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The NFL keeps moving fast, and quarterback play still sits at the center of almost every major storyline. From playoff races to draft buzz, trade talks, and record-setting performances, the league continues to reward players who can lead on the field and handle pressure off it. Some of the biggest names at quarterback also built strong academic records before reaching the NFL.
That is what makes this group stand out. These quarterbacks did not only become known for their arm strength, mobility, or game management. They also earned degrees, posted strong grades, and built careers that went beyond football.
MORE: Houston Texans top executive clears the air on future of C.J. Stroud
Here is a look at 10 NFL quarterbacks and their educational backgrounds.
Confetti falls as Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates after defeating the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Patrick Mahomes is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. He became the Chiefs’ starter in 2018 and immediately turned into one of the league’s biggest stars. In that season, he threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns, won NFL MVP, and later led Kansas City to Super Bowl LIV, where he earned Super Bowl MVP. He also won Super Bowl LVII in 2023 and Super Bowl LVIII in 2024.
Mahomes played college football at Texas Tech University. He entered college as a multi-sport athlete and became one of the best passers in the country. In 2016, he led the FBS in passing yards with 5,052 and total yards with 5,337. He was also named a second-team Academic All-American and the Big 12 Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He studied marketing at Texas Tech.
Dec 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Fox broadcaster Tom Brady is seen prior to the game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Tom Brady is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2000 and won six Super Bowls with the team before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. He then won Super Bowl LV with Tampa Bay. Across his career, he became a seven-time Super Bowl champion and the NFL’s all-time leader in many passing and winning records.
Brady played college football at the University of Michigan. He studied in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and earned a Bachelor of General Studies in December 1999. The document also notes an emphasis in business and psychology, Academic All-Big Ten honors in 1996, 1997, and 1998, and an award as Academic All-Big Ten for Football in 1998. He was also team captain in 1999 and helped lead Michigan to major bowl wins. The resume also shows he worked summer jobs in sales, club management, and event security while in college.
Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is interviewed after defeating the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Dak Prescott became the Cowboys’ quarterback in 2016 after entering the NFL as a fourth-round pick. He stepped in as a rookie, set several records, and won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He has remained one of the key leaders of the Cowboys since then.
Prescott played at Mississippi State University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2014 and later completed a master’s degree in workforce education leadership in 2015. In college, he helped Mississippi State reach No. 1 in the nation in 2014. He also won the Conerly Trophy in 2014 and 2015, was named Senior Bowl Most Outstanding Player in 2016, and made the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) reacts after the game against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Jalen Hurts entered the NFL in 2020 after being selected by the Eagles in the second round. He developed into one of the league’s top quarterbacks and led Philadelphia to Super Bowl LVII. He has also earned Pro Bowl recognition and was a finalist for MVP.
Hurts earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations and information sciences from the University of Alabama in 2018 after three years. He then transferred to the University of Oklahoma and played one season there in 2019, helping lead the Sooners to the Big 12 Championship. In 2023, he completed a master’s degree in human relations from Oklahoma. His academic path shows the same discipline that he brings to football.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Former Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning in attendance before Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Peyton Manning is a Hall of Fame quarterback and one of the most accomplished players in NFL history. He played 18 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, won five NFL MVP awards, and earned two Super Bowl rings.
Manning played college football at the University of Tennessee. He completed his degree in just three years and earned a bachelor’s degree in communication in 1997. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa and won the National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete Award. His college career built the foundation for both his football and leadership reputation.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) walks off of the field after the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Drake Maye entered the NFL in 2024 and quickly became the Patriots’ franchise quarterback. In his first season, he showed strong promise and gave New England a long-term answer at the position.
Maye played college football at the University of North Carolina. He was named to the All-ACC Academic Football Team in 2023, which reflected at least a 3.0 GPA. He also had a 3.2 GPA in business administration. Before turning pro, he was known as both a productive quarterback and a strong student.
Feb 5, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford posts with the NFL Honors most valuable player trophy at Palace of Fine Arts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Matthew Stafford entered the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft after a strong college run at Georgia. He later won Super Bowl LVI with the Rams and has built a long career as one of the league’s most durable and productive passers.
