Monday, March 9, 2009 | midnight
Randall Cunningham has earned more recognition and had greater athletic success than any other football player in UNLV history. In a school known for basketball greatness, Cunningham rose to prominence on the gridiron.
Cunningham dominated as a quarterback and punter with UNLV, before achieving great success in the NFL.
In three years with the Rebels (1982-84), Cunningham collected over 8,000 passing yards and averaged 45.6 yards per punt, both UNLV records. Cunningham led the Rebels to their most successful season in school history, collecting an 11-2 record in his senior year.
Twice Cunningham was selected as an All-American punter, and UNLV retired his jersey during his final regular season game in 1984.
In the 1982 season Cunningham jumped from fourth string to the starting quarterback, and he eventually became known as one of the best quarterbacks in the country. His big numbers as the Rebels signal caller grabbed the attention of pro scouts, as he became a sought-after commodity by NFL teams.
The Philadelphia Eagles picked Cunningham in the second round of the ’85 draft, and he played 11 seasons with the Eagles. Cunningham brought electricity to the quarterback position with his big arm and quick feet.
In his 16-seasons in the NFL, Cunningham rushed for 4,928 career yards, an NFL-record for quarterbacks. Cunningham earned four Pro-Bowl invites and won the NFL’s Player of the Year award in 1998 with the Minnesota Vikings.
He collected 29,979 passing yards and 242 touchdowns in his career.
After retiring from the NFL, Cunningham returned to Vegas and finished his degree from UNLV in 2005. He also became an ordained pastor, starting the church Remnant Ministries, where he currently serves as the pastor.
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