- Billy Joe Tolliver
Infobox NFLretired
position=Quarterback
number=11
birthdate=birth date and age|1966|2|7Dallas, Texas
deathdate=
debutyear=1989
finalyear=2000
draftyear=1989
draftround=2
draftpick=51
college=Texas Tech
teams=
*San Diego Chargers (1989-1990)
*Atlanta Falcons (1991-1993, 1996-1997)
*Houston Oilers (1994)
*Shreveport Pirates (1995)
*Kansas City Chiefs (1997)
*New Orleans Saints (1998-2000)
stat1label=TD-INT
stat1value=59-64
stat2label=Yards
stat2value=10,760
stat3label=QB Rating
stat3value=67.7
nfl=TOL755070
HOF=Billy Joe Tolliver (born
February 7 ,1966 inDallas ,Texas ) is a former professional American football player who played in theNFL and CFL from 1989-2000.High school and college
Tolliver played high school football at Boyd High School. During his senior season, he led the Boyd Yellow Jackets to a 15-0-1 record and the 2-A state championship. He amassed over 1,000 rushing and passing yards, and was named Player of the Year by the
Fort Worth Star-Telegram .cite web|url=http://texastech.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101201aaa.html|title=A Texas Tech|accessdate=2007-12-27] Tolliver also used his athleticism elsewhere as a three-sport athlete, averaging 15 points and 17 rebounds in basketball, and throwing 14
no-hitter s in baseball.After high school, Tolliver played college football at
Texas Tech University . Heredshirted his first season in 1984, then became the starting quarterback in 1985. OnNovember 9 ,1985 , Tolliver threw for 422 yards and five touchdowns in a 63-7 win overTexas Christian University , aSouthwest Conference record, and a performance that helped Tolliver become a household name in Texas. His hard throwing style led Texas Tech coachDavid McWilliams to say, "He throws the ball harder, and with more velocity, than anyone I've ever seen." After four seasons with theTexas Tech Red Raiders , he graduated having set numerous school records. He set the school record for career passing yards (6,756), career pass attempts (1008), career pass completions (493), career touchdown passes (38), season passing yards (2,869 in 1988), and single game passing yards (446 againstOklahoma State University in 1988), among others. Tolliver was inducted into Texas Tech's Hall of Honor in 2002. [cite web|url=http://texastech.cstv.com/trads/hoh-qt.html|title=Texas Tech Hall Of Honor (Last Name Q-T)|accessdate=2007-12-29]NFL career
an Diego Chargers
Tolliver was selected by the
San Diego Chargers in the 2nd round of the1989 NFL Draft . The Chargers wanted Tolliver, and traded third, fourth, and seventh round picks in exchange for theNew York Giants ' second-round pick in order to draft him. [cite news|first=Frank|last=Litsky|title=Giants' Rookie Rejoins Practice|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DE0DF133CF93AA25753C1A96F948260|work=Sports|publisher=The New York Times |date=1989-10-19|accessdate=2007-12-29] Tolliver was signed onJuly 31 ,1989 after a short holdout. [cite news|title=Tolliver, Chargers reach 4-year, $1.3 million deal|publisher=Austin American-Statesman |page=D3|date=1989-07-31|accessdate=2007-12-29] He was to compete for the starting job alongsideMark Malone andDavid Archer , a spot which eventually went toJim McMahon after the Chargers traded for him. As the 1989 season began with McMahon as the helm, Tolliver was slated to play the second half of the final preseason game against thePhoenix Cardinals . After 13 completions in 23 attempts, Tolliver ran the ball late in the game, and ended up with a brokencollarbone , sidelining him for at least six weeks. [cite news|first=Don|last=Patterson|title=Tolliver, McKnight Out for at Least Six Weeks|publisher=Los Angeles Times |work=Sports|page=3|date=1989-09-03|accessdate=2007-12-29] After spending the first seven games on the injured reserve, Tolliver was taken off the list and named the starter for the October 29th game against theSeattle Seahawks , replacing a disappointing Jim McMahon at quarterback. [cite news|first=Bob|last=Wolf|title=Chargers Readying Tolliver for Start Against Seahawks|publisher=Los Angeles Times|work=Sports|date=1989-10-26|accessdate=2007-12-29] In Tolliver's first start, he only played three quarters, throwing 6 completed passes in 17 attempts for 41 yards and throwing an interception in a 10-7 loss. [cite news|first=Brian|last=Hewitt|title=Chargers Again Lack a Finishing Touch|publisher=Los Angeles Times|work=Sports|date=1989-10-30|accessdate=2007-12-29] Tolliver subsequently lost the starting job back to McMahon. However, in late November, Tolliver was given the starting job back, and remained the starting quarterback the rest of the season. Tolliver finished the season having played five games with 89 completions in 185 attempts, 1097 yards, 5touchdown s, 8interception s, and a 57.9quarterback rating .cite web|url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/TollBi00.htm|title=Billy Joe Tolliver Statistics - Pro-Football-Reference.com|accessdate=2007-12-29]As the 1990 season began, Jim McMahon was released by the team, leaving Tolliver as the starting quarterback as training camp rolled around. After training camp and a preseason where Tolliver started and was relieved by quarterbacks