The information provided focuses more on his early life and family than on his degree. Stafford attended Highland Park High School and was one of the best quarterback recruits in the country. At Georgia, he built his football profile before entering the NFL. He also has a record of major philanthropy, including donations to the University of Georgia and other causes.
Feb 6, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers holds the Lombardi Trophy while celebrating with linebacker Clay Matthews (left) after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Rodgers became one of the NFL’s biggest names after starring with the Green Bay Packers and later joining the New York Jets. He is a Super Bowl champion and a four-time league MVP.
Rodgers began at Butte Community College before transferring to the University of California, Berkeley, where he played for the Golden Bears in 2003 and 2004. He majored in American Studies but did not finish a traditional undergraduate degree before leaving for the NFL. In 2018, he received an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from the Medical College of Wisconsin for his charitable work, especially in childhood cancer research.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sam Darnold has played for multiple NFL teams and, in his first season with Seattle, helped lead the Seahawks to a strong year and a division title. He entered the NFL in 2018 as the third overall pick after two seasons at USC.
Darnold attended the University of Southern California after redshirting his freshman year. He took over as starter in 2016, led USC to a Rose Bowl win, and followed that with another strong season in 2017. The information provided does not list a completed degree, but his college career established him as a top NFL prospect.
Dec 27, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks downfield against the Houston Texans during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Justin Herbert attended Sheldon High School in Eugene, Oregon, before going to the University of Oregon. He played four seasons for the Ducks and chose to return for his senior year in 2019 instead of entering the NFL draft early. Herbert was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020 and became the team’s starting quarterback in his rookie season. He earned a bachelor’s degree in general science with a focus on biology and won the 2019 William V. Campbell Trophy.
MORE: When is the 2026 NFL Schedule expected to be released?
These quarterbacks show that success in the NFL can go hand in hand with education. Some earned advanced degrees, some finished strong undergraduate programs, and others built academic records that matched their football success. Their careers prove that intelligence, preparation, and discipline matter as much off the field as they do on it.
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That is what makes this group stand out. These quarterbacks did not only become known for their arm strength, mobility, or game management. They also earned degrees, posted strong grades, and built careers that went beyond football.
MORE: Houston Texans top executive clears the air on future of C.J. Stroud
Here is a look at 10 NFL quarterbacks and their educational backgrounds.
1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
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Confetti falls as Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrates after defeating the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Patrick Mahomes is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. He became the Chiefs’ starter in 2018 and immediately turned into one of the league’s biggest stars. In that season, he threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns, won NFL MVP, and later led Kansas City to Super Bowl LIV, where he earned Super Bowl MVP. He also won Super Bowl LVII in 2023 and Super Bowl LVIII in 2024.
Mahomes played college football at Texas Tech University. He entered college as a multi-sport athlete and became one of the best passers in the country. In 2016, he led the FBS in passing yards with 5,052 and total yards with 5,337. He was also named a second-team Academic All-American and the Big 12 Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He studied marketing at Texas Tech.
2. Tom Brady, last played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Dec 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Fox broadcaster Tom Brady is seen prior to the game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Tom Brady is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2000 and won six Super Bowls with the team before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. He then won Super Bowl LV with Tampa Bay. Across his career, he became a seven-time Super Bowl champion and the NFL’s all-time leader in many passing and winning records.
Brady played college football at the University of Michigan. He studied in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and earned a Bachelor of General Studies in December 1999. The document also notes an emphasis in business and psychology, Academic All-Big Ten honors in 1996, 1997, and 1998, and an award as Academic All-Big Ten for Football in 1998. He was also team captain in 1999 and helped lead Michigan to major bowl wins. The resume also shows he worked summer jobs in sales, club management, and event security while in college.
3. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
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Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is interviewed after defeating the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Dak Prescott became the Cowboys’ quarterback in 2016 after entering the NFL as a fourth-round pick. He stepped in as a rookie, set several records, and won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He has remained one of the key leaders of the Cowboys since then.
