National Football League (NFL) quarterbacks who were multisport high school athletes have better in-season performance statistics and career success

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives To determine (1) the proportion of National Football League (NFL) quarterbacks (QBs) who were multisport high school athletes (2) whether performance metrics in NFL QBs differed by playing multiple high school sports versus the single sport of football. Methods A comprehensive online search identified NFL QBs from 1995 to 2020, classifying them as single or multisport high school athletes. Performance data were collected for regular season and playoffs when applicable and were calculated as rates. Regular season comparisons were limited to players playing at least eight games. Accolades (Pro Bowls, MVP awards, and Super Bowl victories) were also recorded. Mann-Whitney U was utilized to compare performance metrics between multisport and single sport athletes. Results 403 QBs (223, 55.3% multisport) were included. In the regular season, multisport QBs played in more games (median 6.8, IQR 4–10.6 vs median 5, IQR 2.5–8.3; p = 0.0001), and had higher touchdowns/game (median 0.87, IQR 0.5–1.25 vs median 0.67, IQR 0.42–1; p = 0.0063), pass yards/game (median 159.4, IQR 103.9–206.7 vs median 139.4, IQR 96.3–179.6; p = 0.0392), and QB rating (median 78.5, IQR 69.4–85.2 vs median 74.4, IQR 66.7–81.2; p = 0.0063). There were no differences in pass completion %, interceptions/game, or rush yards/game. Multisport QBs played in more playoff games (median 0.5, IQR 0.22–0.81 vs median 0.33, IQR 0.2–0.62; p = 0.027), and had more Pro Bowl appearances, MVP awards, and Super Bowl victories per athlete (p < 0.05). Conclusion Over half of NFL QBs played multiple high school sports. Multisport involvement is associated with benefits in regular season including a higher proportion of games played, and more touchdowns/game, pass yards/game, and QB rating. Playing multiple sports was also associated with playing more playoff games and having more Pro Bowl appearances, MVP awards, and Super Bowl victories. This data supports the benefits of youth multisport training.