Purdue Football: Rating the Best From the Cradle of Quarterbacks

The Purdue University football team has yielded many high profile collegiate quarterbacks, earning the nickname "cradle of quarterbacks". Not only have Purdue's quarterbacks been successful in college, but many have been very successful at the next level. The school has produced NFL Pro-Bowlers, NFL Hall of Famers, and even Super Bowl MVPs; all at the quarterback position.

It was a difficult task, but I have chosen five Purdue quarterbacks that are considered the best in school history. Let's take a look at the top five.

5. Kyle Orton

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EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 30: Kyle Orton #18 of the Purdue Boilermakers looks to pass during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats on October 30, 2004 at Ryan Field at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. The Wildcats defeated the Boilermake

Kyle Orton started four consecutive bowl games, the most in school history. He tied the school record for most yards in a game, throwing for 522 yards against Indiana in 2003. At the start of 2004, Orton was a Preseason All-America selection, and following the 2004 season, Orton was voted first team all Big Ten.

He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. Orton currently starts for the Denver Broncos.

4. Len Dawson

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CANTON, OH - AUGUST 3: Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Hank Stram (L) poses with his bust and his presenter and fellow Hall of Famer Len Dawson during the 2003 NFL Hall of Fame Induction ceremony on August 3, 2003 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by David Max

Len Dawson led the Big Ten conference in passing in each of his three years at Purdue. He led the NCAA in passing efficiency in 1954 as a sophomore. He also led Purdue to an upset win over Notre Dame, breaking their 13 game win streak.

Dawson was drafted in the first round of the 1957 NFL Draft by Pittsburgh. He was the 1969 Super Bowl MVP with Kansas City, and was elected into the NFL Hall of Fame.

3. Bob Griese

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - DECEMBER 06: Former NFL great Bob Griese of the Miami Dolphins (L) poses for a photo with his son and quarterback Brian Griese of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the taping of the NFL Players Week 10th Anniversary on Wheel Of Fortun

Bob Griese was a two time All-America selection and the 1966 Heisman Trophy runner-up. He was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984.

Griese was a multi-sport athlete, starring in baseball and basketball as well. Aside from quarterback, Griese played kicker and punter for Purdue. Griese led Purdue to the Rose Bowl for the first time in 1966.

Griese was the fourth pick in the first round of the 1967 common draft. He was the quarterback of the 1973 undefeated Miami Dolphins.

Griese was a six-time Pro-Bowl selection, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.

2. Mark Herrmann

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SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 04: Members of the Purdue Boilermaker band perform before a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 4, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Purdue 23-12. (Photo by Jonathan Danie

Mark Herrmann was a First Team All-American in 1980, the year in which he was also a Heisman Trophy finalist. Herrmann was the MVP of the 1978 Peach Bowl, 1979 Bluebonnet Bowl and 1980 Liberty Bowl. Herrmann was also the Big Ten MVP in 1980. Recently, he was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Herrmann was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 1981 NFL Draft. He played nine seasons in the NFL.

1. Drew Brees

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1 Jan 2001: Drew Brees #15 of the Purdue Boilermakers lines up a pass during the Rose Bowl Game against the Washington Huskies at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Huskies defeated the Boilermakers 34-24.Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport

Drew Brees in undoubtedly the best quarterback in Purdue history. Brees currently leads the Big Ten in career passing yards (11,792), touchdowns (90), and completions (12,693). He also owns the record for the longest completed pass in NCAA history, which came against Northwestern on September 25, 1999.

Brees was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist. He was awarded the Big Ten MVP in 2000, the Maxwell Award, and the Academic All-America Player of the Year. He led Purdue to their first Rose Bowl appearance in 32 years.

Brees was drafted in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft by San Diego. Brees' NFL accomplishments include 4 Pro-Bowl selections, the 2006 Walter Payton Man of the Year, three NFC Offensive Player of the Year awards, the 2009 Bert Bell Award, and the Super Bowl XLIV MVP.