1999 Minnesota Vikings Washington Redskins Football Team Syracuse Orange football, Philadelphia Eagles (1994). Dates and Donovan McNabb joined. College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Donovan McNabb was the star quarterback of Syracuse University's football team from 1999 to 2003. During his three seasons as a starter, he led the Orangemen to a 29-3 record and earned All-American honors. After graduating from Syracuse in 2004, McNabb went on to have a successful career with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he started every game in 2005 and 2006 before suffering a knee injury that required surgery. He was drafted first overall by the Nets in the 2004 NBA draft but after one season decided to turn pro. McNabb's time at Syracuse was marked by success on and off the field. In addition to winning two Big East titles, he finished his career as the school record holder for total offense (12,095 yards) and touchdown passes (79). His 3,420 passing yards in 2000 are still a Syracuse single-season record. On January 19, 2001, McNabb threw for five touchdowns and had no interceptions in a 49-7 win over Army. He was also very active in community service during his time at Syracuse.