Long before Drew Bledsoe and Tom Brady were around to restore the Patriots to respectability and then lead them to the top as one of the best teams in the league, Steve Grogan was one of the best quarterbacks the team had ever had. Grogan isn’t a household name, but he was extremely talented, even if the organization didn’t always surround him with many talented players.
In his youth, Grogan was also a good running back with the ball and set several team and league records related to that statistical category. He played with the team from 1975 to 1990 and was extremely durable during that time. He retired as a fan favorite and true Patriots fans still look up to him.
Here’s a look at five interesting facts about Patriots quarterback Steve Grogan.
#1: He Was a Second Trimester Type of Guy
During his career, Steve Grogan threw 182 touchdown passes. He threw 36 in the first quarter, 37 in the third and 46 in the fourth. However, during the second quarter, he threw a total of 63 touchdown passes.
#2 – By far, Steve Grogan threw more touchdown passes against the New York Jets than against any other team in the league. He scored 21 against the Dolphins, 21 against the Colts and 23 against the Bills. However, he put up an amazing 35 against the rival Jets.
#3 – 1979 was the year Steve Grogan threw the most touchdown passes in a season. That year he had a very good 28 touchdown passes. However, his next best year was a long way from there, as he twice achieved 18 aerial scores, first in 1976 and then again in 1980.
#4 – No player caught more touchdown passes from Steve Grogan than wide receiver Stanley Morgan. During their years together they teamed up for 39 scores.
#5 – Steve Grogan’s first touchdown pass in the National Football League came in the third game of the 1975 season, his rookie year. It was in the fourth quarter of a 36-7 loss to the New York Jets, he rushed for 42 yards and was caught by tight end Russ Francis. Francis would go on to catch 21 more touchdown passes from Grogan during his career. The last touchdown pass thrown by Grogan came in a 1990 loss to the Buffalo Bills. It was the final score of a game 27-10 and he was caught in the fourth quarter by catcher Sammy Martin. This would be the only time Grogan and Martin would team up on a touchdown pass.
