The Life And Career Of Tony Eason

The 1983 NFL Draft is remembered for six quarterbacks selected in the first round of the event.

Tony Eason was the fourth signal-caller taken, one pick after Jim Kelly and before Ken O’Brien and Dan Marino came off the board.

Eason was coming off two spectacular years at the University of Illinois, where he set program and NCAA records.

Desperately needing a quarterback that could take them to a Super Bowl, the New England Patriots took him with the 15th pick.

Two seasons later, Eason did his part in leading the Pats to Super Bowl XX.

Happy bday to “Champaign Tony” Eason! You’re remembered for not completing a single pass in Super Bowl XX, but in four other playoff games you had QB ratings above 100.00. You got an MVP vote in ‘86 and your 93.4 QB rating in ‘84 was a @Patriots record for 23 years. #ForeverNE pic.twitter.com/6KxhjIZZew

— The Quarterback Project (@QBProjectBlog) October 8, 2021

Unfortunately, the team ran into a buzz saw as the Chicago Bears blew out New England and chased Eason from the game.

He would have a good year in 1986 before a decline in 1987 that led to an eventual release by the Pats in 1989.

Eason then spent a season and a half in New York before retiring.

This is the story of Tony Eason.

Taking the Long Road

Charles Carroll “Tony” Eason IV was born on October 8, 1959, in Blythe, California.

@CFB150 Charles Carroll "Tony" Eason IV (born October 8, 1959) is a former quarterback. He played college football for the University of Illinois (1980–1982) and professional football for the New England Patriots (1983–1989) and New York Jets (1989–1990). pic.twitter.com/Ea88mcF57t

— Timothy C. Kulla (@TCKooo) October 9, 2019

The Eason family relocated to Walnut Grove, California, a short time later, and Tony matriculated to Delta High School in nearby Clarksburg.

Although Delta is a small school (183 total students, 9-12 grades, as of the 2023-2024 school year), Eason played like a giant.

It helped that he looked the part, especially as he was growing over six feet and equipped with a powerful right arm.

As a quarterback for the Saints, Eason was good, but the small school competition only brought one Division I scholarship offer.

However, the University of Pacific pulled its offer due to Eason’s less-than-stellar academics at Delta.

Instead of giving up his dreams, Eason enrolled at American River Junior College in Sacramento and played two years of Juco ball with the Beavers.

Eason played well (he was later added to the Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame) and was pursued by a number of Division I schools, including the University of Illinois.

The Illini at that point did not have a track record of good football, and Eason would have to sit out the 1980 season.

Still, he believed in new head coach Mike White’s vision for the program and transferred halfway across the country to the Midwest.

“When I went to junior college, the main reason I went was to give myself a chance to play major college football,” said Eason. “I never really thought about coming to Illinois, but when I heard Coach White got the job here, I thought it would be neat to play here and everything worked out real well.”

Big Shoes to Fill

The University of Illinois has seen its share of legendary players, including Red Grange, George Halas, Ray Nitschke and Dick Butkus.

Yet, despite that specific footnote in history, the program itself has typically underachieved.

From the first game in 1890 until Eason arrived in 1980, the Illini had played in three bowl games, period.

Random Sunday post….Mike White and Tony Eason should be in the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/IGZMh8iO6X

— Orange and Blue News (@IllinoisRivals) June 9, 2024

All three appearances were victories in the Rose Bowl, but the last win came in 1963.

That information didn’t seem to faze Eason, and he stood on the sidelines in 1980 watching starting quarterback Dave Wilson set school, conference and NCAA records.

During a late-season contest against Ohio State, Wilson passed for an NCAA single-game record of 621 yards in a losing effort.

That mark lasted as a record for nearly a decade.

Despite Wilson’s heroics, the Illini only won three games.

He attempted to return for another year of eligibility in 1981, but a federal judge denied Wilson the opportunity.

