Rusty Hilger Rusty Hilger ( pronounced " hil jer " , born May 9 , 1962 , in Oklahoma City ) is a former professional National Football League American football player . He played quarterback eight seasons for the Los Angeles Raiders ( 1985 – 1987 ) , Detroit Lions ( 1988 ) , Indianapolis Colts ( 1990 ) and Seattle Seahawks ( 1991 - 1992 ) . Oklahoma State University . Rusty Hilger played college football at Oklahoma State University , and is regarded as the most accomplished quarterback in school history . In 1983 , the Cowboys finished 8 - 4 and Hilger was recognized as the Most Valuable Player in the 1983 Bluebonnet Bowl . In 1984 , Hilger and the OSU Cowboys would change the course of Oklahoma State football . The Cowboys opened the season with a 45 - 3 victory over top ranked Arizona State University , earning Hilger Big - 8 " Player of the Week " honors . The Cowboys only losses came on the road against # 1 ranked Nebraska and # 2 ranked Oklahoma to finish with a 10 - 2 record , the best finish and highest ranking ( # 5 ) in school history . The Cowboys final come - from - behind touchdown drive in the Gator Bowl against the University of South Carolina remains as one the most memorable moments . East - West Shrine Game . In early 1985 , the Senior Quarterback was selected to play in the 60th Annual East West Shrine Game at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto , California . Hilger and University of Nevada Las Vegas Quarterback Randall Cunningham were teamed to play for ( 1984 National Champion ) Head Coach LaVell Edwards of Brigham Young University . For the first time , Hilger ' s talent would be on display in a pro - style offense under the watchful eyes of NFL owners , coaches , and scouts . NFL career . With the 143rd pick of the 1985 NFL Draft , the Los Angeles Raiders selected Rusty Hilger . After two seasons as a Raider , Al Davis named Rusty as the starting quarterback for the 1987 season . Rusty was the youngest starting quarterback in Raider franchise history . Rusty and the Raiders opened the season 2 - 0 before the 1987 NFL Players Association strike halted play and replacement players took the field . In 1988 , Rusty underwent a knee surgery that would change the course of his career . Unknown at the time , Rusty ' s bone - on - bone chronic arthritis knee would cause his termination from the Raiders . After missing the first 5 games of the 1988 season , the Detroit Lions signed Hilger to a contract as a backup . Only 6 days after arriving in Detroit , Hilger was forced into action . With little time to study the offense , Hilger entered the Chicago Bears game down 17 - 0 . Like playing in the school yard as a kid , Hilger drew plays in the dirt , attempted a career high 43 passes , and tossed a touchdown in the 17 - 7 loss . By season end , Hilger would receive his most gratifying honor as an NFL player - the " Most Valuable Player " Award . In 1989 , the Detroit Lions released Hilger . In 1990 , Hilger got a call from former Raider Head Coach Tom Flores . He had been named as the General Manager for the Seattle Seahawks . Hilger signed with the Seahawks , however , he was was released prior to the first game . Hilger then got a call from former Raider Offensive Coordinator Larry Kennan , who was now coaching with the Indianapolis Colts . Hilger signed with the Indianapolis Colts and spent the remainder of the season in Indy . At seasons end , Coach Larry Kennan joined former Raider Head Coach Tom Flores in Seattle . Rusty remained under contract with the Colts until being released by the Colts just days season 1991 opener . Rusty then resigned with the Seattle Seahawks to play the 1991 - 1992 seasons with Head Coach Tom Flores and Offensive Coordinator Larry Kennan . By the end of 1992 , Rusty ' s chronic arthritis was meant an end to his NFL career . Post NFL Career . Rusty is currently the Chairman and CEO of Rusty Hilger Ventures Ltd - which oversees concept design , development , and recruitment of assets for business to business services to include : commercial roofing and construction , senior living facilities , and silica reduction filters for oil and gas production . Rusty is also the Co - Founder of Club Paradise Travel - an internet based travel company featuring next generation booking engine technology - focused in the leisure travel & tourism industry .