His 10-yard touchdown run gave UCF a 7-0 lead and the Knights led 17-14 at the half against a Nebraska team led by quarterback Scott Frost yes, the same Scott Frost who would serve as UCFs football head coach from 2015-17. Even on Saturday, Culpepper said he had chills recalling his favorite moments in the NFL: watching fans stand up in their seats while one of his 60-yard passes to Moss sailed through the air. His 2,323 rushing yards from 20002004 also made him only the fourth quarterback in NFL history to run for more than 2,300 yards in a five-season period. I am just trying to be the best player I can become.. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. You watch Culpepper play, and you think: He runs like Eddie George, throws like Warren Moon, and what poise! I have watched others come and play the quarterback position and play it well. There you will find the likes of Brandon Marshall 06, Blake Bortles, Latavius Murray 12, Matt Prater, Shaquill 16 and Shaquem 16 Griffin, Asante Samuel 13 and perhaps the greatest of them all Daunte Culpepper. He completed 60 percent of his passes or better in nine of his 11 outings, including twice when he surpassed the 70.0 mark and had a passer rating of 100.0 better in two contests where the Vikings were 11 in those games. Saban stated that although Culpepper was making progress in his rehabilitation, he and the medical staff felt it would be difficult for Culpepper to play in the next three weeks. He passed for 3,479 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only 11 interceptions, and earned his second trip to the Pro Bowl. In his first year Culpepper played in one game, rushing three times for six yards and not throwing a pass. Video Platform powered by CBS Sports Digital. He still sits in the top 10 of almost every other passing or running category. On October 27, Culpepper told the Chiefs that he would not make another meeting with the team due to a better opportunity with another team.[38]. On September 7, 2009, it was reported first overall draft pick Matthew Stafford was named the starter for the Lions regular season opener against the Saints. Check out the Daunte Culpepper Ultimate Legends 97 item on Madden NFL 23 - Ratings, Prices and more! The Vikings wanted him to rehabilitate in Minnesota because they were not satisfied with his level of treatment in Florida. Daunte Culpepper was born on January 28, 1977. His professional career concluded after one season with the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League (UFL). He was one of those players who come along every 25 years or at least you hope they do. If you never saw Daunte Culpepper play football at UCF, then you missed one of the games best players. He was even a good sport about the last question of the event, when a British fan in a Steelers jersey asked Culpepper if he'd be bringing any of his "friends" out for a cruise on the Thames River; Culpepper posed for a picture with the fan and his son afterward. 4000 Central Florida Blvd. UCF posted a 92 record, losing only to Purdue and Auburn. And yes, if you were wondering, Daunte Culpepper is Chayses father. Culpepper enjoyed his best statistical season as a professional in 2004 and, though they were only 88, the Vikings reached the playoffs for the second time under Culpepper. [5] After his senior season in 1994, he was named Mr. Football in the state of Florida. He has come back for an occasional golf tournament or an alumni event. The Vikings made Culpepper the eleventh overall selection of the 1999 NFL Draft. They were ranked 6th in country that Saturday afternoon. (College Stats), Weighted Career AV (100-95-): 86 (320th overall since 1960). Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, March 1, 6:17AM. He was born in a jail in Miami, as his mother was serving a sentence for robbery. Playing with them in travel is even better. Passing for a league-leading 4,717 yards, a Viking-record 39 touchdowns, and only 11 interceptions, Culpepper was named to his third career Pro Bowl. Born: Perhaps his most notable performance during this campaign occurred during the 2016 comeback win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Daunte Culpepper was the best player on the field and every Nebraska player and fan knew it before the first quarter ended. 2) Daunte Culpepper (No. Culpepper was named the 45th best quarterback of the modern era by Football Nation. Culpepper sustained damage to three of the four major ligaments in the knee: the ACL, PCL and MCL. He struggled to get into college, because of low SAT scores. When he did, those schools all came back begging him to choose them. He also set an NCAA record for single-season completion percentage at 73.6%, breaking a 15-year-old mark set by Steve Young (71.3%). Members watch everything first before it is released to social. He played college football at UCF and was drafted 11th overall by the Vikings in the 1999 NFL Draft. TheUCF Forumis a weekly series of opinion columns from faculty, staff and students who serve on a panel for a year. Im not the tallest, Im six-feet, so I have to change my speed to go fast and go slow to keep bigger players off guard. He gave us so many highlights and played such a big part as one of the pioneers of the UCF football program. But Culpepper, now 36, said he has fond memories and no regrets about his time in Minnesota. Latest on QB Daunte Culpepper including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on NFL.com call 1.888.246.7141 to Book Daunte Culpepper for an Appearance Daunte was just different. July 7, 2021. Find out more. His most remarkable performance was in the match against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where his team registered a 20-16 victory. