The Mormon Rifle: Gifford Nielsen’s BYU Legacy

There are many stories of how star collegiate football players took what they learned on the gridiron, along with their educations, and went on to bigger and better things. None is more prevalent than what this young man from BYU accomplished.

Gifford Nielsen was born on October 25, 1954, in Provo, Utah. Nicknamed “The Mormon Rifle,” Nielsen overcame a rough start to become the quarterback who launched the passing dynasty at Brigham Young University (BYU) and set the stage for the program’s future success.

Gifford made his mark in his sophomore season when Brigham Young started 0-2 and was down late in the third game. Nielsen led BYU on an offensive surge, and the team scored twice and pulled out a 16-15 victory over New Mexico. They went 6-2 the rest of the season and the following year improved to 7-3 overall. 

The National Football Foundation selected Gifford Nielsen to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994. Nielsen played professionally with the Houston Oilers from 1978 to 83.

After football, he became a successful sports director at a broadcasting company and later a leader in the Mormon Church.

Accolades and Accomplishments

College Career (BYU Cougars):

• College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1994)—He was BYU’s first inductee.
• 1976 WAC Offensive Player of the Year.
• 1976 First-team All-American (UPI Second Team).
• Finished 6th in the 1976 Heisman Trophy voting.
• Led the nation in touchdown passes (29) and ranked second in total offense during his junior season (1976).
• Set 13 Western Athletic Conference (WAC) records and 13 school records during his career.
• Was the first quarterback under coach LaVell Edwards to lead the Cougars to a national ranking.
• BYU retired his No. 14 jersey.

Professional Career (Houston Oilers):

• Drafted in the 3rd round (73rd overall) of the 1978 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers.
• Played six seasons (1978–1983) with the Houston Oilers.
• Totaled 3,255 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and a 70.0 passer rating in 55 career games.
• Was the last quarterback to lead the Oilers to the AFC Championship Game (1979 playoffs).
• Recorded two 4th quarter comebacks and two game-winning drives during his NFL career.