| abstract | - Clifford Lewis Stoudt (March 27, 1955) is a former American football quarterback for Youngstown State University and the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers. Drafted in the 5th round (121st overall) by the Steelers, Stoudt was the backup to Terry Bradshaw from 1977-1982 before taking over as starter during Bradshaw's injury-plagued and final season in 1983. Stoudt led the Steelers to a 9-2 start, but the team melted down late in the season. Steeler fans, accustomed to Terry Bradshaw's late game heroics, turned on Stoudt viciously. The Steelers managed to win the AFC Central with a 10-6 record and stumbled into the playoffs, but were quickly dispatched by the Los Angeles Raiders. After the 1983 season, Stoudt left Pittsburgh, signing with the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL. During the season opening March 11, 1984 game against the Pittsburgh Maulers at Three Rivers Stadium, Stoudt was heckled and pelted with snow balls by the fans. It would turn out to be the only sellout in the one season history of the Pittsburgh Maulers. After two seasons in the USFL in which he was in the top 5 in passing with such stars as Jim Kelly, Bobby Hebert, and Chuck Fusina, Stoudt returned to the NFL. He signed with the St. Louis Cardinals and stayed with them through the 1988 season when they moved to Phoenix. He spent his final NFL season with the Miami Dolphins, appearing in three games and never attempting a pass. He currently lives in Dublin, Ohio. His son, Cole, is currently enrolled at Clemson University as a quarterback. His son, Zack, is currently enrolled at Ole Miss as a quarterback.
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