Boston College Athletics
Breakfast Of Champions, Flutie Style
September 06, 2006 | Football
Sept. 6, 2006
Boston College Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie was honored Wednesday by Wheaties, The Breakfast of Champions, when a new special-edition package was unveiled at BC. Flutie and receiver Gerard Phelan, who caught the famous "Miracle in Miami" pass 22 years ago, were on hand for the event.
The new 18-ounce Wheaties package is being rolled out nationally. Flutie joins a select group of pro quarterbacks who have appeared on the Wheaties package, including Johnny Unitas, Bart Starr, Joe Namath, Roger Staubach, Joe Montana, Troy Aikman, John Elway, Jim Kelly, Steve Young, Dan Marino, Brett Favre, Michael Vick and Peyton Manning.
Flutie captured the nation's imagination in one of the most memorable moments in college sports history during a nationally televised 1984 game against Miami. Down by four with only seconds on the clock, Flutie completed an 80-yard Hail Mary pass to Phelan in the end zone, giving BC the win. He went on to win the Heisman Trophy that year.
Over his four-year collegiate career, Flutie compiled 11,318 total yards of offense, surpassing Jim McMahon's record to become the all-time leader. He remains BC's all-time leader in career yards, yards in one season, touchdowns in one season, yards in one game and touchdowns in one game.
He went on to an NFL career that spanned 21 seasons and three different leagues. Over his professional career, he threw for nearly 58,000 yards, one of six players ever to do so.
Since retiring from the New England Patriots following last season, Flutie has embarked upon a new career as an analyst for ESPN and ABC. His network debut was last Thursday in BC's 31-24 win over Central Michigan, which was televised by ESPN2.
One of the most respected players in the game, his work ethic and ability to overcome also have led to tremendous efforts off the field. In addition to his commitment to countless causes, Flutie's influence continues to grow through the efforts of the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. The foundation honors Doug's son, Dougie, Jr., and has raised more than $8 million for autism-related research.