Mark Vlasic andJohn Friesz , Chargers coachDan Henning named Vlasic as the starting quarterback against theDallas Cowboys in the season opener, citing that he was "steadier" than Tolliver. [cite news|title=Morris, Carter Axed; Dallas Gets Highsmith; Several Holdouts Sign Around NFL|publisher=Washington Post |date=1990-09-04|accessdate=2007-12-30] After a loss against Dallas, Tolliver regained his starting job back in game two against theCincinnati Bengals . Despite some shaky performances in the following weeks, the Chargers' coaching staff stuck by their quarterback, citing that "The last thing we need around here is more change." [cite news|title=JUDGMENT'S PENDING ON HENNING AS HEAD COACH|publisher=Long Beach Press-Telegram |date=1990-10-28|accessdate=2007-12-30] In fact, through eight games, Tolliver had thrown more touchdown passes thanDan Marino , the two throwing eight and seven, respectively. [cite news|title=A FEW FUN FACTS SURE TO AMAZE AND MYSTIFY|publisher=Sacramento Bee |page=D5|date=1990-11-02|accessdate=2007-12-31] Tolliver played nearly the rest of the season as the starting quarterback, but was replaced by rookie Friesz for the final game of the season against theLos Angeles Raiders , the Chargers making this move because "Tolliver has to work on his shortcomings." [cite news|first=T.J.|last=Simers|title=Friesz to Replace Tolliver as Chargers' Starter|publisher=Los Angeles Times|work=Sports|page=1|date=1990-12-25|accessdate=2007-12-30] Tolliver finished the season having completed 216 of 410 passes, thrown for 2,574 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, and posting a QB rating of 68.9.Despite Tolliver having the confidence of Dan Henning, Chargers GM
Bobby Beathard and ownerAlex Spanos were unsatisfied with his production during the 1990 season, and may have been looking towards Friesz as the future quarterback. [cite news|first=Jay|last=Lawrence|title=Hot Quarterback Gives Raiders Hope In Playoffs|publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |page=8D|date=1991-01-09|accessdate=2007-12-30] Tolliver was the leading man for the starting quarterback position as training camp for the 1991 season began, with Friesz battlingBob Gagliano for the backup spot. However, Tolliver's preseason ended such that Friesz was named the starting quarterback for the 1991 season opener against thePittsburgh Steelers . [cite news|title=CHARGERS SWITCH QBS|publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |page=D11|date=1991-08-25|accessdate=2007-12-30]Falcons and Oilers
Just a few days after losing the starting job, Tolliver was traded to the
Atlanta Falcons for an undisclosed 1992 draft pick. [cite news|title=Transactions|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE1DF103BF93AA1575BC0A967958260|publisher=The New York Times|date=1991-08-29|accessdate=2007-12-30] The pick later became a fifth round pick. Tolliver was the backup quarterback behindChris Miller and alongside rookieBrett Favre . Tolliver did earn some playing times, playing portions of seven games throughout the season. Tolliver's breakthrough as a Falcon came against theSan Francisco 49ers onNovember 3 ,1991 . Miller was injured in the second quarter, and Tolliver was brought in for the rest of the game. With one second left, he lobbed a 44-yardhail mary pass toMichael Haynes , which was caught for a touchdown and sealing a 17-14 upset victory. [cite news|title=Tolliver's Falcon debut shows a little rust and a lot of luck|publisher=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |page=B6|date=1991-11-04|accessdate=2007-12-30] Due to his performance and Miller's injury, Tolliver was given his first start the following week against theWashington Redskins . [cite news|title=Falcons' battered offense will need more miracles vs. Redskins|publisher=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|page=F1|date=1991-11-10|accessdate=2007-12-30] After a 56-17 blowout loss, Tolliver got his second start of the season against theGreen Bay Packers , as a result of Miller suddenly running afever . [cite news|title=Miller leads feverish rally; Sick QB enters in second half, hurls 2 TD passes|publisher=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|page=E7|date=1991-12-02|accessdate=2007-12-31] Tolliver finished the regular season completing 40 of 82 passes, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and earning a QB rating of 75.8.After the Falcons traded Favre to the Packers, this left Miller and Tolliver as the only quarterbacks on the roster. After
