Jeff Driskel Bio
Jeffrey Matthew Driskel, born on April 23, 1993, in Oviedo, Florida, is an American professional football quarterback currently playing in the National Football League (NFL). He is best known for his college career with the Florida Gators and Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, followed by a journeyman professional path that has taken him across several NFL franchises. As of the most recent reporting, Driskel is a member of the Washington Commanders, where he contributes as a versatile and experienced signal-caller.
Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 231 pounds, Driskel combines the size and arm strength expected of an NFL quarterback with the mobility that has defined much of his playing style. Over the course of his professional career, he has developed a reputation as a dependable backup who can step into a starting role when called upon. His journey from a celebrated high school prospect to a steady NFL veteran has spanned more than a decade.
Early Life and Background
Jeffrey Matthew Driskel grew up in Oviedo, Florida, a suburb of Orlando, where he developed an early passion for competitive sports. He attended Paul J. Hagerty High School, where he played both football and baseball, quickly establishing himself as a multi-sport athlete with significant upside. As a quarterback, he put together an impressive high school resume, throwing for 4,844 yards and 36 touchdowns over the course of his prep career.
Driskel’s talent drew national recognition during his senior season in 2010, when he was selected for the Elite 11 quarterback competition and earned the MVP award, finishing first among the country’s top high school passers. That same year, he was honored as the Maxwell Football Club National High School Player of the Year and the Gatorade Florida Player of the Year. Recruiting services Rivals.com and Scout.com ranked him as the best pro-style quarterback in his class, a clear sign of his high-ceiling potential.
Beyond football, Driskel was also a notable baseball prospect. His athletic ability was significant enough that the Boston Red Sox selected him with the 863rd overall pick in the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft. Though he signed a contract, he had no intention of abandoning his football path, and the baseball opportunity remained secondary to his primary sport.
Path to Professional Football
Driskel accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida, where he played for head coach Will Muschamp and the Florida Gators. As a freshman, he appeared in five games, completing 16 of 34 passes for 148 yards with two interceptions. His strong arm and physical tools earned him the starting role as a sophomore in 2012, a season in which he led the Gators to an 11–2 record and a berth in the 2013 Sugar Bowl, a game Florida ultimately lost to Louisville.
After starting three games in 2013, Driskel broke his right fibula in a contest against Tennessee, an injury that forced him to miss the remainder of the season. He returned healthy in 2014 and opened the year as Florida’s starter but was eventually benched in favor of Treon Harris, a turning point that led to his decision to seek a fresh start. On January 3, 2015, he was granted a release from Florida and transferred to Louisiana Tech University.
At Louisiana Tech, Driskel reinvented his game. In his lone season with the Bulldogs, he passed for 4,026 yards and threw 27 touchdowns, earning recognition as the Conference USA Newcomer of the Year in 2015. His strong senior campaign helped restore his draft stock and set the stage for his professional career.
Jeff Driskel Career
Early Career (2016)
Driskel was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the 207th overall pick. The pick was acquired through a trade that sent tight end Vernon Davis to the Denver Broncos. Shortly after the draft, the 49ers signed Driskel to a four-year, $2.45 million contract that included a signing bonus of $112,539. He entered training camp as the team’s fourth quarterback on the depth chart but competed for a roster spot following a season-ending injury to Thad Lewis.
Despite his efforts, Driskel was released by the 49ers as part of final roster cuts on September 3, 2016. Just one day later, on September 4, 2016, he was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals, where he began his tenure as the third-string quarterback behind veterans Andy Dalton and A. J. McCarron.
Cincinnati Bengals (2016–2018)
Driskel’s first two seasons in Cincinnati were spent primarily in a developmental role. On September 4, 2017, he was placed on injured reserve, limiting his on-field exposure. His regular-season NFL debut came in Week 7 of the 2018 season, when he entered a game in relief of Andy Dalton and completed all four of his pass attempts for 39 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Later that season, Driskel was thrust into a larger role when Dalton suffered a season-ending thumb injury. In a Week 12 game against the Cleveland Browns, Driskel threw his first professional touchdown, connecting with wide receiver Tyler Boyd, and added a rushing touchdown. He started the final five games of the season for the Bengals, finishing 1–4 as a starter while passing for 764 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions.
Detroit Lions (2019)
On September 17, 2019, Driskel signed with the Detroit Lions. His opportunity came in Week 10 when starter Matthew Stafford was inactive due to injury. In that start against the Chicago Bears, Driskel threw for 269 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He followed that performance with a Week 11 start against the Dallas Cowboys, throwing for 209 yards and two touchdowns while adding 51 rushing yards and a score on the ground.
