History of the position: Steelers quarterbacks

The 1960s

The 1960s seemed to be one that showed the Steelers were almost a team that could break through their losing ways and into the promised land of winning. Quarterbacks were becoming more and more prominent in the game of football ever since the 1950s and now they were more relied on for offenses to move the football down the field and score points.

Players were now more focused on being able to throw the football, instead of just being able to run the majority of the time. Players were becoming faster and more dynamic on both sides of the field. With the skill, and development of the league comes higher contracts for players. Many still worked outside of their football careers, but some high-end players could make a very comfortable living just slinging the football now.

The quarterbacks to play for the Steelers during the 1960s included Bobby Layne, Rudy Bukich, Ed Brown, Bill Nelson, Ron C. Smith, Kent Nix, and Dick Shiner. The best performance by a quarterback during this decade was in the 1963 season by Ed Brown. He totaled 2,982 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, 20 interceptions, and two rushing touchdowns. Another decade of injuries and turnover, but one that showed promise of what was to come the following decade.