Doug is a former NFL and CFL player. He was a superstar in the Canadian Football League. 

However, he is best known outside of Canada for his career at Boston College, where his "Hail Mary" pass on November 23, 1984 is considered among the greatest moments in college football history, and sports history. He received the Heisman Trophy later that year. He is also noted for his success despite an unusually small stature for an NFL quarterback (5'9" and 180 lbs.).

Television football commentator John Madden once said, "Inch for inch, Flutie in his prime was the best QB of his generation."

Doug has spent much of his career after football as a college football analyst.