After a Week 12 loss to the Washington Redskins, Driskel was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Rookie David Blough took over the remaining five starts for Detroit, all of which ended in losses.
Denver Broncos (2020–2021)
Driskel signed a two-year contract with the Denver Broncos on March 27, 2020. His first significant action came on September 20, 2020, when he relieved an injured Drew Lock during a Week 2 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, passing for 256 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The following week, Driskel made his first start as a Bronco against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, throwing for 176 yards, one touchdown, and one interception before being benched in the fourth quarter of a 28–10 loss.
On November 26, 2020, Driskel was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list after testing positive for the virus and was later fined alongside other Broncos quarterbacks for violating team COVID-19 protocols. He was activated on December 16, 2020, before being released by Denver on May 3, 2021.
Houston Texans (2021–2022)
On May 20, 2021, Driskel signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans. After being released at the end of August, he was re-signed to the practice squad the following day and promoted to the active roster on October 16. In a notable positional change, Driskel converted from quarterback to tight end on November 18, 2021, playing the position for the first time in his career before being placed on injured reserve on December 22.
Driskel re-signed with the Texans on March 18, 2022, but was again released on August 30 before being re-signed to the practice squad the next day. He was promoted to the active roster on December 14, 2022.
Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns (2023–2024)
Driskel signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals on April 17, 2023. He moved between the active roster and the practice squad multiple times during the season, including an elevation to back up Clayton Tune against the Cleveland Browns on November 4, 2023. On December 29, 2023, he was signed off the Cardinals’ practice squad by the Cleveland Browns.
On January 3, 2024, the Browns announced that Driskel would start at quarterback in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cleveland had already clinched a playoff berth and chose to rest key starters, including Joe Flacco, to avoid injury risk.
Washington Commanders (2024–Present)
On April 1, 2024, Driskel signed with the Washington Commanders, joining the roster as an experienced backup and special-teams contributor. His versatility and locker-room presence have made him a valuable asset for the franchise. In 2025, Driskel briefly signed with the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad on September 1 before being released on October 8. He later returned to the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad on November 6 before being signed back by Washington on December 22, 2025, following an injury to Marcus Mariota.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jeff Driskel’s game is built around mobility, arm strength, and football intelligence. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an ability to extend plays with his legs, capitalize on broken plays with his legs, and deliver accurate throws from the pocket. His size at 6 feet 4 inches and his experience in multiple offensive systems make him a versatile asset for any offensive scheme.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Driskel’s most notable moments are his 2010 Elite 11 MVP honor, his Sugar Bowl appearance with Florida, his Conference USA Newcomer of the Year award at Louisiana Tech, and his first NFL touchdown pass with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2018. His conversion to tight end with the Houston Texans in 2021 stands as one of the more unusual career moves in recent NFL history.
Jeff Driskel Career Wins
Jeff Driskel’s professional career has been defined less by regular-season starting wins and more by his longevity and adaptability across multiple teams. Across stints with the 49ers, Bengals, Lions, Broncos, Texans, Cardinals, Browns, Commanders, and Raiders, he has consistently provided depth at the quarterback position while contributing on special teams and, at times, in other offensive roles.
Other Wins and Performances
Driskel’s most productive statistical season came in 2018 with the Cincinnati Bengals, when he started five games and threw for 764 yards with five touchdowns. He also delivered strong individual showings with the Detroit Lions in 2019 and the Denver Broncos in 2020, performances that highlighted his dual-threat capabilities and kept him in demand around the league.
Jeff Driskel Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Detailed public information about Jeff Driskel’s parents and family members is not widely documented. He was raised in Oviedo, Florida, where he developed his athletic foundation before pursuing football at the highest levels.
Personal Life
Jeff Driskel maintains an active presence on social media, where fans can follow his career and personal updates through his verified accounts on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). He continues to focus on his professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a transitional year for Jeff Driskel, who has moved between practice squads and active rosters across multiple franchises. After signing with the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad on September 1, he was released on October 8 and later joined the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad on November 6. These moves reflect the demanding reality of a veteran backup quarterback’s life in today’s NFL, where roster flexibility is paramount.
On December 22, 2025, the Washington Commanders signed Driskel back to their roster following an injury to starting quarterback Marcus Mariota, highlighting the trust the franchise places in his experience and preparation. His familiarity with the Commanders’ system, built during his 2024 season, made him a logical choice to step back into the fold.
Heading into the latter part of the 2025 campaign, Driskel remains a reliable veteran presence who can offer steady play if called upon. His journey through the league over nearly a decade has been a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to contribute in any role asked of him.