C.J. Beathard Bio
Casey Jarrett Beathard, commonly known as C.J. Beathard, is an American professional football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 216 pounds, he has built his career as a reliable backup and occasional starter since entering the league in 2017. A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Beathard played his college football at the University of Iowa before being selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Over the course of his professional career, Beathard has spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, the Jacksonville Jaguars on two occasions, and the Miami Dolphins practice squad, before joining the Detroit Lions in 2025. While he has not been a full-time starter for most of his career, he has stepped in during key moments and delivered several notable performances, earning a reputation for toughness and composure under pressure.
Early Life and Background
Casey Jarrett Beathard was born on November 16, 1993, in Nashville, Tennessee. He grew up in a family deeply connected to both professional football and country music, which shaped his early exposure to competitive sports. Beathard attended Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee, where he played high school football for the Battle Ground Academy Wildcats.
During his time at Battle Ground Academy, Beathard developed into a promising quarterback prospect, drawing attention from college recruiters across the country. After completing his high school career, he committed to the University of Iowa to play college football, opting to follow in the football footsteps of his family despite the strong musical background that surrounded him at home.
Path to American Football
Beathard’s path to professional football began with his commitment to the University of Iowa, where he joined a program known for its disciplined approach under head coach Kirk Ferentz. His development at Iowa was gradual, as he spent his early college seasons learning behind more experienced quarterbacks while contributing in limited roles.
Over time, Beathard earned the starting job and led the Hawkeyes through some of the most successful seasons in the program’s recent history. His strong performance at the collegiate level eventually placed him on the radar of NFL scouts, leading to his invitation to the 2017 Senior Bowl and his participation in Iowa’s pro day, where all 32 NFL teams sent representatives to evaluate him.
C.J. Beathard Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
The San Francisco 49ers selected Beathard in the third round, 104th overall, of the 2017 NFL Draft, making him the sixth quarterback taken that year. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $3.52 million, including a signing bonus of $706,288. During training camp, he competed with Matt Barkley and Nick Mullens for the backup role behind starter Brian Hoyer, and head coach Kyle Shanahan ultimately named Beathard the backup to begin the regular season.
Beathard made his NFL debut on October 15, 2017, against the Washington Redskins, stepping in for Hoyer in the second quarter and throwing his first career touchdown pass, a 45-yard strike to Aldrick Robinson. After the game, he was named the team’s starter. He went on to appear in seven games during his rookie season, completing 123 of 224 passes for 1,430 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions, while also rushing for 136 yards and three touchdowns. In 2018, he began the year as the backup to Jimmy Garoppolo, but after Garoppolo tore his ACL in Week 3, Beathard took over as the starter.
San Francisco 49ers Tenure (2017–2020)
During the 2018 season, Beathard started several games for the 49ers, posting a career-high 349 passing yards against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5. He also connected with fellow Iowa alum George Kittle for an 82-yard touchdown in a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. However, a wrist injury in Week 8 ended his season early, and he finished the year with 1,252 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
In 2019, Beathard saw no regular-season playing time as Garoppolo returned from injury and Nick Mullens served as the primary backup. He returned to action in 2020, appearing in relief of both Mullens and Garoppolo during the season. On December 22, 2020, Beathard was named the starter for the Week 16 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, where he threw for 182 yards and three touchdowns in a 20–12 road victory, marking his second career NFL win.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2021–2024)
On March 24, 2021, Beathard signed a two-year, $5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He served primarily as the backup to Trevor Lawrence during his time in Jacksonville, but he did see meaningful action in late 2023. On December 4, 2023, against the Cincinnati Bengals, Beathard led a late fourth-quarter drive that resulted in a game-tying field goal with 26 seconds remaining, though the Jaguars ultimately lost in overtime, 34–31.
On February 24, 2023, Beathard signed a contract extension with the Jaguars, but he was released on an injury settlement on August 27, 2024, as part of final roster cuts. Later that year, on November 6, 2024, he was re-signed by Jacksonville off the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad for a second stint with the team.
Detroit Lions Era (2025–Present)
On September 4, 2025, Beathard signed with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad, joining an organization with championship aspirations. His addition provides the Lions with a veteran presence and a dependable option at the quarterback position in case of injury.
Beathard’s experience across multiple teams and schemes makes him a valuable insurance policy for Detroit as they navigate the 2025 season. While his role may be limited on the practice squad, his readiness to step in when called upon remains an asset for the franchise.
Driving Style and Strengths
Beathard is widely regarded for his toughness and poise in the pocket, frequently absorbing heavy hits while continuing to deliver accurate throws. His mobility allows him to extend plays with his legs, as evidenced by his multiple rushing touchdowns during his 49ers tenure. Teammates and coaches have consistently praised his leadership and competitive spirit, particularly during high-pressure moments late in games.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Beathard’s career are his first career NFL touchdown pass against the Washington Redskins in 2017 and his 82-yard connection with George Kittle the following season. His game-winning performance against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16 of the 2020 season stands as one of his most memorable starts, and his fourth-quarter rally against the Bengals in 2023 further cemented his reputation as a clutch performer.
C.J. Beathard Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, C.J. Beathard has accumulated multiple wins as a starter and reliever, though he has primarily served in a backup capacity. His most notable victories include a Week 10 win over the New York Giants in 2017 and the Week 16 road victory against the Arizona Cardinals in 2020.
NFL Game Highlights
Beathard’s first NFL win came during the 2017 season in a 31–21 victory over the New York Giants, where he completed 19 of 25 passes for 288 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, while also rushing for a touchdown. His most recent standout win took place on December 26, 2020, when he led the 49ers past the Arizona Cardinals by a score of 20–12, throwing for 182 yards and three touchdowns.
Other Wins & Performances
In addition to his NFL performances, Beathard enjoyed significant success at the collegiate level, helping lead the Iowa Hawkeyes to an undefeated 12–0 regular season in 2015. He was named second-team All-Big Ten that year, and his leadership helped the team reach the Rose Bowl, though they ultimately fell to the Stanford Cardinal.
C.J. Beathard Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Beathard comes from a family with deep roots in both professional football and country music. His father, Casey Beathard, is a well-known country music songwriter. His brother, Tucker Beathard, is a country music singer. His grandfather, Bobby Beathard, was a former NFL executive and Pro Football Hall of Famer, while his great-uncle, Pete Beathard, was a former NFL quarterback.
Personal Life
On December 21, 2019, Beathard’s younger brother, Clay Beathard, the starting quarterback for the LIU Sharks, was fatally stabbed outside a bar in Nashville, Tennessee. The tragedy deeply affected Beathard and his family, and he has often spoken about the importance of family in his life.
2025 Season Performance
As of the 2025 season, C.J. Beathard is a member of the Detroit Lions’ practice squad, where he provides veteran depth at the quarterback position. The Lions have positioned themselves as contenders in the NFC, and Beathard’s presence on the roster offers stability and experience should the need arise for him to step into action.
While Beathard’s on-field role with Detroit may be limited, his leadership in the locker room and his preparation on the practice squad are valuable contributions to the team’s success. His career track record of stepping up in critical moments makes him a trusted reserve for head coach Dan Campbell and the Lions’ coaching staff.
Looking ahead, Beathard remains focused on being ready whenever his number is called, continuing the resilient approach that has defined his career since being drafted in 2017.