By Darin Hayes 
Throwback Thursday: Celebrating the Record-Breaking Career of Ty Detmer
Dive into the legacy of one of college football’s most decorated passers, Ty Detmer! Born on October 30, 1967, this BYU quarterback didn’t just throw the ball—he rewrote the record books. With an astounding 15,031 career passing yards and 121 touchdowns, Detmer was a genuine phenomenon. He captured the Heisman Trophy and, at one point, held a jaw-dropping 59 NCAA records. Learn how this BYU legend transitioned to a 14-season career in the NFL after being drafted by the Green Bay Packers!
October 30 Football History Headlines
- October 30, 1988 – The Meadowlands, East Rutherford, New Jersey – The New York Jets defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 1st time in history. The Steelers and the Jets have only squared off against each other 22 times since the AFL/NFL merger at the time of this writing, and Pittsburgh holds the edge in the series 17-5. The first meeting took place in the 1970 season with Pittsburgh upsetting the Jets 21-17 in Pittsburgh.
- NFL owners award Super Bowl XLII to Glendale, Arizona, to be played on February 3, 2008. The game was played at the University of Phoenix Stadium and pitted the 6-loss New York Giants against the undefeated New England Patriots. The records shouldn’t have fooled us as the G-men pulled off the unthinkable as they knocked off Tom Brady and the mighty Patriots 17-14 in very memorable fashion, including the David Tyree “Helmet Catch” on the game-winning drive for New York.
October 30 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
- Leroy Mercer
- Jim LeClair
- Joe Delaney
- Dick Vermeil
- Ty Detmer
The Unforgettable Legacy of Ty Detmer
From his birthday onward, Ty Detmer defined an era of thrilling, high-volume passing football at BYU. His staggering career totals—culminating in the Heisman Trophy and a long list of 59 NCAA records—ensure his place among college football’s all-time greats. Though he entered the professional ranks as a late-round draft pick, Detmer forged a resilient 14-season NFL career, proving that the talent he displayed in San Marcos, Texas, and Provo, Utah, had lasting power. A College Football Hall of Famer since 2012, Detmer’s legacy is a testament to the magic that happens when an innovative system meets a fiercely competitive, record-breaking quarterback.
What do you think was Ty Detmer’s most impressive NCAA record? For that matter, what are your thoughts on any of our subject stories for this October 30 edition?