Wade Wilson signed on with the team, the two seemed to share the role of Miller's backup. Tolliver played two of the first eight games, then was named the starting quarterback when the Falcons lost Miller for the season as a result of reconstructive surgery on his left knee. [cite news|title=FALCONS' MILLER OUT FOR SEASON|publisher=The Philadelphia Inquirer |page=E3|date=1992-11-03|accessdate=2007-12-31] Tolliver's first start of the season came against the 49ers. He completed 16 of 25 passes, but threw 3 interceptions in a 41-3 blowout. [cite news|first=Nancy|last=Gay|title=BLOWOUT II 49ERS RIP FALCONS FOR SECOND TIME IN THREE WEEKS, SET UP SHOWDOWN WITH SAINTS|publisher=San Jose Mercury News |page=1D|date=1992-11-10|accessdate=2007-12-31] The next week against the Cardinals, Tolliver was benched for the final series as Wilson led the team to victory, and had an argument with coachJerry Glanville . [cite news|title=Falcons Drive Past the Cardinals, 20-17 NFC: Wilson comes off bench to lead Atlanta on game-winning march against Phoenix.|publisher=Los Angeles Times|work=Sports|page=C5|date=1992-11-16|accessdate=2007-12-31] Despite the conflict on top of a shoulder injury, Glanville gave Tolliver the start the following week against theBuffalo Bills . He played a few more games before being replaced by Wilson for the rest of the season, partially as a result of Wilson throwing 5 touchdown passes in his first start en route to a 35-7 Falcons victory. [cite news|title=Surprise starter Wilson modestly takes 5 TD passes in stride|publisher=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|page=D6|date=1992-12-14|accessdate=2008-01-01] Tolliver finished the season with five touchdowns, five interceptions, about 55% of his passes completed, and a 70.4 QB rating.After the 1992 season, Tolliver was a restricted
free agent . Wilson signed a contract with the Saints, however the Falcons signedBobby Hebert shortly afterwards. Tolliver signed a one-year contract in August, after holding out for a time. [cite news|title=Tolliver agrees to 1-year deal; Conner is last holdout left|publisher=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|page=C8|date=1993-08-07|accessdate=2008-01-01] Tolliver started the 1993 season as the third-string quarterback, behind Hebert and Miller. However, Miller re-injured his left knee in late September, making Tolliver the main backup to Hebert. [cite news|title=FALCONS NOTEBOOK; With Miller out, Tolliver rises to No. 2 quarterback|publisher=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|page=E3|date=1993-09-30|accessdate=2008-01-01] Tolliver made his first start against theLos Angeles Rams , but got injured in his second start against the Saints, the Falcons signing Chris Hakel as a result of the injury. [cite news|title=FALCONS RELEASE STEPHENS AND ADD TWO PLAYERS|publisher=The Philadelphia Inquirer|page=D02|date=1993-10-27|accessdate=2008-01-01] Tolliver finished the season in occasional relief for Hebert, who remained bothered by his own injuries. Tolliver finished the season having played 7 games and throwing for just under 500 yards. After the season ended, Tolliver was again a free agent. He was not signed by the Falcons, and as the season began, he was still looking for a team.Tolliver was signed to a contract by the
Houston Oilers in early September. [cite web|first=Steve|last=Campbell|title=Oilers find use for SWC; For Houston, league is a quarterback haven|publisher= [Fort Worth Star-Telegram|page=1|date=1994-09-08|accessdate=2008-01-01] He was originally the third-string quarterback, however ineffectiveness byBucky Richardson led Tolliver to relieve him in a game against theCleveland Browns , and play well enough where he was almost considered for the starting job the following week, due toCody Carlson dealing with injuries. [cite news|first=Mike|last=Lutz|title=Oilers' Tolliver might start against Eagles|publisher=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|page=5|date=1994-10-21|accessdate=2008-01-01] Tolliver made his first start in a game against the Raiders, but played inconsistently over seven starts, and was replaced by Richardson in the season finale against theNew York Jets . After finishing the season, Tolliver became a free agent and left the NFL.CFL and return to NFL
