(born Feb. 17, 1959) Neil Lomax started his fabled career on the fields of Lake Oswego High School. At Portland State University (1977-80), he started his freshman year as the Viking’s fifth string quarterback. After nine games, he took the helm. As a senior, he led the NCAA Division I-AA football in total yards (4,094), touchdown passes (37) and completions (296, and was seventh in the Heisman Trophy balloting. He remains second on the all-time total NCAA passing yards list.

Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals (1981-88), Lomax’s 82.7 career passing efficiency rating ranks ninth on the NFL’s All-Time Quarterback Ratings and his 4,614 passing yards (1984) ranks fifth highest for a single season in NFL history. Lomax earned pro bowl honors in 1984 and 1987. Lomax’s voodoo with the football avoids description on paper, but fan’s minds nationwide are filled with his countless acts of poetry.