070: NFL QB Steve Beuerlein, Creating Opportunity to Grow, Through Change

Finding Your Summit

NFL quarterback Steve Beuerlein played for six different teams, over 14 seasons. Steve played for the Dallas Cowboys in 1992/93 season, the year the team won Super Bown XXVII. Before stepping the NFL field, Beuerlein started at QB for Notre Dame. Steve established himself as a QB ready for the next level by breaking most of the passing records while starting 39 or 46 games at the school.
Raiders
It'd be easy to look at Steve's career and see the high moments while missing the challenges. Drafted by the Raiders, Beuerlein battled with Jay Schroeder ultimately winning the starting job. As the lowest paid starting QB going into his 3rd season, Steve held out to improve his contract. Al Davis and Beuerlein agreed on a contract before the start of the season, but Davis was done with Beuerlein.
Cowboys
Coveting Beuerlein's capabilities and looking to create options if Troy Aikman failed to develop, Dallas acquired Steve at the dawn of their championship run. Troy strained his knee giving Steve his chance to start for the Cowboys. Making the most of it, Steve lead the team to a series of victories and ultimately started over Aikman as Head Coach Jimmy Johnson stayed with his hot hand.
Despite Beuerlein's success, the Cowboys were always going to be Troy's team. Beuerlein, Aikman and the Cowboys won the Super Bowl in Steve's second and last season with the team.
Career
Steve's showing with the Cowboys established him as a legitimate NFL starting QB. The next 10 years saw Steve battle with Head Coach Buddy Ryan in Phoenix. Then Beuerlein played for the expansion Jaguars and Panthers. Beuerlein's career concluded with a season in Denver. At each stop in his long career, Steve endured change and intra-team conflict.
To survive in the NFL until 38 years old, Steve had to be resilient. He had to perform on the field, despite the uncertainty of an NFL season. He got to play for six NFL franchises because he did what pros do, he showed up ready no matter what.