Tolliver signed a three-year contract with the
Shreveport Pirates of theCanadian Football League worth about $1 million before the 1995 season began. [cite news|first=Steve|last=Yount|title=Morning News Roundup|publisher=Dallas Morning News |date=1995-03-16|accessdate=2008-01-01] Early in the season, Tolliver got to compete against former teammate David Archer in theSan Antonio Texans ' CFL debut. [cite news|title=QBs Tolliver, Archer face each other today |publisher=Austin American-Statesman|date=1995-07-01|page=E7|accessdate=2008-01-01] He finished the season having thrown for 3,767 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.cite news|title=FALCONS ARE LIKELY TO GO WITH TOLLIVER|publisher=Sacramento Bee|date=1997-09-20|page=C8|accessdate=2008-01-01] After the team folded following a 5-13 season, Tolliver was again without a team. In October 1996, Tolliver re-joined the Falcons as the third-string quarterback, this time sitting behind Bobby Hebert andBrowning Nagle . [cite news|title=No varsity? Falcons call in `B' team; Billy Joe joins Bobby, Browning on QB list|publisher=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|page=G3|date=1996-10-24|accessdate=2008-01-01] He spent the 1996 season on the bench, not taking a snap in a game. He was re-signed by Atlanta in April, signed a one-year contract worth $325,000. [cite news|title=Tolliver back for Falcons|publisher=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|page=E10|date=1997-03-20|accessdate=2008-01-01]Tolliver was slated to compete with
Tommy Maddox for the backup quarterback spot at Atlanta as training camp rolled around. Halfway through August, Maddox was released, and Tolliver was made the primary backup behindChris Chandler . [cite news|title=Falcons release Maddox, 16 others; Long relationship ends with Reeves|publisher=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|page=E1|date=1997-08-19|accessdate=2008-01-01] Tolliver played his first NFL game since 1994 onSeptember 7 ,1997 against theCarolina Panthers , where he completed 7 of 17 passes for 79 yards. [cite news|first=David|last=Newton|title=PANTHERS NOTES|publisher=The State|page=C8|date=1997-09-08|accessdate=2008-01-01] After relieving Chandler again the following week, Tolliver was slated to start the next game against the 49ers. He was slated to start again against theDenver Broncos , but instead came in late in the game. He was almost able to lead the Falcons to a comeback victory over the Broncos, completing six of nine passes for 85 yards and scoring a touchdown, but instead lost to the then-undefeated Broncos and remained winless. [cite news|first=Alex|last=Marvez|title=ELWAY'S REVENGE INCOMPLETE REEVES' FALCONS STAY SURPRISINGLY CLOSE BUT DENVER STILL UNBEATEN.|publisher=Rocky Mountain News |date=1997-09-29|accessdate=2008-01-01] When Chandler again went down with an injury in late October, coachDan Reeves chose to startTony Graziani . Shortly afterwards, Tolliver was released by the Falcons. [cite news|title=TOLLIVER WAIVED, MILLER SIGNED|publisher=The Miami Herald |page=8D|date=2008-10-28|accessdate=2008-01-01] In early November,Kansas City Chiefs quarterbackElvis Grbac was lost for the season due to a broken collarbone, and as a result the Chiefs signed Tolliver to a two-year contract as the third-string quarterback to replace him. [cite news|title=CHIEFS SIGN QB TOLLIVER|publisher=The Wichita Eagle |page=3C|date=1997-11-06|accessdate=2008-01-01] Tolliver finished the season having completed 64 pases in 116 attempts for 677 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception, only one of the 116 attempts coming as a Kansas City quarterback. The 1998 preseason began with Tolliver competing with Pat Barnes for the third-string quarterback job, but this ended when Tolliver was released by the Chiefs in August. [cite news|first=Adam|last=Teicher|title=Tolliver loses out in QB competition|publisher=Kansas City Star |page=C7|date=1998-08-25|accessdate=2008-01-01]Later career
After Saints quarterback
