Jay Schroeder's journey in professional football began when he was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the third round of the 1984 NFL Draft. Initially, he served as a backup to Joe Theismann, the team's starting quarterback. However, Schroeder's opportunity to step into the spotlight came in 1985 when Theismann suffered a career-ending leg injury. Schroeder took over as the starting quarterback and quickly demonstrated his abilities on the field.
In the 1986 season, Schroeder led the Redskins to a 12-4 record, showcasing his strong arm and ability to lead the team effectively. That year, he threw for over 4,000 yards and earned a Pro Bowl selection, highlighting his potential as a quarterback in the league. The Redskins made it to the playoffs, and although they were eventually defeated by the New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game, Schroeder's performance was a bright spot for the team.
Despite his success, Schroeder faced challenges with consistency and injuries. In 1987, he shared playing time with Doug Williams, who eventually led the Redskins to a Super Bowl victory that season. This led to Schroeder being traded to the Los Angeles Raiders in 1988, where he continued his career as a starting quarterback.
With the Raiders, Schroeder had a solid tenure, helping the team reach the playoffs in 1990. His time with the Raiders was marked by a strong arm and the ability to make big plays, although he continued to struggle with consistency at times. Schroeder's tenure with the Raiders lasted until 1992, after which he moved on to play for the Cincinnati Bengals and later the Arizona Cardinals.
Throughout his career, Schroeder was known for his powerful throwing arm and his ability to make deep passes.
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