Randall Cunningham's Collegiate Legacy: A UNLV Rebel

Randall Wade Cunningham Sr., born on March 27, 1963, is an American pastor and former professional football quarterback. Before his successful NFL career, Cunningham made a significant mark during his college years at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). This article delves into his college career, highlighting his statistics, achievements, and the lasting impact he had on the UNLV Rebels football program.

Early Life and College Choice

Cunningham, a native of Santa Barbara, California, chose to attend UNLV, where he would become a two-sport star, excelling as both a quarterback and a punter.

UNLV Career Overview

Cunningham played three seasons for the UNLV Rebels, leaving an indelible mark on the program. He showcased his dual-threat capabilities, amassing impressive statistics as both a passer and a punter.

Passing Statistics

During his time at UNLV, Cunningham threw for 8,020 yards and 59 touchdowns. His passing statistics, broken down by season, are as follows:

Season	Games	Comp	Att	Pct	Yds	Avg	Yds/G	TD	Int	RTG	TD%	INT%	SCK	SCKY
1982	11	200	381	52.5	2,847	7.5	258.8	17	12	123.7	4.5	3.1	-	-
1983	11	189	316	59.8	2,545	8.1	231.4	18	8	141.2	5.7	2.5	-	-
1984	12	207	332	62.3	2,628	7.9	219.0	24	9	147.3	7.2	2.7	-	-
Total	34	596	1,029	57.9	8,020	7.8	235.9	59	29	136.7	5.7	2.8	-	-

These numbers highlight Cunningham's growth and development as a quarterback. He increased his completion percentage each year and consistently produced a high number of touchdowns.

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Punting Accolades

What is particularly notable is that Cunningham earned first-team All-America honors as a punter in 1983 and second-team honors in 1984, while also receiving honorable mention as a quarterback during his senior year.

UNLV Records

Cunningham broke 18 UNLV records, including career marks for passing yards (8,020) and touchdown passes (59). He was also the career punting leader, with an average of 45.6 yards per punt.

Conference Recognition and Team Success

Cunningham was a two-time PCAA Offensive Player of the Year. He earned first-team all-conference honors three times as a punter and twice as a quarterback. In 1984, he led the Rebels to the conference title and earned MVP honors in their first-ever bowl game appearance, a victory in the California Bowl.

Hall of Fame Induction

Cunningham was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016 as a punter, though he also excelled as a quarterback. He averaged 45.2 yards per punt in three years, amassing 6,554 punting yards.

From College Star to NFL Legend

Cunningham's success at UNLV paved the way for a long and successful NFL career. He was drafted in the second round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles and went on to play for 17 years in the league. He played for the Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, and Baltimore Ravens.

NFL Career Highlights

Cunningham was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and ranks high in the NFL for career rushing yards by a quarterback. He was named the 1998 NFL Offensive Player of the Year while with the Vikings.

Legacy and Post-Football Life

After retiring from the NFL, Cunningham returned to UNLV to finish his degree in 2004. He was inducted into the UNLV Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997, and his No. 12 jersey was retired, making it the only football jersey in school history with that distinction.

Current Activities

Cunningham currently serves as head pastor at Remnant Ministries, which he founded with his wife Felicity in Las Vegas. He also served as the head football coach at Silverado High School, also in Las Vegas. More recently, from 2023-2025, Cunningham worked with UNLV Cross Country and Track and Field Director Carmelita Jeter at UNLV Rebels as a high jump coach after coaching club and professional athletes for a decade.

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