Flutie

Flutie commonly refers to Doug Flutie, a former American‑Canadian football quarterback known for his college success, a long career in the Canadian Football League (CFL), and later appearances in the National Football League (NFL). Born in 1962 in Manchester, New Hampshire, he grew up in Massachusetts and played at Natick High School before starring at Boston College (1981–1984). He won the Heisman Trophy in 1984 and became renowned for his improvisational play and a late‑game Hail Mary pass to Gerard Phelan that secured a landmark victory over Miami.

After college, Flutie began a CFL career with the Calgary Stampeders and later the Toronto Argonauts. He helped lead the Argonauts to a Grey Cup championship in 1992 and was named the Grey Cup Most Valuable Player. His CFL success helped him secure a return to the NFL, where he played for the Buffalo Bills, the San Diego Chargers, and the New England Patriots. Despite entering the league as a late‑round prospect, Flutie became noted for his leadership, accuracy, and competitiveness, earning respect for extending a professional career into his 40s.

Flutie is also associated with the “Flutie Effect,” a term describing increased college applications and media attention for Boston College following his success. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and remains a prominent figure in both American and Canadian football histories.