Instead, the starter’s job went to Eason, who responded like a seasoned vet.

Setting Records

Illinois lost its first game of the year against Pitt and junior quarterback Dan Marino, but won its next three.

Eason was suddenly the talk of the Big Ten Conference and was even getting interest from the national media.

“I don’t expect myself to come in my first game and throw for 600 yards. I just come, take one play at a time, go as hard as I can, do everything I can and that’s all I can ask of myself,” Eason told the UPI.

For his part, Coach White’s direction for Illinois was unfolding before his eyes with his Juco transfer.

“The good Lord has been shining on Tony Eason. He’s learning faster than I ever thought was possible. I think that he’ll continue to improve with experience and hopefully will get better and better,” White said.

At season’s end, the Illini had won seven games, the most in a season since the 1963 Rose Bowl.

Thirty-seven years ago today, Tony Eason threw three first-half touchdowns and Mitchell Brookins rushed for three TDs in Illinois's 48-7 victory at Indiana. pic.twitter.com/72z2oDME7O

— Mike Pearson (@illinilegends) November 13, 2019

Eason had a fantastic year while leading the Big Ten in attempts (406), completions (248), completion percentage (61.1), yards (3,360), touchdowns (20), interceptions (14) and three other categories, including pass efficiency rating (140).

Some of the marks also set conference single-season records, and he was named first-team All-Big Ten.

He was so effective that a former Illinois music teacher wrote a song for Eason called “Champaign Tony” in an effort to hype his candidacy for the 1982 Heisman Trophy.

Senior Year

Before Eason started in 1981, the university was under NCAA probation related to Dave Wilson’s eligibility controversy.

Therefore, part of the probation was the Illini not being eligible for a bowl game that year.

The penalty was lifted before the 1982 season, and Eason continued slinging the football.

• "Champaign Tony" Eason. https://t.co/tZQjXKA5dI pic.twitter.com/LXvGnwhh95

— Mike Pearson (@illinilegends) October 2, 2021

He continued breaking more conference, school and NCAA records with his 3,248 yards, 17 touchdowns and 15 picks.

Illinois won seven games again and played Alabama in the Liberty Bowl (Crimson Tide head coach Bear Bryant’s final game), losing 21-15.

It was the Illini’s first trip to a bowl since 1963 and first bowl game loss in program history.

Fun Fact: Tony Eason and the Illinois Fighting Illini were the last team to lose to Paul "Bear" Bryant, or in other words, Bear's final win! '83 Liberty Bowl – Memphis, Tennessee
Bryant's retirement made it one of the most covered games that year. He died 28 days later. pic.twitter.com/xCiiRsuL0Q

— Buttinski Five-0 (@JoelBarnes23748) September 15, 2024

Eason’s total yardage that season, including the bowl game, was 3,671, which set a program record.

He also had 505 total passing attempts, another Illini record.

During his two years in Champaign, Eason had 6,608 yards, 37 touchdowns, 29 interceptions and six rushing touchdowns.

Eason continues to own program records for passing efficiency (133.8), passing yards per game (300.4), passing yards in a season (333.7, set in 1982) and several other categories.

Although he didn’t win the Heisman, Eason was voted a first-team All-Big Ten member for the second time and chosen as a third-team All-American.

Eason Becomes a Patriot

Quarterback Tony Eason #11 of the New England Patriots rolls out — (Photo by Mike Powell/Getty Images)

The 1982 New England Patriots went 5-4 in a strike-shortened season and lost to the Miami Dolphins in the First Round of the playoffs.

Before the 1983 season, head coach Ron Meyer and his staff looked at their quarterback situation.

They had longtime vet, Steve Grogan, but he was injury-prone and the franchise wanted a better option.

Looking ahead at the quarterback-rich 1983 NFL Draft, the team liked Stanford quarterback John Elway.

When he was chosen by the Baltimore Colts with the first overall pick, New England offered Colts general manager Ernie Accorsi a king’s ransom for him.