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. He played college football at the University of Central Florida. Marc Daniels is the radio play-by-play voice for UCF Athletics and serves as director of broadcasting for the Knights. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Daunte Culpepper is the greatest athlete I have ever seen at UCF in my 27 years. During the season, Culpepper passed for 3,937 yards, 33 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He chose UCF over the Gators and honored a commitment he and his grandmother made when every big school in the country doubted he would make grades and be eligible. Any hopes of Culpepper rediscovering his mojo died in the seventh game of the season. Culpepper was adopted when he was a day old and raised as one of more than 15 children of the late Emma Lewis Culpepper, who worked in the correctional facility where his mother was held. I dont regret anything about how I played the game. We are looking forward to tournaments in the future.. Lineup Builder. He was a very proficient player, and was also named Mr Football in the state of Florida in 1994. Bill Belichick, Patriots leaders: Bill Russell's impact felt throughout organization, New England Patriots WR DeVante Parker solidifying role with big plays, contested grabs, Derwin James staying engaged with Los Angeles Chargers during his 'hold-in', 'This guy has been rehabbing unbelievable': Giants' Nick Gates vows return from gruesome injury, Jets bullish on O-line after making 'right' moves with Mekhi Becton, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Previously covered Vikings for St. Paul Pioneer Press, Also covered Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wild and Washington Nationals, Twin Cities native and University of Minnesota graduate. Saban had decided to bench Daunte until his shoulder recovered and he got more of the mobility back that he lost due to his knee injury. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. The University of Central Florida, however, offered to tutor him and help him achieve the necessary scores, and he was able to qualify. Culpepper went on to win the EA Sports Madden Bowl title among NFL players during the 2003 offseason. His 2,323 rushing yards from 20002004 also made him only the fourth quarterback in NFL history to run for more than 2,300 yards in a five-season period. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? In 2003, he led the Vikings to a 9-7 record; however they missed the playoffs. It has been more than 20 years since Daunte played his last game at UCF, and these days most recruits who visit the campus and football facility dont know much about him or just how special he was. This record would stand until Colt McCoy (Texas) finished the 2008 season with a completion percentage of 77.6%. In his first game at UCF in 1995, Daunte completed his first 12 passes and the memorable moments never stopped. A three-time Pro Bowl selection during his seven seasons with the Vikings, Culpepper's most successful season came in 2004 when he set the single-season record for the most total yardage produced by an NFL quarterback. Building off that success, Culpepper is running with the South Florida Rockets on the AAU circuit. Bruce Kluckhohn/USA TODAY Sports. While his mother was pregnant with him, she was serving time for armed robbery. [19] On December 12, 2006, Culpepper was placed on injured reserve, officially ending his 2006 season. Growing up, my Dad always told me to keep working hard and that it was always going to pay off, said Culpepper. UCF posted a 92 record, losing only to Purdue and Auburn. Daunte Culpepper's life story is a prime example of the effect good parenting can have on a child. There is no fallout or hidden story that divides him from the program. Culpepper has received interest from North Florida and plans on making visits to Central Florida, Florida State, and Memphis. In week 14, versus the Arizona Cardinals, Culpepper was benched in favor of third string quarterback Drew Stanton after a poor performance.[43]. Enter into Mars Club only sweepstakes, members-only giveaways, and discounts on Mars Reel merchandise and your favorite brands. Join our linker program. Over his 11-year NFL career, the 3-time pro bowler threw for 24,153 yards and 149 touchdowns. Frequently Asked Questions about the NFL and Football, Pro-Football-Reference.com Blog and Articles, Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREE. He threw 33 touchdowns, ran for seven more, and led the team to the NFC Championship game. Daunte Rachard Culpepper Position: QB Throws: Right 6-4 , 260lb (193cm, 117kg) Born: January 28 in Ocala, FL (Age: 46-028d) More bio, uniform, draft, salary info 3x Pro Bowl 12 11 8 8 11 SUMMARY Career G 105 AV 98 QBrec 41-59- Cmp% 63.0 Yds 24153 Y/A 7.6 TD 149 Int 106 FantPt 1765.4 Daunte Culpepper Overview Game Logs Career Postseason 1999 2000 As UCF embarks on a new era under Gus Malzahn, excitement for the football season is sky high. Due to his proficiency in the sport, he broke and rewrote all records most of which were held by Darin Slack. ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Rob Ninkovich and Jeff Darlington debate whether the Dolphins should try to land Lamar Jackson. According to the Associated Press, Culpepper said that if he was not traded, he wanted to be released. He played college football at UCF and was selected by the Vikings in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft. Check out the Daunte Culpepper Ultimate Legends 97 item on Madden NFL 23 - Ratings, Prices and more! [35] He would later turn down the offer from the Packers, $1 million for a one-year contract, claiming the deal was not good. Daunte Culpepper and Randy Moss formed one of the NFL's most-entertaining quarterback-wide receiver duos with the Minnesota Vikings. The restaurant -- a sports bar named Culpepper's -- was a nine-month project before it opened, the quarterback said, and he's spending the rest of his time with his wife and children in Florida. She found her in the same correctional facility she resided in. [23] The weekend previous to the report, Culpepper revealed that the second surgery, which was designed to address scar tissue in the knee, was more serious than anyone originally divulged, and called for a rehabilitation period of 46 months. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Do you have a sports website? In 1997, Daunte led UCF into Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, against legendary coach Tom Osborne and the Cornhuskers. He was eventually traded off to the Miami Dolphins. Culpepper, roughly 6-foot-4 and 260 lbs., was a standout at the University of Central Florida before being selected with the 11th overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. We were losing to teams we really werent supposed to be losing too. He continued to experience injuries and underperformances for the Raiders and Lions during his final three years in the league. These days Daunte keeps a low profile. (Complete Story), What Happened To Christian Ponder? Over his 11-year NFL career, the 3-time pro bowler threw for 24,153 yards and 149 touchdowns. He had been due a $2.5 million roster bonus later in February prior to the restructuring. Had a great arm and a knack for. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League (UFL). We present them here for purely educational purposes. If you do not want to select your favorites now, you can continue to Cuse.com and select your favorites later. Theme Teams. [14], Culpepper was not insistent on being traded to the Miami Dolphins, and orchestrated his trade without the services of his former agent. During the 2005 season, along with three other players, Culpepper was charged with indecent conduct, and disorderly conduct. In 2002, his struggle continued and he threw 18 touchdowns to 23 interceptions, leading his team to a 6-10 record. He finished his career sixth on the NCAAs all-time total offense list for all divisions with 12,459 yards and was responsible for 108 career touchdowns (84 passing). There were some understandable growing pains for Daunte and the family, but they soon began to look at each other as a family. At the end of the year he was selected to his first Pro Bowl. His performance improved even further in the 2004 season. . It turns out the sky was a lot lower than anyone thought. Culpepper was born on January 28, 1977, in Ocala, Florida. After his injury, he played sparingly in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, and Detroit Lions. Daunte couldnt have spoken higher of her after her death. Daunte Culpepper was the best player on the field and every Nebraska player and fan knew it before the first quarter ended. His poor grades put off the bigger Florida colleges, so he attended Central Florida. October 24, 2019. Only Vick (47.3 yds/g), Cunningham (30.6 yds/g), and Bobby Douglass (29.8 yds/g) have averaged more rushing yards per game during their QB careers. [28] He was finally released by the Dolphins on July 17. Daunte Culpepper was born on 28 January 1977, in Ocala, Florida, to Barbara Henderson, a single mother. Culpepper last played more than a decade ago, so what has the retired NFL quarterback been up to? Other than football, he has also made a guest appearance in the TV sitcom `George Lopez`, and a cameo appearance in the 2004 romantic comedy film `50 First Dates`. Daunte Culpepper had 149 touchdowns over his career. He remains the UCF record holder for touchdown passes, passing yards, 300-yard games and completion percentage. He was named the team`s starting quarterback in 2000, and he led his team to victory in the season`s first seven games. Eventually, he as accepted by the University of Central Florida, and he also committed to play for its football team. Now that you are logged in, it's time for you to select your favorites! Culpepper, roughly 6-foot-4 and 260 lbs., was a standout at the University of Central Florida before being selected with the 11 th overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. She raised all four of her brothers kids after he died. (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of John Randle (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Vikings WR Cris Carter (Complete Story). He was special. Culpepper was a guest star at the 2013 Super Bash event hosted by NFL UK in London. They start a family and raise children and venture into things away from the football