Billy Joe Hobert was lost for the season due to a ruptured achilles tendon, the Saints signed Tolliver to a two-year deal. [cite news|title=Sports Briefly|publisher=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|page=12|date=1998-09-10|accessdate=2008-01-02] After four starts byDanny Wuerffel , Saints coachMike Ditka decided to give Tolliver the start against theAtlanta Falcons . [cite news|first=Tom|last=Silverstein|title=Broncos are hitting on all cylinders; Play of backups, Davis have fans talking 16-0|publisher=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |date=1988-10-16|accessdate=2008-01-02] After starting for four weeks and having a few impressive performances, Tolliver was benched in favor ofKerry Collins , who finished up the season as starting quarterback. [cite news| first=Mary|last=Foster|title=COLLINS MOVES INTO STARTING QB SLOT|publisher=The Charlotte Observer |page=4B|date=1998-11-12|accessdate=2008-01-02] Tolliver finished up the year with one of his most statistically impressive seasons. He completed 110 of 199 passes for 1,427 yards, 8 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and a QB rating of 83.1.Tolliver started the 1999 season as the backup behind Hobert. Hobert started the first four games, but was injured, leaving Tolliver to start against the
Tennessee Titans on October 17, and the Giants the week after. Hobert started the next game, but suffered a pinched nerve in his neck, leaving Tolliver to make his third start of the season against theTampa Bay Buccaneers . [cite news|first=Steve|last=Wiseman|title=SAINTS CAN'T BUCK INJURY BUG HOBERT WILL MISSTAMPA BAY|publisher=The Sun Herald |page=C6|date=1999-11-04|accessdate=2008-01-02] The following week against the 49ers, he scored two rushing touchdowns, the third and fourth ones of his career, en route to a 24-6 victory. [cite news|first=T.J.|last=Simers|title=REWIND WEEK 10; Lightning Bolt May Strike Any Time|publisher=Los Angeles Times|work=Sports|page=3|date=1999-11-16|accessdate=2008-01-02] However, the next week against theJacksonville Jaguars , Tolliver suffered a torn MCL, and it looked like he would miss the rest of the season. [cite news|first=Steve|last=Wiseman|title=INJURED QB MAY BE OUT REST OF SEASON SEVERITY OF INJURY NOT KNOWN YET|publisher=The Sun Herald|page=D6|date=1999-11-22|accessdate=2008-01-02] A couple of weeks later, Tolliver had bounced back from his injury by "treating himself with someWD-40 " and was named the starter in the December 12 game against theSt. Louis Rams . [cite news|first=Jeff|last=Gordon|title=TOLLIVER AND SAINTS ARE SET TO BATTLE THE RAMS|publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|work=Sports|page=5|date=1999-12-11|accessdate=2008-01-02] Tolliver injured himself the following week against theBaltimore Ravens , however, putting an end to his season.Throughout the 1999 season, Tolliver remained a vocal supporter of coach Ditka despite the Saints' 3-13 record, saying "I think he's a heck of a football coach, a great motivator. We just got to start buying what he's selling." [cite news|title=The NFC|publisher=Kansas City Star|page=2|date=1999-12-19|accessdate=2008-01-02] Ditka was fired by the Saints, but as training camp for the 2000 season began, Tolliver was the Saints' backup quarterback behind
Jeff Blake . However, on August 1, the Saints made a trade for quarterback Aaron Brooks. [cite news|first=Steve|last=Wiseman|title=SAINTS WORK FAST TO MAKE FIX|publisher=The Sun Herald|page=D1|date=2000-08-01|accessdate=2008-01-02] This left Tolliver to compete for the third-string spot alongsideJake Delhomme . As the final cuts were made to reduce the Saints' roster to 53, Tolliver was among those cut, ending his professional football career. [cite news|first=Steve|last=Wiseman|title=SAINTS, TOLLIVER PART WAYS VETERAN QB AMONG CUTS|publisher=The Sun Herald|page=D1|date=2000-08-28|accessdate=2008-01-02] When the Saints lost Jeff Blake for the season in mid-November due to a dislocated foot, Tolliver was signed back on by the Saints. [cite news|title=SAINTS' BLAKE OUT FOR REST OF SEASON|publisher=The Bradenton Herald |page=4|date=2000-11-21|accessdate=2008-01-02]Personal life
Tolliver is an avid golfer and has played many celebrity tournaments. He is a two-time winner of the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship. [cite news|title=Ex-NFL QB Tolliver leads Tahoe celebrity golf|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/golf/2007-07-13-tahoe-golf_N.htm|publisher=
USA Today |accessdate=2008-01-01]References
External links
* [http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/players.nsf/ID/07090146 Billy Joe Tolliver at JT-SW]
*imdb|id=2332059|name=Billy Joe TolliverPersondata
NAME=Tolliver, Billy Joe
ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
SHORT DESCRIPTION=American football quarterback
DATE OF BIRTH=February 7 ,1966
PLACE OF BIRTH=Dallas,Texas ,United States
DATE OF DEATH=
PLACE OF DEATH=
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