However, the Colts and Pats were both in the AFC East at the time, and Accorsi didn’t want to send Elway to a division rival.

The last time 6 QBs were taken in the 1st round was in 1983:

#1 – Colts – John Elway

#7 – Chiefs – Todd Blackledge

#14 – Bills – Jim Kelly

#15 – Patriots – Tony Eason

#24 – Jets – Ken O’Brien

#27 – Dolphins – Dan Marino pic.twitter.com/h2dIUAPG2P

— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) April 26, 2024

Turned down by Baltimore, New England decided to add Eason with the 15th overall selection in the first round, despite the fact that Pitt quarterback Dan Marino was still on the board.

As a rookie, Eason started four games and passed for 557 yards, one touchdown and five interceptions as the Pats went 8-8.

1985

Following his lackluster rookie year, Eason was determined to prove himself and did so in 1984, playing in all 16 games and getting 13 starts.

The result was 3,228 yards, 23 touchdowns (career-high) and eight interceptions, good for a career best 1.9 interception percentage (even while getting sacked a career-high 59 times).

October 21, 1984

Dan Marino breaks Bob Griese's #Dolphins single-season touchdown pass record — in the EIGHTH week of the season.

Marino and his fellow 1983 First-Round draft counterpart — #Patriots quarterback Tony Eason — engage in an air duel, with Miami prevailing in… pic.twitter.com/sVw4yBvyJX

— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) October 21, 2023

New England just missed the playoffs with a 9-7 record, but things were looking up.

Then, head coach Ray Berry’s crew started 1985 with an uninspired 2-3 record.

In a Week 6 tilt against the Buffalo Bills, Eason was pulled after throwing two interceptions, and Grogan slid under center.

There wasn’t a lot of faith in the ‘ol vet, but he helped the team to six consecutive wins, including the Bills game.

“I figured my time in New England was over with,’’ said Grogan, on playing behind Eason. “I figured they would look to deal me when the season was over with. I had no idea that this would even happen.’’

Some of the other Patriots liked Grogan and preferred him over Eason.

“Grogan was always confident,’’ said future Hall of Fame guard John Hannah. “No matter if we were 100 points behind, he always thought we were going to win.’’

Eason was back in Week 12 against the New York Jets when Grogan broke his leg.

The third-year QB helped the Pats finish the season 3-1 and 11-5 overall.

He finished his third year with 2,156 yards, 11 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

Super Bowl XX

In the wild card round, Eason led New England to a 26-14 win over the Jets.

It was the organization’s first postseason win since 1963.

Next, the team flew across the country to face a good LA Raiders team and came away with a 27-20 win.

Before the Pats headed to Miami for the AFC Championship game, no one in the national media gave them a chance.

Until that day, New England had lost 18 straight in Miami, but Tony Collins and Craig James ran roughshod and beat the Fish, 31-14.

On this date in 1986 Tony Eason threw 3 TD’s against the Dolphins leading the Patriots to their first AFC Championship victory pic.twitter.com/5CVBegSgOp

— Brendan (@BigbBets_) January 12, 2023

Improbably, the Pats met the 15-1 Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XX, the first Super Bowl in either franchise’s history.

Before the contest, Eason was rumored to have a 101-degree temperature and was apparently injured during the Dolphins game.

When the teams met on the field, the Bears’ top-ranked defense tore Eason apart.

Although the Pats struck first with a 3-0 lead, Eason was chased from the game after throwing six passes (all incompletions, a Super Bowl first, although two of the incompletions were dropped passes), getting sacked three times and fumbling once.

Tony Eason started for the Patriots in Super Bowl XX. He went 0-of-6 before getting replaced.#SB50 #CARvsDEN pic.twitter.com/UiCLZ0x7rp

— MyBookie.LV (@MybookieL) February 3, 2016

Berry tried to stop the bleeding by inserting Grogan, but Chicago was too good, and the final result was a lopsided, 46-10 loss.

