Jaren Hall

Jaren Thomas Hall Bio

Jaren Thomas Hall is an American professional football quarterback who has played for the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks in the National Football League. Born in Spanish Fork, Utah, Hall attended Maple Mountain High School before playing college football at Brigham Young University. The Minnesota Vikings selected Hall in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 164th overall pick. He became the first black quarterback to start a game for BYU, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history. Hall has shown his potential in the NFL after starting games for the Vikings and later being signed to the Seattle Seahawks practice squad.

Early Life and Background

Hall was born on March 24, 1998, in Spanish Fork, Utah. He grew up in the Utah Valley region and attended Maple Mountain High School, where he developed his skills as a quarterback. During his high school career, Hall threw for 5,109 passing yards and 52 touchdowns, demonstrating the strong arm and competitive spirit that would define his playing style. His performance at the high school level attracted attention from college programs across the country.

Before enrolling at Brigham Young University, Hall served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Roseville, California. This mission service is common among young men in the LDS faith and typically takes place between high school graduation and college enrollment. After completing his mission, Hall returned to focus on his football career at the collegiate level.

Path to American Football

Following his mission service, Hall committed to play college football at Brigham Young University. He joined a BYU program that would later produce several NFL players, including Zach Wilson, who became the starting quarterback during Hall’s early years with the program. Hall’s progression through the Cougars’ system reflected his dedication to mastering the position and his willingness to develop behind an experienced player.

Hall redshirted his true freshman season in 2018 after appearing in just two games. He returned in 2019 as a backup and played in seven games, making two starts in place of Wilson. It was during this season that Hall made history by becoming the first black quarterback to start a game for BYU when he took the field against South Florida. Hall completed 31 of 46 passes for 420 yards with one touchdown during his backup role that season.

Jaren Thomas Hall Career

College Career (2018–2022)

Hall took a medical redshirt in 2020, which allowed him to preserve a year of eligibility while recovering from injury. This setback did not diminish his determination, and he returned to claim the starting position for the 2021 season. That year, Hall established himself as one of the program’s most productive quarterbacks, completing 189 of 296 passes for 2,583 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions. His performance helped BYU remain competitive in a challenging schedule that featured several Power Five opponents.

In addition to his football commitments, Hall was a multi-sport athlete at BYU. He played for the university’s baseball team during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, showcasing his athletic ability and arm strength in a different sport. This versatility demonstrated the same competitive drive that would later help him transition to professional football.

Minnesota Vikings (2023–2024)

The Minnesota Vikings selected Hall in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, recognizing his tools and potential as a developmental quarterback prospect. He joined a Vikings team coming off a playoff appearance, with veteran Kirk Cousins as the established starter. Hall spent his rookie season learning behind Cousins and the team’s coaching staff while adapting to the speed and complexity of the NFL game.

Hall saw his first regular season action during Week 8 of the 2023 season after Cousins suffered a torn Achilles tendon. His opportunity came unexpectedly, but Hall was prepared to take the field. He made his first NFL start on November 5, 2023, against the Packers, but his debut was cut short by a concussion. After clearing the concussion protocol, Hall served as a backup to Joshua Dobbs and Nick Mullens for the remainder of the season. In Week 17, he started against the Green Bay Packers and completed 5 of 10 passes for 67 yards with one interception and a lost fumble before being benched at halftime.

Seattle Seahawks (2024–2025)

On September 2, 2024, the Seattle Seahawks signed Hall to their practice squad. The Seahawks recognized his tools and gave him an opportunity to develop within their system. Hall was promoted to the active roster multiple times during the 2024 season, serving as the team’s emergency third quarterback for games against the New York Jets, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears. These elevations demonstrated the coaching staff’s confidence in his readiness to contribute if needed.

Driving Style and Strengths

Hall possesses a strong arm that allows him to make all the throws required at the NFL level. His competitive nature and football intelligence have helped him absorb complex playbooks and make quick decisions. He demonstrated his athletic ability both in the pocket and when moving outside, giving offensive coordinators flexibility in their game planning. His experience in BYU’s diverse offense prepared him to read defenses and execute timing-based routes.

Notable Events and Milestones

Hall’s historic start at BYU remains a significant milestone in his career. Becoming the first black quarterback to start a game for the program represented both a personal achievement and a broader significance in the sport’s history. His transition from college star to NFL player, while challenging, showcased his resilience after facing adversity including injuries and tough game situations. The 2023 season provided valuable experience that will influence his continued development.

Jaren Thomas Hall Career Statistics

Hall has appeared in limited NFL games, using his opportunities to demonstrate his abilities while continuing to develop at the professional level. His college career at BYU provided more extensive statistical data, with his 2021 season standing out as his most productive year as a starter.

NFL Statistics Highlights

Through his first two NFL seasons, Hall completed 13 of 20 pass attempts for 168 yards with no touchdowns and one interception, giving him a completion percentage of 65.0 percent and a passer rating of 70.4. These figures reflect limited playing time and the challenges that rookie quarterbacks face when adjusting to the speed of professional football. Hall’s most extensive NFL action came during the 2024 preseason, when he completed 28 of 46 passes for 339 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions against the Philadelphia Eagles.

College Statistics

Hall’s college career at BYU featured his most consistent production during the 2021 season when he served as the full-time starter. He completed 189 of 296 passes for 2,583 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions over 11 games. His 2021 performance placed him among the program’s single-season leaders in several categories and demonstrated his ability to lead an offense at a high level of competition.

Jaren Thomas Hall Family

Family Background

Hall grew up in Spanish Fork, Utah, within a family that supported his athletic pursuits. His father and mother provided encouragement throughout his journey from youth football through his professional career. While specific details about his parents’ names and occupations are not widely available, Hall has spoken publicly about the role his family played in his development as both an athlete and a person.

Personal Life

Hall married Breanna Hall in 2019. The couple met before Hall began his professional football career and have maintained a relatively private personal life despite his public profile. Hall’s decision to serve an LDS mission before college reflects his religious commitments, which have influenced his values and approach to football and life. His multi-dimensional background, including his baseball experience at BYU, demonstrates the diverse interests that have shaped his character beyond athletics.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season represents a continuation of Hall’s journey in professional football. After being signed to the Seattle Seahawks practice squad in September 2024 and periodically elevated to the active roster, Hall worked to establish himself within the organization. His experience as an emergency quarterback during the 2024 season provided valuable game-day familiarity with the Seahawks’ offensive system and personnel. The coaching staff’s willingness to promote him during the season indicated their assessment of his readiness and potential value to the team.

Hall’s path illustrates the realities facing young quarterbacks in the NFL, where opportunities often come unexpectedly and development timelines vary significantly. His ability to remain patient and prepared during limited playing time reflects the mental toughness required at the professional level. As he continues his career, Hall aims to build on his experiences and compete for more significant roles within his team.