Ep 10. Randall Cunningham

In the season 3 finale of A Football Life, we delve into the career of one of the most dynamic quarterbacks to ever grace the NFL. Randall Cunningham was known for his exceptional athleticism and ability to make something out of nothing on the football field. Through a combination of rare archival footage and commentary from former teammates and coaches, this episode chronicles the rise of Cunningham from a young boy growing up in Santa Barbara, California to an NFL star.

We begin with Cunningham's early years, where he was a multi-sport athlete in high school and quickly caught the attention of college recruiters. Despite being offered a scholarship to play basketball at UNLV, Cunningham ultimately chose to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to play football. He quickly became the starting quarterback and eventually led the team to its first bowl game in 1984.

From there, we follow Cunningham's journey to the NFL, where he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1985. He started his career as a backup to current Hall of Fame quarterback Ron Jaworski but quickly made a name for himself as a talented runner and passer. By 1987, Cunningham had become the full-time starter and was setting records left and right.

The show highlights some of his greatest moments on the field, including his famous "infamous" punt against the New York Giants, where he threw the ball over 90 yards in the air. We also hear from former teammates like Keith Jackson and Jim McMahon, who recount their favorite memories of playing with Cunningham and discuss what made him such a special quarterback.

As the show progresses, we see how Cunningham's career took a bit of a downturn in the early '90s when he suffered a serious injury. He was forced to sit out a significant portion of the 1991 season but returned the following year with renewed vigor. Despite his talents on the football field, Cunningham was also known for his outspokenness and willingness to speak his mind, which sometimes put him at odds with his coaches and the media.

Throughout all of this, the show emphasizes the unique style of play that Cunningham brought to the NFL, with his unparalleled athleticism and remarkable ability to evade defenders. He was a trailblazer for the modern dual-threat quarterback, paving the way for athletes like Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson.

In addition to his on-field performance, the show also covers Cunningham's personal life, including his marriage and six children. We hear from his wife and children as they reflect on what it was like to be part of the Cunningham family during his NFL career.

As we near the end of the episode, we see how Cunningham's career eventually wound down, with stints on the Minnesota Vikings and the Dallas Cowboys before his retirement in 2002. The show ends on a high note, discussing Cunningham's significant achievements in the NFL, including four Pro Bowl selections and a spot in the Eagles' Hall of Fame.

Overall, this episode of A Football Life does an excellent job of honoring the remarkable career of Randall Cunningham. We see how he overcame adversity both on and off the field and revolutionized the quarterback position with his innovative playing style. It's a fitting tribute to a true NFL great.