Jim McMahon built a memorable career as a hard-throwing, late-round quarterback who played across multiple decades and teams. Below is a concise statistical profile drawn from his time in the NFL, including key performance indicators that define his legacy.
His journey from college standout to seasoned professional reflects the kind of data-driven insights that help fans and analysts understand his impact on the league.
| Category | Season | Team | Comp | Att | Completion % | TD | Int | Yards | QB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 1981 | Chicago Bears | 80 | 156 | 51.3 | 4 | 7 | 871 | 67.7 |
| Regular Season | 1982 | Chicago Bears | 92 | 174 | 52.9 | 5 | 6 | 1,024 | 71.9 |
| Regular Season | 1983 | Chicago Bears | 143 | 297 | 48.1 | 9 | 15 | 1,719 | 65.6 |
| Playoffs | 1985 | Chicago Bears | 19 | 46 | 41.3 | 1 | 3 | 243 | 51.2 |
Early College and Draft Profile
Pre-NFL Development
Before entering the league, Jim McMahon showcased his arm talent and toughness at San Diego State. Scouts valued his size, mobility, and willingness to extend plays beyond the pocket, which helped position him as a mid-to-late round prospect.
Professional Career Highlights
Chicago Bears Tenure
McMahon spent the majority of his prime years with the Chicago Bears, serving as a backup and occasional starter during a franchise resurgence. His durability and competitive nature allowed him to contribute across multiple seasons despite limited opportunities.
Role in Team Success
He played a role during key stretches of the 1980s, providing veteran leadership and situational playmaking. His willingness to study film and adapt to changing schemes made him a reliable option when called upon.
Season-by-Season Performance Analysis
Passing Efficiency Trends
Examining his annual completion percentage, touchdown totals, and quarterback rating reveals patterns of growth and adaptation. McMahon learned to manage games more effectively as his experience increased, even when facing tighter coverage.
Physical Play and Durability
His career also reflects the physical demands of the position, including the ability to absorb contact and remain operative through injuries. This resilience contributed to longer service time and varied team contributions.
Comparative Context and Legacy Metrics
| Player | Position | Years Active | Teams | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim McMahon | Quarterback | 1981–1993 | Bears, Broncos, 49ers, Lions | Dual-threat capability |
| Contemporary Backups | Quarterback | 1980s | Various | Short-yardage specialist |
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- Track quarterly and seasonal trends to understand true progression.
- Contextualize statistics within team schemes and era competition.
- Value durability and leadership as much as raw numbers.
- Use comparative tables to benchmark performance against peers.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many career touchdown passes did Jim McMahon throw?
Jim McMahon threw 24 touchdown passes during his regular season career, with additional scores in playoff action.
What was his highest single-season completion percentage?
His best completion percentage came in 1982, when he completed 52.9 percent of his passes with the Chicago Bears.
Did he ever start more than half of a team’s games in a season?
Yes, McMahon started the majority of games for the Bears during portions of the 1983 season when called upon due to injuries and rotation plans.
How many different teams did he play for in his career?
He appeared in games for four franchises: the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, and Detroit Lions.