Kordell Stewart Demands ‘Back Pay’ for Pioneering Modern NFL Style
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart believes the National Football League owes him a debt of gratitude—and perhaps a financial bonus—for pioneering the multi-dimensional, mobile quarterback style that now dominates professional football.
Speaking on his legacy and the evolution of offensive schemes across the league, the player famously known as “Slash” humorously suggested he is due “back pay” for laying the groundwork decades before dual-threat quarterbacks became the gold standard of NFL franchises.
Also read: Tony Stewart Truck Series Return Ends Early in Massive Talladega Crash
The Evolution of ‘Slash’ and the Hybrid Weapon
Selected in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft out of the University of Colorado, Stewart entered a league entrenched in traditional pocket-passing philosophies. Under former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher, Pittsburgh utilized Stewart’s elite athleticism across the offensive formation.
Stewart earned the nickname “Slash” because his official position designation was quarterback/running back/wide receiver. During his early seasons, he caught passes, took handoffs, returned kicks, and stepped under center to throw deep passes, baffling opposing defensive coordinators and changing weekly game plans.
By the time he took over as Pittsburgh’s full-time starting quarterback in 1997, Stewart guided the Steelers to the AFC Championship Game and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2001. Over his 11-year NFL career, he passed for 14,746 yards and 77 touchdowns, while rushing for 2,774 yards and 38 scores.
Why Kordell Stewart Believes He Deserves Credit and ‘Back Pay’
While dynamic playmakers like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, and hybrid players like Taysom Hill are celebrated and handsomely compensated today, Stewart faced immense resistance during his playing days. Critics often questioned whether a dual-threat athlete could function as a legitimate, long-term franchise quarterback.
“I should be getting back pay,” Stewart quipped when reflecting on how modern offenses are designed specifically around athletic signal-callers. “We took the hits mentally, emotionally, and physically so these young men today could flourish without prejudice.”
Stewart emphasized that while modern quarterbacks receive lucrative contract extensions and schemes tailored around their mobility, his generation fought an uphill battle just to stay at the quarterback position full-time rather than being forced to convert permanently to wide receiver or defensive back.
Paving the Way for Today’s Dual-Threat Superstars
Stewart’s impact opened doors for subsequent generations of athletic passers, bridging the gap between pioneers like Randall Cunningham and modern MVPs like Lamar Jackson. In the mid-1990s, deploying a mobile passer on designated run concepts, read options, and jet sweeps was considered experimental. Today, those same concepts are foundational pillars of NFL playbooks.
Offensive coordinators across the league now routinely construct entire systems around quarterbacks who can extend plays outside the pocket and stress defenses with their legs. The financial rewards for this skill set are unprecedented, with mobile quarterbacks commanding deals exceeding $200 million guaranteed.
What Happens Next
While the NFL will not be issuing retrospective checks to former players, Stewart’s commentary highlights an ongoing conversation about historical recognition. As debates continue regarding modern offensive innovation, football historians and analysts are increasingly acknowledging Stewart’s crucial role in transforming the quarterback position from static pocket passers to dynamic athletes.
Ultimately, Kordell Stewart may not receive literal back pay, but his lasting footprint on modern offensive football remains visible on every snap where a dual-threat quarterback dictates the game.
1 Comment
Comments are closed.