Today’s Perfect Quarterback Played a Quarter-Century Ago

Today’s Perfect Quarterback Played a Quarter-Century Ago

As a Runnin’ Rebel, a nickname that fit Cunningham’s style. (UNLV/Collegiate Images/Getty Images)

Philly tapped Cunningham out of UNLV in the second round in ’85, but the Eagles but had to wait for the USFL to fold before they were sure they’d get him. (Peter Read Miller/SI)

In action against the Raiders at the L.A. Coliseum in November 1986, after he had replaced the injured Ron Jaworski as Philly’s starter. (Andy Hayt/SI)

Cunningham rushed for 4,928 yards in his career, second among quarterbacks only to Michael Vick. (Mitchell Layton/SI)

His athleticism kept plays alive after the protection broke down. (

Cunningham’s mechanics weren’t ideal, largely because he wasn’t coached. Buddy Ryan routinely told players that if Cunningham just made four or five big plays, the defense would take care of the rest. (Lou Capozzola/SI)

The Fall Guy: Randall took heat from fans for Philly’s postseason futility—the Eagles were 1-4 in the playoffs under him, including a January 1991 loss to Washington. (Al Tielemans/Sports Illustrated)

Five times in his career Cunningham led the league in sacks. He was taken down 484 for times for a loss of 3,537 yards over his 16 seasons. (Jeffrey Phelps/SI)

Randall had flair off the field but was all business on it. (Jeffrey Phelps/SI)

Reggie White gave chase in a 20-17 Eagles win in September ’93. Philly won its first four that year, but Cunningham went down for the season in the fourth game season and the Eagles finished 8-8. (Jeffrey Phelps/SI)

On the run against the Cowboys in 1994—watch out for that pitching mound! (John Biever/SI)

Speaking with reporters after his last game at the Vet as an Eagle, a December ’95 playoff win over Detroit in which he played sparingly. (Al Tielemans/SI)

After sitting out a season, Cunningham found new life in Minnesota in ’97 and earned his only All-Pro nod the following year. (Bob Rosato/Sports Illustrated)

Cunningham’s scrambling days were mostly over by ’98; he carried 32 times for 132 yards that year. (Bob Rosato/Sports Illustrated)

But the arm was alive as ever—throwing to Randy Moss and Cris Carter, Cunningham had a career-best 34 TD passes and a 106.0 rating. (Bob Rosato/SI)

Cunningham with Brian Billick, offensive coordinator of the Vikings in ’98. Minnesota scored 556 points that season, at the time an NFL record. (Bob Rosato/SI)

Cunningham joined the Cowboys as Troy Aikman’s backup in 2000 and saw action in three games. (Donna McWilliam/AP)

A Raven, then nevermore: Randall won both his starts as Elvis Grbac’s backup in Baltimore in ’02, his final NFL season. (Fred Vuich/SI)

Randall returned to UNLV and received his diploma in 2004. (Joe Cavaretta/AP)

A man ahead of his time. (John Biever/SI)