The Magic Flutie

One of New England's most beloved athletes announced his retirement Monday as Doug Flutie (From: Natick) called it quits after 21 years in professional football. As mentioned in this bio, Flutie played in the USFL, NFL, CFL (Canadian Football). Best known for his speed and scrambling ability, Flutie was thought by many to be too small for pro ball, although he succeeded every time he was given the chance.

At 5 foot 9 inches tall, Flutie won the 1984 Heisman Trophy as QB for the Boston College Eagles, with his most famous moment coming against the Miami Hurricanes as his "Hail Mary" touchdown to win the game made him a household name.

He went on to lead BC to a Cotton Bowl win over Houston.

Flutie joined Donald Trump's United States Football League, as a member of the New Jersey Generals in 1985. After that league collapsed, Doug was picked up by the Chicago Bears.

Flutie spent 1986-87 with the Bears, but decided to sign on with the Patriots during the strike year in 87. Although the signing came only days before the official deal between the NFL and the players was announced, Doug was labeled a scab. He spent 87 to 1989 with the Pats, splitting time with Tony Eason and Steve Grogan, but it was clear to Doug (in his book 'Flutie') that he was not the QB Raymond Berry wanted.

After his time with the Pats, Flutie moved on to the Canadian Football league, as the highest paid player in history when he signed on with the British Columbia Lions.

Flutie's best years in the CFL were with the Calgary Stampeders and the Toronto Argonauts where he won 3 Gray Cups (CFL Championships) and 6 Most Outstanding Player (MVP) awards.

A desire to prove himself in the NFL landed him in Buffalo (1998-2000) where he rejuvenated the franchise temporarily after the departure of Jim Kelly. In 1998 Flutie went 8-3 as a starter and made the Pro Bowl, leading the Bills to the Playoffs. In 1999 Flutie lead the Bills to a playoff birth but was replaced by Rob Johnson for the 1st round of the playoffs. The surprise decision by Wade Phillips nearly paid off, before the Tennessee Titans produced a wild return for a touchdown at the end of the game, that was forever known as the "Music City Miracle."

After a year as a backup, Doug signed on with the Chargers from 2001-2004. During his visit to Foxboro in 2001, Flutie was defeated by Tom Brady, who lead the Patriots to a win, coming from behind in his 1st home start.

With limited starts in San Diego, Flutie came home to New England as Brady's backup for the 2005 season. Although he didn't get any starts, the last play of Flutie's pro career proved to be his 2nd most famous, as he became the first player since 1941 to successfully convert a drop kick. The bizarre achievement came against none other than Miami:

Your Uncle Buck met Doug Flutie once as a kid at Framingham's Ground Round restaurant. UB recalls Doug as being a nice guy, but noticed a big time ego in his book "Flutie". In the end Flutie will be remembered as the underdog, or local kid that made good. He was a thrill to watch on the rare time he got a chance to display his ability. UB can only wonder what might have been, had Doug stayed with the Patriots in 1989. Up next for Flutie, he will join ABC/ESPN as a College Football analyst.