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The NFL can be brutal and college football is no different. Compromise and rejection have become the norm for countless young quarterbacks. Playing quarterback in their youth, only to be told that their childhood dream is a fantasy, can be a tough pill to swallow. Sometimes it provides the fuel needed to prove their doubters wrong.
But for every player that bounces back, there are others who heed the advice. Lamar Jackson, the current Baltimore Ravens quarterback, pushed back defiantly ahead of the 2018 NFL Draft. Talent evaluators pleaded with him to try his hand as a receiver, as opposed to quarterback. Jackson declined before making his mark in the league as a Pro Bowl-caliber signal-caller.
Nevertheless, Jackson’s fairytale ending is the exception, rather than the rule. On countless occasions, college quarterbacks have been forced to ply their trade at different positions in the NFL. While it doesn’t happen often, numerous former quarterbacks swallowed their pride and did what they were told. Let’s take a look back at three of those instances.
#1 Tim Tebow
Tim Tebow’s game was incredibly awkward. The former University of Florida quarterback liked to barrel into defenders, picking up a huge chunk of yards down the field. While his release mechanics were unconventional, his timing and precision in college were second to none.
In his final year in the unpaid ranks, Tebow completed 67.8% of his passes. In college, he threw for 9,286 passing yards and 88 touchdowns, adding 2,947 rushing yards and 57 touchdowns on the ground.
Still, regardless of his success, Tebow’s penchant for making plays with his arms dissipated in the NFL. Urged to become a running back, Tebow ignored his critics and continued to fine-tune his passing game.
In his lone season as a full-time starter, Tebow racked up 1,729 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and six interceptions for the Denver Broncos. He also played a huge part in Denver's playoff win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning 29-23 on the first play in overtime.
His numbers weren't outstanding, but they weren't pathetic either. However, they weren't enough for the Broncos and Tebow was usurped by Peyton Manning a season later. From there, Tebow served as a backup for the New York Jets before failing to make the rosters of the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles.
He reluctantly tried his hand at baseball before ultimately returning to the NFL in 2021, this time as a tight end. Tebow added a considerable amount of muscle to his already stocky frame in an attempt to prove that he deserved a roster spot. Although his physique was impressive, the rest of his game wasn't, as he was cut by the Jaguars and pushed out of the NFL. This time, seemingly for good.
#2 Julian Edelman
Kent State University hasn’t produced many NFL pros, let alone quarterbacks. Julian Edelman, their signal-caller from 2006 to 2008, attempted to buck that trend. Despite being armed with determination, guts and unfathomable will, Edelman struggled to get on the radar of pro scouts.
During his final season at Kent State, he produced career-highs across the board, but the results were lacking. Edelman wrapped up his collegiate career that campaign, throwing for 1,820 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Edelman was given his shot in the NFL after being taken in the seventh round by the New England Patriots. The franchise saw something special in Edelman, placing him in the slot. The rest is history.
Edelman played a major role on three championship-winning teams. At his very best, he was a 1,000 yard receiver in the NFL. He was able to quickly get in and out of his cuts before leaving defenders in the dust.
#1 Terrelle Pryor
Terrelle Pryor worked tirelessly to prove his doubters wrong. After being viewed as a bottom-of-the-barrel quarterback at Ohio State University, Pryor returned as a changed man during his final season in 2010. He torched defenders with 2,772 passing yards, while completing 65% of his passes, resulting in 27 touchdowns.
NFL scouts were enticed by his incredibly broad shoulders and willingness to meet contact head-on. Pryor was drafted as a quarterback by the Oakland Raiders in the 2011 NFL draft. He barely played a game in his first two years with the Raiders, but saw some game time in 2013. Later that season, he damaged his MCL, which hindered his game time and his performances.
In 2014, he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks but did not make the roster. In 2015, Pryor was picked up and quickly released by both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals. Next, the Cleveland Browns took a chance on him. He was initially cut and then re-signed by the Browns and played one game at the end of the season.
While he was initially reluctant to try his hand at receiver, Pryor made the switch and recorded 1,007 yards in the 2016 season. Ultimately, however, Pryor’s newfound success was transient as he began bouncing around the league. He played for the Washington Redskins (now Commanders), the Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets before leaving the NFL at the age of 29.
