Cody Schrader

Cody Schrader Bio

Cody Schrader (born September 8, 1999) is an American professional football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Schrader played college football at Truman State University before transferring to the University of Missouri, where he emerged as one of the most productive running backs in the country. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and has since been a member of the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Denver Broncos. Schrader has built a reputation as a physical runner with excellent vision and the ability to contribute as a receiver out of the backfield.

Early Life and Background

Cody Schrader grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where he attended Lutheran High School South. During his high school career, Schrader rushed for 6,759 yards and 99 touchdowns, demonstrating the exceptional production that would define his collegiate career. He earned four-time all-conference honors as both a running back and linebacker, was named three-time conference player of the year, and received second-team all-state recognition twice before capping his senior season as a first-team all-state selection.

Schrader’s outstanding high school career positioned him to continue his football journey at the collegiate level. He chose to play Division II football at Truman State University, where he began his ascent through the football ranks with dreams of reaching the professional level.

Path to Professional Football

At Truman State, Schrader quickly established himself as one of the most dominant running backs in Division II football. In his standout 2021 season, he rushed for 2,074 yards and 25 touchdowns on 6.9 yards per carry, leading all of Division II in rushing yards. His exceptional performance earned him Great Lakes Valley Conference co-offensive player of the year honors and caught the attention of major college programs seeking talent. Following the 2021 season, Schrader entered the transfer portal and walked on to the Division I University of Missouri program, determined to prove himself against the nation’s top competition.

The transition to the SEC presented a significant new challenge, but Schrader embraced the opportunity to compete against elite defenses week in and week out. His perseverance and ability to adapt from the Division II level to the premier college conference became a defining narrative of his football journey and helped him develop into the player who would eventually earn opportunities in the NFL.

Cody Schrader Career

Early Professional Career (2024)

Schrader entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the San Francisco 49ers on May 10, 2024. Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, his exceptional collegiate production at both Truman State and Missouri, along with his versatility as a runner and receiver, made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams seeking running back depth. He competed for a roster spot during training camp with the 49ers but was waived by the team on August 27, 2024.

His brief time with the 49ers provided valuable exposure to NFL offensive schemes and professional training methodologies, laying the groundwork for his continued development in the league.

Los Angeles Rams Era (2024–2025)

The day after being waived by the 49ers, Schrader was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams on August 28, 2024. He spent the remainder of the 2024 season with the Rams, eventually being activated for the final regular-season game of the year. In that contest against the Seattle Seahawks, Schrader made his NFL debut, rushing once for a three-yard gain and making one reception for six yards in the Rams’ 30–25 loss. That game represented his first taste of regular-season NFL action.

Schrader continued with the Rams into the 2025 season, though his time with the organization proved short-lived. He was waived on August 26, 2025, as part of final roster cuts before being re-signed to the Rams’ practice squad the following day. This demonstrated the competitive nature of roster construction in the NFL and the importance of practice squad opportunities for players seeking to establish themselves.

Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans (2025)

On September 9, 2025, Schrader was signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ active roster from the Rams’ practice squad after the team traded Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles. This move represented an opportunity for Schrader to compete for playing time with a new organization and fill a need created by the trade. However, he was waived by the Jaguars on December 6, 2025, without appearing in a game for the club.

Schrader was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans on December 8, 2025, but his tenure there proved brief, as he was waived by the team five days later on December 13. The series of transactions across multiple teams demonstrated the challenges faced by players seeking to establish themselves at the professional level and the competitive nature of the NFL running back position.

Denver Broncos Era (2025–Present)

Schrader joined the Denver Broncos on December 15, 2025, when he was claimed off waivers by the franchise. He appeared in limited action during the 2025 season, contributing primarily on special teams and as a depth player in the running back rotation. On December 25, 2025, Schrader was waived by the Broncos but was re-signed to the practice squad two days later on December 27, maintaining his connection to the organization. On January 26, 2026, he signed a futures contract with the Broncos, securing his place on the roster for the 2026 season and demonstrating the organization’s belief in his potential.

Playing Style and Strengths

Schrader’s game is built around his vision, patience, and physicality between the tackles. He demonstrates excellent feel for the offensive line, allowing blocks to develop before committing to a hole and making decisive cuts. His compact frame and low center of gravity enable him to break tackles and gain extra yards after contact. Additionally, his ability to contribute as a receiver out of the backfield adds a valuable dimension to his game that NFL teams value in backup running backs, making him a three-down option when called upon.

Notable Events and Milestones

Throughout his college career at Missouri, Schrader accumulated numerous accolades and set multiple records that highlighted his exceptional abilities. During the 2023 season, he set an SEC record by becoming the first player to record 200 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards in a single game against Tennessee. His performance that season earned him SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors multiple times. The defining moment of his collegiate career came in the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State, where his 1,627 rushing yards on the season set a new Missouri single-season rushing record, surpassing the previous mark held by Tyler Badie.

Cody Schrader Career Highlights

Schrader’s collegiate career produced exceptional statistics and numerous prestigious awards across both the Division II and Division I levels. At Truman State, he dominated the competition, leading Division II in rushing and earning conference player of the year honors. His successful transition to the SEC at Missouri proved he could compete against the nation’s top defenses, culminating in first-team All-SEC recognition and consensus All-American honors in 2023. He was awarded the Burlsworth Trophy in 2023, given annually to the best former walk-on player in college football, a testament to his remarkable journey from Division II walk-on to NFL player.

Missouri Tigers Highlights

Schrader’s 2023 season at Missouri showcased his abilities against elite competition in the nation’s premier college conference. His signature performance came against Tennessee when he set the unprecedented SEC record for combined rushing and receiving yards in a single game. His consistent excellence throughout the season earned him SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors multiple times and solidified his reputation as one of the top running backs in the country. The Cotton Bowl victory against Ohio State served as the crowning achievement of his college career, with his record-setting rushing performance delivering a win over a storied opponent.

Professional Career Statistics

Through Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season, Schrader’s professional statistics reflect his limited role as a depth player on multiple teams. His collegiate production, however, stands as a testament to the talent that earned him opportunities at the professional level.

Cody Schrader Family

Family Background

Cody Schrader was born on September 8, 1999, in St. Louis, Missouri, and attended Lutheran High School South in his hometown. While specific details about his parents or siblings are not extensively documented in public sources, his journey from St. Louis to the NFL reflects the strong foundation and support system that helped him achieve his professional football goals.

Personal Life

Schrader has maintained a strong work ethic throughout his football career, demonstrated by his successful transition from Division II to the SEC and ultimately to the NFL. As of 2025, he continues to pursue his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, working to establish himself as a reliable contributor at the highest level of the sport.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked another year of transition and development for Schrader in the NFL. Through Week 15 of the 2025 season, he had appeared in limited action for the Denver Broncos, primarily contributing on special teams and as depth at the running back position. His season statistics reflected his limited role, with one rushing attempt for three yards and one reception for six yards. The season featured multiple roster transactions as Schrader moved between teams via waivers before landing with the Broncos.

Schrader’s journey through multiple teams during the 2025 season provided valuable experience in adapting to different offensive systems and coaching philosophies. His signing of a futures contract with the Broncos in January 2026 signals the organization’s investment in his long-term development. Looking ahead, Schrader aims to earn a more substantial role with the Broncos and demonstrate the production that made him one of college football’s most decorated running backs during his time at Missouri.