He’s a journeyman quarterback in the National Football League, and his path to the pros started back in 2006 when he was picked in the second round of the NFL Draft by the New York Jets. Before that, he made a name for himself playing college football at the University of Oregon, where he really began to shine. But even before college, he was already making waves. As a standout at Burns High School, he led the Hilanders all the way to the Oregon state 3A championship game in 1999—talk about an impressive high school career.
During those early years, he earned some serious recognition, including being named a USA Today All-American, which isn’t something just anyone can claim. Oh, and did we mention he was also crowned the Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year? That just goes to show how dominant he was on the field even before going pro.
Off the field, life looks pretty great too. He shares his journey with his wife, Nicole, and together they’ve built a family with two kids. Family clearly means a lot to him—he grew up with four sisters, so being surrounded by loved ones isn’t anything new. All in all, his story is one of perseverance, talent, and balance—both as a player and a person.
Off the field, he’s deeply rooted in a long-standing family tradition—being a sixth generation cattle rancher. Growing up, he spent much of his time out on the open range, learning the ropes and helping to herd cattle across his family’s sprawling 3,500-acre ranch. As a sixth generation cattle rancher, he carries on a legacy that’s been passed down through decades, shaping not just his work ethic but also his identity. Being a sixth generation cattle rancher means more than just a job to him—it’s a way of life that has influenced who he is both on and off the field.