A Little Bit Of Patience, A Lot Of Success

It is not always necessary to fly out the gate. Back in 1984, Steve Young was projected to be the number one pick in the National Football League (NFL) entry draft. Young was ambitious and knew that he would never start in his first year. Instead of holding the clipboard on the sideline, he bolted to the United States Football League (USFL), signing with the LA Express. LA was closer to his home in Provo, Utah and he knew that he would have a chance to start. In 1985, the USFL folded and Young returned to the NFL team that had drafted him in 1984, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After 2 seasons and 19 games, the San Francisco 49ers acquired the promising quarterback.

But the 49ers had a legend and a future Hall of Famer at the position: Joe Montana. When Montana was injured in 1991 however, Young came in and led the NFL (NFL) in passing efficiency, his first year as a starter.

Despite his ambition, Young has always maintained that the years he spent watching Montana were invaluable. With football minds like Bill Walsh, Mike Shanahan, Mike Holmgren and George Seifert and a legend at wide receiver like Jerry Rice, Young was provided with the best tools to succeed as well.

Of particular relevance is the fact that Young did not waste his time as a backup. He pursued his law degree at Brigham Young University the entire time, completing it in 1994. In addition, Young also founded the Forever Young Foundation in 1993, committed to helping children in need. Now that is a class act.

Incidentally, as eager as Steve Young was to step out of Joe Montana's shadow, coach George Seifert was just as eager to do the same with regard to Bill Walsh. Perhaps this is what made Young and Seifert such a fruitful partnership.