Steve Beuerlein is the true first quarterback of the Carolina Panthers. Although he only played in 59 career games for the Panthers he left his mark on the franchise. Beuerlein was brought in to be the backup to Kerry Collins in 1996, but he started 4 games, while going 3-1 during the Panthers amazing second season. Beuerlein helped the team finish 12-4 while they ultimately lost in the NFC Championship at Green Bay.
Although he had played a part in helping the team get to cusp of the Super Bowl, Beuerlein was still relegated to second-string behind Collins to start the 1997 season. He started only three games during the season going 1-2. Beuerlein worked mostly as a mentor for Collins, trying to help the young quarterback, as Collins was going through tough times as a high draft pick.
In 1998, following issues with Collins, both on and off the field, Beuerlein was named the top option at quarterback after the team started 0-4. Beuerlein threw for 2613 yards with 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The team finished a disappointing 4-12, and head coach Dom Capers was fired.
1999 saw another challenge as Jeff Garcia was brought in under new head coach George Seifert. Beuerlein was able to win the starting job and went on to have an amazing season. Throwing for what are still Panthers’ single-season records, with 4,436 yards with 36 touchdowns in a year. He led the NFL in passing, which garnered Beuerlein his only Pro Bowl appearance.
2000 was Beuerlein’s final season in Carolina where he threw for 3,370 yards. The down side of that was accompanied by the fact that he was sacked a league leading 62 times. This amount of pressure aided in Beuerlein’s career worst 18 interceptions.
Beuerlein was released in the offseason and even though he was only a Panther for five years, he gave the fans many memories. One of his most memorable was the quarterback draw in 1998 versus the Green Bay Packers. Carolina returned to Lambeau Field for the first time since their loss in the 1996 NFC Championship. Beuerlein won the game and etched himself as an all-time great as a Carolina Panther.
Beuerlein still holds many franchise records on top of being the single-season leader in touchdowns and yards, he also leads for attempts (571), completions (343), yards per game (277.3), and 300+ passing yard games (5 in 1999). Tied with Cam Newton for most touchdown passes with 5 in a game versus New Orleans in 2000. On top of all of that Beuerlein is the Panthers’ leader in career passer rating (87.7).
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