field. There are no statistics available for this player. Some attribute this to his appearance on the cover of the Madden NFL 2002 video game, where he subsequently proceeded to have the worst year of his career until 2005, keeping with the superstition of the Madden Curse. He was the face of a UCF team that was making its transition into the highest level of competition in college football and led the charge of so many Knights road games in big stadiums against more famous brands. She was basically just on a mission always to help people. [47], Culpepper appeared in an episode of George Lopez, along with Donovan McNabb. The buzz for the new year has brought back some of those former Knights to meet the new coach, and some have even committed or added to their financial support of the program. A year after Daunte Culpepper went down with a career-altering knee injury, the Minnesota Vikings were hoping to find his replacement in the 2006 NFL Draft.. New Vikings head coach Brad Childress . The publication. After his junior season, he was being lured out of the collegiate ranks to enter the draft and join the NFL, but instead returned to UCF to play his senior year. Those are some of the schools that have become synonymous with Broward County high school hoops in recent seasons. Culpepper was born to a single mother, Barbara Henderson, who is the sister of former NFL linebacker Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson. Anybody that touched her life, she was always trying to better them, he said. In 2007, Culpepper was named to the FHSAA's All-Century Team that listed the top 33 football players in the state of Florida's 100-year history of high school football. Over the next season, he struggled and threw 14 touchdowns to 13 interceptions. Draft: Minnesota Vikings in the 1st round (11th overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft. Culpeppers career rushing average of 26.1 yards per game is fourth-best among quarterbacks in NFL history. Since then, he played sparingly in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, and Detroit Lions. Select your favorites. With coaching staff in place, what's next for Carolina Panthers? The Dolphins debated whether to pursue Culpepper or Drew Brees during the offseason. He was placed on injured reserve and began rehabilitation treatment near his home in Florida. Culpepper reportedly lost his 10,000-square foot home in South Florida to foreclosure last summer, and opened a restaurant near his alma mater (Central Florida) soon after. Your Favorites will also appear in your custom dropdown. Daunte Culpepper weighed 260 lbs (117 kg) when playing. Culpepper is represented by R. Totka of Athlete Promotions.[51]. He also passed for 3479 yards, 25 touchdowns, with 11 interceptions. This record would stand until Colt McCoy (Texas) finished the 2008 season with a completion percentage of 77.6%. But Culpepper tore his ACL just over a month later, and only started 20 NFL games in his next four seasons before turning up in the United Football League on his way to retirement. In the Dolphins initial mini-camp under first-year coach Cam Cameron, both the players struggled to move the offense. The team also features many of Culpeppers teammates at Stranahan, including Dave Herard, Inady Legiste, Daquoion Vickers and Chayses younger brother, Houston. I want to keep working on my dribbling, jumper and overall shooting. On December 28, 2008, the Lions became the first team in NFL history to go 016. Daunte Culpepper helped build the program, but on game days and throughout the season he rarely comes home. . (If you dont know what I mean, check it out HERE), I plan on doing it at some point, laughs Culpepper. But my memories of Minnesota were excellent -- every game was sold out. In early August, he made it public that he felt his knee was only about 8590% recovered. "All good memories," Culpepper said after the NFL International Series Fan Forum on Saturday. That's just how it happens in the business sometimes. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League (UFL). In July 2008, it was reported that the Detroit Lions were interested in signing Culpepper, but they never made an offer to him. He led the Vikings to victory in the first seven games of the season, and helped them finish 115 and advance to the NFC Championship game, where they were beat by the New York Giants 410. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. [45][46] However, the 49ers opted to sign Culpepper's former Oakland Raider teammate Josh McCown instead. Brees was coming back from a shoulder injury suffered the last game during the 2005 season. During the season, Culpepper passed for 3,937 yards, 33 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Culpepper made a comeback in 2003, leading the Vikings to a 97 record, although they missed the playoffs. Part of what makes Knight Nation so special is how we treat our own. He also made cameos in several Cash Money music videos. Culpepper also appeared in the movie 50 First Dates,[50] in the huddle and throwing a touchdown pass to Jim Kleinsasser when Sean Astin and Drew Barrymore were watching a football game. He also rushed for 470 yards and seven touchdowns. He also rushed for 470 yards and seven touchdowns. Culpepper played four games with the Lions before suffering a shoulder injury. That kind of woke us up for the playoffs. Daunte Culpeppers mother was