Prescott played at Mississippi State University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2014 and later completed a master’s degree in workforce education leadership in 2015. In college, he helped Mississippi State reach No. 1 in the nation in 2014. He also won the Conerly Trophy in 2014 and 2015, was named Senior Bowl Most Outstanding Player in 2016, and made the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
4. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) reacts after the game against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Jalen Hurts entered the NFL in 2020 after being selected by the Eagles in the second round. He developed into one of the league’s top quarterbacks and led Philadelphia to Super Bowl LVII. He has also earned Pro Bowl recognition and was a finalist for MVP.
Hurts earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations and information sciences from the University of Alabama in 2018 after three years. He then transferred to the University of Oklahoma and played one season there in 2019, helping lead the Sooners to the Big 12 Championship. In 2023, he completed a master’s degree in human relations from Oklahoma. His academic path shows the same discipline that he brings to football.
5. Peyton Manning, Retired
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Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Former Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning in attendance before Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Peyton Manning is a Hall of Fame quarterback and one of the most accomplished players in NFL history. He played 18 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, won five NFL MVP awards, and earned two Super Bowl rings.
Manning played college football at the University of Tennessee. He completed his degree in just three years and earned a bachelor’s degree in communication in 1997. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa and won the National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete Award. His college career built the foundation for both his football and leadership reputation.
6. Drake Maye, New England Patriots
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Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) walks off of the field after the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Drake Maye entered the NFL in 2024 and quickly became the Patriots’ franchise quarterback. In his first season, he showed strong promise and gave New England a long-term answer at the position.
Maye played college football at the University of North Carolina. He was named to the All-ACC Academic Football Team in 2023, which reflected at least a 3.0 GPA. He also had a 3.2 GPA in business administration. Before turning pro, he was known as both a productive quarterback and a strong student.
7. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
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Feb 5, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford posts with the NFL Honors most valuable player trophy at Palace of Fine Arts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Matthew Stafford entered the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft after a strong college run at Georgia. He later won Super Bowl LVI with the Rams and has built a long career as one of the league’s most durable and productive passers.
The information provided focuses more on his early life and family than on his degree. Stafford attended Highland Park High School and was one of the best quarterback recruits in the country. At Georgia, he built his football profile before entering the NFL. He also has a record of major philanthropy, including donations to the University of Georgia and other causes.
8. Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
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Feb 6, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers holds the Lombardi Trophy while celebrating with linebacker Clay Matthews (left) after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Rodgers became one of the NFL’s biggest names after starring with the Green Bay Packers and later joining the New York Jets. He is a Super Bowl champion and a four-time league MVP.
Rodgers began at Butte Community College before transferring to the University of California, Berkeley, where he played for the Golden Bears in 2003 and 2004. He majored in American Studies but did not finish a traditional undergraduate degree before leaving for the NFL. In 2018, he received an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from the Medical College of Wisconsin for his charitable work, especially in childhood cancer research.
9. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
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Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sam Darnold has played for multiple NFL teams and, in his first season with Seattle, helped lead the Seahawks to a strong year and a division title. He entered the NFL in 2018 as the third overall pick after two seasons at USC.
Darnold attended the University of Southern California after redshirting his freshman year. He took over as starter in 2016, led USC to a Rose Bowl win, and followed that with another strong season in 2017. The information provided does not list a completed degree, but his college career established him as a top NFL prospect.
10. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
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Dec 27, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks downfield against the Houston Texans during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Justin Herbert attended Sheldon High School in Eugene, Oregon, before going to the University of Oregon. He played four seasons for the Ducks and chose to return for his senior year in 2019 instead of entering the NFL draft early. Herbert was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020 and became the team’s starting quarterback in his rookie season. He earned a bachelor’s degree in general science with a focus on biology and won the 2019 William V. Campbell Trophy.
MORE: When is the 2026 NFL Schedule expected to be released?
Conclusion
These quarterbacks show that success in the NFL can go hand in hand with education. Some earned advanced degrees, some finished strong undergraduate programs, and others built academic records that matched their football success. Their careers prove that intelligence, preparation, and discipline matter as much off the field as they do on it.
Continue reading...
