In 151 contests in his career, Lamonica completed 1,288 of 2,601 attempts for a total of 19,154 yards. He averaged 126.8 yds per game through the air. Lamonica passed for 164 touchdowns compared to 138 interceptions. He was driven back 996 yards while being sacked 166 times. His touchdown rate when attempting a pass was 6.3% and his interception percentage was 5.3%.
In his final season, Lamonica threw for a total of 0 yds with 0 TDs and 0 picks. He was sacked 0 different times for a total of 0 yds lost behind the line of scrimmage. He had a QB rating of 0.0 with a touchdown rate of 0.0% and an interception rate of 0.0%. His longest pass completion went for 0 yds and he threw for 0.0 yds per contest. Lamonica completed 0 of his 0 throws in his last season for a completion percentage of 0.0%.
If one were to look back at the history of the National Football League, one name that always stands out is Daryle Lamonica. For those who grew up watching football in the 1960s and 1970s, Lamonica holds a special place in their memories as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Born on August 14th, 1941, in nearby Calexico, California, Daryle Lamonica had an illustrious career spanning 14 seasons, and most notably, his performances for the Oakland Raiders.
Before entering the professional stage, Daryle Lamonica had a remarkable college football career. He excelled at San Diego State University, where he played as a quarterback, from 1960 to 1963. Lamonica’s excellent performance led him to become a consensus All-American in 1963, an incredible achievement for a football player in college.
Lamonica entered the 1963 NFL Draft and was selected in the 24th round by the Boston Patriots. However, he did not have the chance to play professionally until he was picked up by the Buffalo Bills, an AFL rival at the time, in 1966. His time with the Bills was full of ups and downs, but it was during his time with the Oakland Raiders that Daryle Lamonica solidified his legacy in the NFL.
The Hall of Famer joined the Raiders in 1967 and proceeded to have a remarkable run with the Silver and Black. Although he struggled early on with injuries playing under Al Davis, the team’s goal-oriented mentality soon allowed Daryle Lamonica to become the main man on the field.
The most memorable moment for Daryle Lamonica in his football career was the 1969 American Football League season. That year, he was called “The Mad Bomber” by fans due to his aggressive and bold playing style. The following season, he led the league in touchdown passes and passing yards, earning himself the title of the 1970 Most Valuable Player in the AFL, now known as the NFL.
Lamonica helped lead the Raiders to a championship title in the Super Bowl XI, where they defeated the Minnesota Vikings with a final score of 32-14. This accolade solidifies Daryle Lamonica’s name in the annals of sports history.
Daryle Lamonica’s impact on the NFL transcended his playing abilities. His combination of power, accuracy, and determination set a new standard for quarterbacks in the league. He was a vital component in the Oakland Raiders’ dominance during the early 1970s and helped capture the imagination of fans around the world.
Though he retired after the 1975 season, Daryle Lamonica’s legacy lives on. His contributions to the game were undeniable, as he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. This prestigious honor testifies to the lasting impact that Lamonica had not only on his team but on football as a whole.
Despite the long list of achievements, Daryle Lamonica’s greatest accomplishment may have been his ability to inspire and motivate those around him. His teammates will always remember his leadership, both on and off the field. The phrase “Leave it all on the field” could have been coined for him.
The career of Daryle Lamonica in the NFL is a testament to his dedication, talent, and determination. From his early days at San Diego State University to becoming a crucial part of the Oakland Raiders’ championship team, Lamonica showcased exceptional skills and endless passion for the game. His impact on the league can still be felt today in the way modern players approach the quarterback position. Daryle Lamonica’s legacy will continue to inspire football enthusiasts and athletes alike for many years to come.