Pat Sullivan, an American football quarterback, is best remembered for his collegiate career at Auburn University, where he achieved remarkable success. Born on January 18, 1950, in Birmingham, Alabama, Sullivan's journey in football began at John Carroll Catholic High School, where he excelled in multiple sports. His talent on the football field earned him a scholarship to Auburn University, where he would go on to leave a lasting legacy.
At Auburn, Sullivan became the starting quarterback in 1969 and quickly established himself as one of the top players in college football. Over the next three seasons, he set numerous school records and became known for his passing ability and leadership on the field. In 1971, Sullivan's outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football. He was the first Auburn player to receive this honor, solidifying his place in the school's history.
Following his collegiate success, Sullivan entered the professional ranks when he was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 1972 NFL Draft. His transition to the National Football League (NFL) was met with challenges, as he competed for playing time in a league filled with talented quarterbacks. Sullivan spent four seasons with the Falcons, serving primarily as a backup quarterback. During his time in Atlanta, he played in 30 games, starting in four of them. Despite limited opportunities to showcase his skills, Sullivan gained valuable experience and respect from his teammates and coaches.
In 1976, Sullivan's NFL career took a new turn when he joined the Washington Redskins. However, his time with the Redskins was short-lived, as he did not see any game action during the regular season. Following his stint in Washington, Sullivan decided to explore opportunities outside of the NFL, eventually leading him to the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Sullivan signed with the Calgary Stampeders in 1977, where he hoped to revitalize his professional career. His time in the CFL provided him with a fresh start and a chance to play more regularly. Sullivan's tenure in the CFL, though not as celebrated as his college days, allowed him to continue playing the sport he loved and to further develop his skills as a quarterback.
After retiring from professional football, Sullivan returned to Auburn University, where he served in various roles, including as a broadcaster and in the athletic department. His connection to Auburn remained strong throughout his life, and he was often involved in events and activities related to the university.
In addition to his work at Auburn, Sullivan pursued a career in coaching. He served as the head coach at Texas Christian University (TCU) from 1992 to 1997, where he worked to rebuild the football program. Sullivan's coaching career also included a stint as the offensive coordinator at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and later as the head coach at Samford University from 2007 to 2014.
Pat Sullivan's football career is remembered for his exceptional achievements at Auburn and his perseverance in the professional ranks.
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