”I knew he [Eason] didn’t look comfortable out there,” Berry conceded. ”I think it was a good move to get Steve out there. Was he nervous? Well, I know he’s been sick. You could attribute it to that, I guess.”

Months later, Hannah was still angry about the loss and took out his frustrations on Eason.

“Tony should wear a skirt instead of a uniform,” said Hannah. “When he was hurt before we played the Bears in the Super Bowl, we were hoping he’d stay hurt so Steve could play.”

Rebound

Eason didn’t let the Super Bowl define him, and he turned around his personal narrative in 1986.

That year, he played in 15 games and started 14, a career high, throwing the pigskin to Stanley Morgan and Irving Fryar.

November 16, 1986

PATS HAIL MARY

The last-second game-winning Hail Mary from Tony Eason to Irving Fryar, lifting the #Patriots to a dramatic 30-28 victory over the Rams in Anaheim.

Dick Enberg and Merlin Olsen call it for NBC…."OH MY!" pic.twitter.com/bAUx1Z7D9c

— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) November 17, 2023

During a Week 3 game against Seattle, Eason passed for 414 yards, a franchise record at the time (although the Seahawks won).

He was 10-4 as the starter and took New England to an 11-5 record, and a second straight postseason berth, with an offense that was second in the NFL in points for.

#Throwback Divisional Round – New England Patriots at Denver Broncos – January 4th, 1987

Tony Eason throws 2 TDs to Stanley Morgan but is sacked 6 times in a 22-17 loss to the #BroncosCountry

That second touchdown though 🩷😎 pic.twitter.com/Pz5ImfcqMq

— RetroPatriots (@RetroPatriots) January 4, 2024

The Pats lost in the divisional round to the Denver Broncos, but Eason passed for 3,328 yards (career-high), 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Eason is Released

In 1987, Eason was injured early and often, leading to just three starts.

Before 1988, Coach Berry named Grogan the starter, and Eason started two games.

Then, in 1989, no less than four quarterbacks were on New England’s roster, including Eason, Grogan, Doug Flutie and Marc Wilson.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Mr Tony Eason. A 1980s Patriots legend! pic.twitter.com/3VvPmUrftW

— Kyu (@KyuGoesHard) September 9, 2023

Eason was the starter to begin the year and started off hot with a 27-24 win against the Jets.

However, two straight losses followed, and he was benched for Fluite.

Not long after, New England cut its former first-round pick.

A little over a month later, he was claimed by the New York Jets, but Eason didn’t want to join the team as he was close to Ken O’Brien, the 24th overall pick and fifth quarterback taken in the 1983 Draft.

After further review, maybe the Jets should have given Tony Eason more of a chance in the early 90's. pic.twitter.com/PKAQssPI

— Cliff Saunders (@radioguycliff) November 23, 2012

Eason didn’t want to compete against his friend, but ultimately decided to join New York in early November.

Retirement

Before reporting, Eason explained his reluctance.

“I took some time off to consider my options,” said Eason. Asked what options he had, Eason replied, “It’s limited. There were a lack of options. The choices are limited. This is what I do. I don’t think I’m doing anybody any good by not playing.”

In the midst of New York’s 4-12 season, Eason started two games and passed for 255 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

He returned in 1990 and saw time in all 16 games but didn’t start as O’Brien remained under center.

Tony Eason @Topps #30 1986
61 TD
11,142 Passing Yards
79.7 QB Rating
58.2 % Completion
1984: Completed 60.1% of passes, 3,228 yards, 93.4 QB rating—3rd in NFL
Eason led @Patriots offense 1st team in NFL history to win 3 Road games to reach Super Bowl XX@Patriots @nyjets @NFL pic.twitter.com/ymBrNtIQAx

— MyCardCollection (@MyCardCollecti1) October 2, 2023