Jim McMahon

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

McMahon was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, and raised Catholic. He moved with his family to San Jose, California, when he was three, and later to Roy, Utah, where he graduated from Roy High School in 1977. At BYU, he set 32 NCAA records in 1980, including single-season marks for passing yards (4,571) and touchdown passes (47). He led the Cougars to a dramatic comeback win in the 1980 Holiday Bowl, known as the 'Miracle Bowl.' After his playing career, McMahon completed his degree in communications and was inducted into the BYU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014, with his No. 9 jersey retired that same year.

In Their Own Story

The 1985 season culminated in a historic triumph, yet it was built on a foundation of grit. In the 1984 game against the Los Angeles Raiders, McMahon's body pushed past its limits; after absorbing a brutal tackle that left him unable to breathe properly, he attempted an audible at the line of scrimmage that his receivers could barely hear due to his rasping voice. Offensive linemen physically helped him stand and leave the field while he clutched his flank. That same season, McMahon established himself as a 'rollout passer,' utilizing tight spirals thrown from either side of the pocket—a skill honed in his youth coaching that allowed for high accuracy under pressure. His leadership style was equally unconventional; upon arriving at his first public function with the Bears, he strolled in holding a cold beer, signaling a rebellious spirit that clashed with owner George Halas and Ditka's strict culture. Despite this friction, McMahon won the starting job as a rookie in 1982, nearly leading the team to the playoffs in a strike-shortened season before earning NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Reader's Guide

McMahon was a rollout passer who learned to square his shoulders to the direction of his throw, enabling tight spirals and accuracy on the run. He frequently changed plays at the line, frustrating coach Mike Ditka but often leading to success. He was also used in goal-line situations, caught touchdown passes on option plays, and served as the emergency punter. Injuries, including a rotator cuff injury after the 1985 season, plagued his later career.

Did You Know?

• McMahon was the Bears' emergency punter during his tenure.
• He set 32 NCAA records in his 1980 junior season at BYU.
• McMahon's 1980 Holiday Bowl comeback is called the 'Miracle Bowl.'
• He completed his BYU degree in communications in 2014 and was inducted into the BYU Athletics Hall of Fame that year.