in jail for a serious crime when she gave birth to him. Daunte Culpepper has never won a Super Bowl. [citation needed] Marquee football schools, such as the University of Miami and University of Florida, backed off from recruiting him when it was assumed he would not qualify. American Football Players, U.S. State: Florida, African-American From Florida, education: Vanguard High School, University of Central Florida, See the events in life of Daunte Culpepper in Chronological Order, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Daunte_Culpepper_cropped.JPG. The Knights lost that game, 38-24, but a sold out stadium of almost 80,000 gave a standing ovation to Daunte and the Knights for their performance that day. We had some games I wish we could have won, but overall, it was a positive experience for me. Culpepper continued to struggle in 2002, throwing 18 touchdowns to 23 interceptions and leading the Vikings to a 610 record. [16] However, he had an improved performance in the third game, winning 1310 over the Tennessee Titans who had the second to last ranked defense in the NFL. according to Jay Glazer -- the NFL insider revealed Tuesday that Daunte Culpepper and Zach Thomas ALMOST came to blows with the coach!!! A three-time Pro Bowl selection with the Vikings, Culpepper had a historic 2004 season in which he set a single-season record, since broken, for the most total yardage produced by a quarterback in NFL history (5,123). In the episode Culpepper is trying to recruit Jason McNamara, to play for Central Florida competing against McNabb who wants Jason to go to Syracuse.[49]. The former Vikings quarterback and wide receiver played. Today, his name is still all over the UCF record book. That really united us to work even harder to pull it off this year., Earlier in the year we were winning, but by the middle of the season we kind of went through a rough spell. [32] Due to his injury, Culpepper did not play in another game that season and was placed on injured reserve on December 26.[33][34]. Access ultra premium content such as behind-the-scenes action, health and fitness content, and exclusive shows. I dont know if its a lot of peoples favorite, but he is my favorite player, said Culpepper. Culpepper's exit from Minnesota was punctuated by a lengthy dispute with coach Brad Childress over how the quarterback would rehab his knee injury, and his last game with the Vikings came in a season tainted by the Vikings' now-famous "Love Boat" scandal during their bye week. Culpepper started all 11 games in which he appeared, missing the final five games of the season with a knee injury he suffered in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 2. Culpepper was traded to Nick Sabans Miami Dolphins in exchange for a second-round draft pick. He passed for 3937 yards, 33 touchdowns with 16 interceptions during the season. Ex-teammates say Culpepper will start in 2009 , Last edited on 15 February 2023, at 14:54, 2005 Minnesota Vikings boat cruise scandal, Most consecutive games with at least five touchdown passes, "Daunte Culpepper bio at JockBio website", "Culpepper's adoptive mother passes away", "Daunte Culpepper, Central Florida, QB, 1999 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football", "Daunte Culpepper, Combine Results, QB - Central Florida", "Childress' next rebuilding project is a big one -- Culpepper", "Miffed Culpepper requests trade or release from Vikings", "Williams sparks Cats in win over Dolphins", http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/football/15713421.htm, http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/football/15713504.htm, "Miami's Culpepper has more surgery on knee", Topic Galleries South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com, "MiamiHerald.com | 12/26/2006 | Daunte defends himself to ESPN", "Culpepper's future with Dolphins is dimming", "Dolphins tell Culpepper they're "going in a different direction", "Culpepper leaves practice field accompanied by security", "Frustrated Culpepper seeks NFLPA union intervention", "Injured Culpepper rests sore leg; McCown also hurt", "Packers pursuing Culpepper as possible backup", "Unable to find work, Culpepper retires from NFL", http://nationalpost.pa-sportsticker.com/default.aspx?s=nfl-news-display&nid=A17009181224617978A, "Sources: Culpepper drops visit with Chiefs", "Culpepper agrees to two-year deal with Lions", "Finally -- Culpepper is officially a Lion", "Ex-teammate says Culpepper will start at QB in 2009 | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press", "Lions to start No. While Chayse is writing his own story, its undeniable that his fathers athletic career has also made an impression. Culpepper saw this on TV from his box suite at Dolphin Stadium and immediately walked down to the ESPN booth and waited for Steve Young to finish, then Daunte confronted Young about it and said he has not missed any meetings and that's not who he is. The Yankees even drafted him in the 26th round of the 1994 MLB draft. Nor does he wonder what might have been had he stayed healthy. Later, his name also came in the `FHSAA`s All-Century Team` which listed the top 33 football players of high school football, in the last 100 years in Florida. Inside the Wayne Densch Sports Center the home of UCF football the hallways and team meeting room feature the names and pictures of former Knights who have gone on to play in the NFL.