Don Majkowski is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He was born on February 25, 1964, in Buffalo, New York, and grew up in the Milwaukee area. Majkowski played college football at the University of Virginia, where he was the starting quarterback for three seasons.
Majkowski was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 10th round of the 1987 NFL Draft. He spent his first two seasons as a backup quarterback before becoming the starter in 1989. That season, he had a breakout year, throwing for 4,318 yards and 27 touchdowns, leading the Packers to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth. Majkowski was named to the Pro Bowl and was also named the NFL's Most Valuable Player by the Associated Press.
Majkowski's success was short-lived, however, as he suffered a serious shoulder injury early in the 1990 season. He missed most of that season and struggled in the following years, eventually losing his starting job to Brett Favre in 1992. Majkowski was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 1993, where he played for two seasons before being released.
Majkowski signed with the Detroit Lions in 1995 and played in a backup role for two seasons. He retired from the NFL after the 1996 season, finishing his career with 12,700 passing yards, 66 touchdowns, and 56 interceptions.
Despite his relatively short career, Majkowski is remembered as one of the most exciting quarterbacks of his era. He was known for his strong arm and his ability to make plays with his legs, earning him the nickname "The Majik Man." Majkowski's 1989 season remains one of the best by a Packers quarterback in franchise history, and he is still beloved by many Packers fans today.
After retiring from football, Majkowski has worked as a television analyst and has also been involved in various charitable organizations. He was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 2005.
🏈