Former BYU Quarterback Ty Detmer was inducted into college football’s Hall of Fame Tuesday night in New York.
Detmer, who won the 1990 Heisman trophy and was and All-American, joins seven other Cougars in the Hall of Fame. Those seven includes Gordon Hudson, Coach LaVell Edwards, Steve Young, Jim McMahon, Marc Wilson and Gifford Nielsen.
“I’m definitely very proud to be here,” Detmer said at the ceremony in New York. “To me, there is nothing better than college football and all that goes along with it. I’m proud to be here to accept this award and I think it’s really representative of the team you played on and the coaches you played for and I’m proud to be representing that group.”
Detmer’s career at BYU spanned from 1988-91. In his years as BYU’s starting quarterback, Detmer won two Davey O’Brien Awards, given to the nation’s top quarterback. Detmer also set 59 NCAA records. Among those records, Detmer ended his college career as the leader in career passing yards, with 15,031, and 121 passing touchdowns. Detmer still holds nine NCAA records.
Detmer also led BYU to one of the greatest wins in school history. In the 1990 season, Detmer threw for over 400 yards and three touchdowns to help BYU upset the defending national champion Miami Hurricanes. The Cougars won the game 28-21.
Detmer was drafted in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers. He spent 14 seasons in the NFL with six different teams. During his 14 seasons Detmer achieved modest results as a backup quarterback and spot starter. Detmer finished his NFL career with 6,351 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Detmer now coaches high school football in Texas for St. Andrews Episcopal School. Despite his modest success in the NFL and as a high school coach, Detmer wil always be remembered for his successes as one of BYU’s all time great quarterbacks.
“There aren’t many more accomplished players in the history of college football than Ty Detmer,” said NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell in a press release. “He just about did everything as a Cougar that a college quarterback can do. He is a truly deserving member of the College Football Hall of Fame.”
