Canadian Football League success

Flutie became one of the CFL’s most accomplished quarterbacks, winning six CFL Most Outstanding Player awards and helping lead teams such as the Calgary Stampeders and Toronto Argonauts to Grey Cup victories.

Legacy and honours

Flutie’s college and Canadian careers led to multiple Hall of Fame inductions, and he remains closely associated with the 1984 Miami game and the broader history of small-statured quarterbacks succeeding at the highest levels.

Key facts

  • Won the 1984 Heisman Trophy after leading Boston College and throwing the famous game-winning touchdown pass against Miami.
  • Finished college with the NCAA all-time passing yardage mark at the time of graduation.
  • Entered professional football through the USFL before playing in the NFL and CFL.
  • Had a highly successful CFL career, including six CFL Most Outstanding Player awards and multiple Grey Cup wins.
  • Was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
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Canadian context

Flutie is a major figure in Canadian football history: he starred in the CFL, won multiple Most Outstanding Player awards, led teams to Grey Cup victories, and was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.[7][8]

Frequently asked questions

What is Doug Flutie best known for?
He is best known for winning the 1984 Heisman Trophy and for his famous late touchdown pass against Miami while at Boston College.
What teams did Doug Flutie play for professionally?
He played in the USFL, NFL, and CFL, including the New Jersey Generals, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, BC Lions, Calgary Stampeders, Toronto Argonauts, Buffalo Bills, and San Diego Chargers.
Did Doug Flutie play in Canada?
Yes. He spent several seasons in the CFL and became one of the league’s most celebrated quarterbacks.
What awards did Doug Flutie win?
His honours include the Heisman Trophy, multiple CFL Most Outstanding Player awards, Grey Cup MVP awards, and induction into the College Football and Canadian Football halls of fame.
When was Doug Flutie born?
He was born on October 23, 1962.
What is Doug Flutie’s connection to autism advocacy?
He founded the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism in 1998 in honour of his son, who was diagnosed with autism.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doug_Flutie
    Supports: College career, NFL draft context, and overall career outline.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Doug-Flutie
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and overview of professional career.
  3. ECAC Sports — https://ecacsports.com/hof.aspx?hof=30
    Supports: Boston College career, passing record, Heisman season, and professional summary.
  4. National Football Foundation — https://footballfoundation.org/hof_search.aspx?hof=2203
    Supports: College career details, Heisman Trophy, and Hall of Fame induction.
  5. Canada's Sports Hall of Fame — https://halloffamers.sportshall.ca/?doug_flutie&language=EN
    Supports: Canadian honours, CFL achievements, and Hall of Fame induction.
  6. Canadian Football Hall of Fame — https://cfhof.ca/members/doug-flutie/
    Supports: CFL accomplishments, Grey Cup wins, and Hall of Fame membership.
  7. Pro Football Hall of Fame — https://www.profootballhof.com/news/doug-flutie-from-magic-to-mentor
    Supports: Career across leagues, total career context, and Hall of Fame recognition.
  8. Heisman Trophy — https://www.heisman.com/heisman-winners/doug-flutie/
    Supports: Heisman win, Boston College record, and foundation information.