Ken O'Brien, a quarterback known for his time in the National Football League, played primarily with the New York Jets. Born on November 27, 1960, in Rockville Centre, New York, O'Brien grew up in California and attended the University of California, Davis. His college career set the stage for his entry into professional football, where he would become a notable figure in the 1980s and early 1990s.
O'Brien was selected by the New York Jets in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft, a draft class famously known for its wealth of quarterback talent, including John Elway, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino. Despite being a lesser-known name compared to some of his contemporaries, O'Brien quickly established himself as a capable quarterback in the league. His tenure with the Jets began in earnest in 1984, when he took over as the starting quarterback.
Throughout his career with the Jets, O'Brien was recognized for his strong arm and accuracy. One of his most memorable performances came in a 1986 game against the Miami Dolphins, where he threw for 479 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Jets to a 51-45 overtime victory. This game is often remembered for the quarterback duel between O'Brien and Dan Marino, showcasing O'Brien's ability to compete at a high level.
O'Brien's best statistical season came in 1985, when he threw for 3,888 yards and 25 touchdowns, earning him a spot in the Pro Bowl. He repeated this Pro Bowl honor in 1991, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable quarterback. Over the course of his career with the Jets, O'Brien passed for over 24,000 yards and 124 touchdowns, ranking him among the franchise's all-time leaders in several passing categories.
Despite his individual success, O'Brien's time with the Jets was marked by a lack of team success in the playoffs. The Jets made the postseason three times during his tenure, but they were unable to advance past the divisional round. This period was challenging for the team, as they struggled to maintain consistency and compete with the top teams in the league.
In 1993, O'Brien signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played for one season. His time with the Eagles was brief, and he served primarily as a backup quarterback. After his stint in Philadelphia, O'Brien joined the San Diego Chargers in 1994, but he did not see any game action and retired shortly thereafter.
Ken O'Brien's career is often remembered for his strong performances and ability to compete with some of the best quarterbacks of his era.
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