By Darin Brad Calip was the electrifying quarterback who orchestrated the “Orange Rush” offense for East Central University. Leading the nation in rushing and finishing among the leaders in scoring and total offense, Calip was the ultimate dual-threat signal caller. In his dominant senior season of 1984, he rushed for over 1,100 yards and threw for another 1,100, earning his place among the greats. Discover the statistics that secured his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
Football Bio
December 12, 1962 – Brad Calip, the quarterback from East Central University, was born. The National Football Foundation says that Calip and his Orange Rush offense led the nation in rushing and finished among the leaders in scoring and total offense.
Brad himself rushed for 1002 yards and 14 TDs on the ground. In his senior season of 1984, he made his offense almost unstoppable as he refined his passing skills. In that campaign, Calip used his legs for 19 touchdowns and 1135 yards, while the aerial assault he launched garnered another 1185 yards and 13 additional scores.
The NFF found a place for the name and stats of one Brad Calip in their College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Birth Date: December 12, 1962
- Player Position: Quarterback
- College Team: East Central University (ECU)
- Offense Nickname: “Orange Rush”
- Team Accomplishments: Led the nation in rushing and was among the leaders in scoring and total offense.
- Career Rushing (Partial): 1,002 yards and 14 touchdowns (TDs)
- Senior Season (1984) Rushing: 1,135 yards and 19 touchdowns (TDs)
- Senior Season (1984) Passing: 1,185 yards and 13 touchdowns (TDs)
- Total Senior Season Scores: 32 touchdowns (19 Rushing + 13 Passing)
- Hall of Fame: Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003 (Selected by NFF voters).
- Source: National Football Foundation (NFF)
Conclusion
Brad Calip’s legacy is defined by his incredible dual-threat capability, perfectly exemplified by his almost unstoppable senior season. His performance in 1984—masterfully combining 1,135 yards rushing with 1,185 yards passing and 32 total touchdowns—made him a pioneer of the mobile quarterback position. Calip didn’t just play; he redefined what a small-college offense could achieve. His 2003 College Football Hall of Fame induction is a well-deserved honor for the architect of the “Orange Rush.”
