He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes, earning consensus All-American honors and winning the Heisman Trophy in 1986.

After leaving as a free agent, he signed with the Cleveland Browns and was among the personnel transferred to the newly created Baltimore Ravens during a controversial relocation of the team.

In the last four seasons of his career, he played for the Dallas Cowboys, the Jets for a second time, New England Patriots, and Carolina Panthers for one year each.

While living in Elmont, New York, on Long Island, Testaverde attended Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, and graduated in 1981.

As a senior in 1986, he was a consensus first-team All-American and won the Heisman Trophy,[5][6][7] on his way to becoming the Hurricanes' all-time leader in career touchdown passes with 48.

[14] Testaverde played an important part in the University of Miami's history as one of the top college football programs of the 1980s and 1990s.

Along with Jim Kelly, Mark Richt, Bernie Kosar, Steve Walsh, Gino Torretta, Craig Erickson, and Ken Dorsey, Testaverde is considered part of the University of Miami's quarterback dynasty, and was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.

[29] His numbers continued to improve, and in the 1992 season, his last with Tampa Bay, he threw for a 57.5% completion rate for 2,554 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions.

[42] Ravens owner Art Modell complimented Testaverde on his loyalty to the team and his acceptance of the city of Baltimore.

[39][44] After trading for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jim Harbaugh, the Ravens released Testaverde prior to the 1998 season.

[48] Testaverde flourished in his first start, throwing four touchdown passes against the Indianapolis Colts and winning two straight games for the Jets.

[49] He went 12–1 in 13 games as a starter, completing 61.5% of his passes with 29 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a 101.6 quarterback rating, making the Pro Bowl for the second time.

[50][51] In a December game against the Seattle Seahawks, Testaverde was involved in a play that was cited as an impetus for the NFL's adoption of a new instant replay review system the next season.

[52] With the Jets trailing 31–26 and twenty seconds left in the game, Testaverde attempted to score on a quarterback sneak on fourth and goal from the Seattle five-yard line.

The Jets won the game 32–31 and the loss was said to have cost the Seahawks a playoff berth and coach Dennis Erickson his job.

With him under center, the Jets won the AFC East for the first time since the merger and earned a first-round bye, and a home Divisional Round playoff game against Jacksonville.

[70] He made cameo appearances to take the last snap in both the playoff-clinching game versus the Green Bay Packers and the 41–0 Wild Card Round win against the Indianapolis Colts.

[75][76] While many questioned his ability to still play in the NFL, the protection schemes and play-calling allowed him to showcase his arm, although with mixed results.

The Cowboys chose to instead sign Parcells' 1993 number one draft pick, Drew Bledsoe, as their top quarterback, leaving Testaverde without a contract.

[82] Testaverde was named the Jets' starting quarterback in week five of the 2005 season, in a home game against the team that originally drafted him, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

[citation needed] On November 14, 2006, the New England Patriots signed Testaverde as a backup to starter Tom Brady.

[90] On May 29, 2007, Testaverde stated his interest in returning to the Patriots for the 2007 NFL season,[91] and on July 13, 2007, confirmed this with Sporting News Radio.

[92][93] With Jake Delhomme out for the 2007 season due to an elbow injury he suffered in a Week 3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, and David Carr out with a sore back, the Panthers signed Testaverde on October 10, 2007.

[98] In that game, Testaverde led the Panthers in the longest opening drive for a touchdown in franchise history, consisting of 18 plays and lasting over 11 minutes.

In the second half, Testaverde left the field with a strained Achilles tendon, and was replaced by former Houston Texans quarterback David Carr.

[100] On November 18, Testaverde and the Panthers played at Lambeau Field against Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers for their Week 11 matchup.

During this game, Testaverde and Dante Rosario became the passer/receiver duo with the largest age gap between them (20 years, 346 days) to connect for a touchdown.

[110] As a player, Testaverde was commended for his arm strength but criticized for his lack of mobility and tendency to commit turnovers.