Richard Todd
Richard Todd (born November 19, 1953 in Birmingham, Alabama) is a former professional American football quarterback for the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints from 1976 to 1985. Todd, along with former Jets quarterback Joe Namath, played for the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.
In high school, Todd led Davidson High School in Mobile, Alabama to the state championship in football. Individually, Todd owned the state shot-put record at the time. He then went on to play for Bear Bryant at the University of Alabama, where he was a three year starter at quarterback. During his time at Alabama, the Crimson Tide ran the wishbone offense. In his sophmore year, Todd shared the quarterback position with Gary Rutledge. In a game against Virginia Tech, which the Tide won 77-6, Todd was one of four backs than ran for over 100 yards. The 1973 season concluded in the Sugar Bowl, with a 24-23 loss to Notre Dame. In that game, Todd threw a 25 yard touchdown pass.
In 1974, injuries plagued Todd. The Tide would go on to have a rematch with Notre Dame, this time in the Orange Bowl. Todd would throw Alabama’s only touchdown in the fourth quarter and help convert two points, as the Tide lost 13-11. His college career ended in New Orleans against Penn State. Todd threw for over 200 yards, and led Alabama to it’s first bowl victory in 8 years. Alabama never loss an SEC game while Richard Todd was the starting quarterback.
The New York Jets drafted Todd in the first round of the 1976 Draft. The intention was for Todd to replace another Alabama legend, Joe Namath. Todd stated that playing on the same team with Namath was “a dream come true.” After the 1976 season Namath was released, and Todd, who was 23 years old, was named the starter.
In 1981, he led the Walt Michaels coached Jets to their first winning record (10-5-1) since 1969. In the AFC Wild Card Playoffs, he valiantly brought the Jets back from a 24-0 deficit, but fell short as a late intended touchdown pass was not successful. The next year, he led the Jets to the AFC Championship Game against the Miami Dolphins, but lost. The game was played in the mud after the Dolphins did not cover the field during a rainstorm. Todd threw five interceptions in the game. A year later, he was traded to the New Orleans Saints.
In New Orleans, Todd only played two seasons, as he replaced another Alabama legend at quarterback…Kenny Stabler. His first year with the Saints was the worse year of his career, throw 19 interceptions to just one touchdown. 1985 saw the Saints go 5-11, which included a coaching change, and Todd losing playing time to Louisiana native Bobby Hebert.
Todd finished his career with 1,610 of 2,967 completions for 20,610 yards and 124 touchdowns, with 161 interceptions. He also rushed for 932 yards and 14 touchdowns.
