Davis Mills

Davis Mills Bio

Davis Compton Mills (born October 21, 1998) is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal and was selected by the Texans in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft with the 67th overall pick. Mills was Houston’s starting quarterback during his first two professional seasons before transitioning to a backup role following the Texans’ selection of C. J. Stroud in the 2023 NFL draft. Throughout his career, Mills has demonstrated resilience, stepping into starting roles when called upon and contributing to the Texans’ developing roster.

Early Life and Background

Mills was born on October 21, 1998, in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Greater Atlanta Christian School in Norcross, Georgia, where he developed into one of the most highly regarded quarterback prospects in the country. During his high school career, Mills threw for 6,290 yards and 66 touchdowns, showcasing the arm talent and football intelligence that would define his collegiate career.

As a high school senior, Mills was selected to play in the 2017 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, though he was unable to participate due to injury. Despite the setback, his recruitment remained strong. Mills earned a five-star recruiting rating and was ranked as the top quarterback in his class, drawing attention from programs across the nation. His combination of size, arm strength, and football acumen made him a priority target for major college programs seeking their next franchise quarterback.

Path to Professional Football

Mills committed to Stanford University to play college football for the Cardinal, choosing the Pac-12 program over other offers. He redshirted his freshman season in 2017, using the year to develop physically and learn the nuances of the college game under the guidance of Stanford’s coaching staff. This redshirt season provided Mills with valuable time to adjust to the increased competition and complexity of collegiate offensive schemes.

In 2018, Mills appeared in one game as a backup to starting quarterback K. J. Costello, gaining limited but meaningful game experience. The following year, Mills entered the season as Costello’s backup but seized the starting role when Costello suffered an injury. Mills started six of eight games in 2019, completing 158 of 241 passes for 1,960 yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions. During that season, he set a Stanford single-game record with 504 passing yards against Washington State, demonstrating his ability to make big plays through the air.

Mills played in five games during Stanford’s pandemic-shortened 2020 season, completing 129 of 195 passes for 1,508 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions. He graduated from Stanford in 2020 with a degree in Science, Technology, and Society, completing his collegiate education while continuing to develop as a football player.

Davis Mills Career

Rookie Season (2021)

Mills was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round (67th overall) of the 2021 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract, worth $5.2 million, with the Texans on May 26, 2021. Due to incumbent starting quarterback Deshaun Watson being ruled inactive, Mills began the season as the second option behind veteran Tyrod Taylor on the depth chart.

Mills made his NFL debut during Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns after Taylor suffered an injury, throwing for 102 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the 31-21 road loss. He earned his first career start the following week against the Carolina Panthers, passing for 168 yards and a touchdown in a 24-9 loss. Despite early struggles, including a four-interception performance against the Buffalo Bills in Week 5, Mills showed flashes of promise with a 312-yard, three-touchdown game against the New England Patriots.

When Taylor returned in Week 9, Mills returned to a backup role. However, Taylor’s ineffective performances led to Mills replacing him during a Week 13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Following that game, Mills was announced as the starter for the remainder of the season. He earned his first career victory in Week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, completing 19 of 30 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns during the 30-16 win. The following week, Mills led the Texans to an upset victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, completing 21 of 27 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns. In 13 games and 11 starts, Mills set the franchise record for rookie passing yards with 2,664, surpassing David Carr’s previous record of 2,592 yards set in 2002. His 16 passing touchdowns and 66.8 completion percentage were the second-highest among rookie quarterbacks that season.

Second Season as Starter (2022)

With Deshaun Watson traded to the Cleveland Browns and the departure of Tyrod Taylor in free agency, Mills entered the 2022 season as the Texans’ unquestioned starting quarterback. In the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, he completed 23 of 37 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns in a 20-20 tie. The game set the tone for a season that would see Mills face significant challenges while continuing to develop as a professional.

Following a five-game losing streak that included a Week 11 loss to the Washington Commanders, Mills was benched in favor of Kyle Allen for the Texans’ Week 12 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. After Allen struggled in subsequent games, Mills reclaimed the starting role. In the season finale against the Colts, Mills delivered a dramatic performance, completing a fourth-and-20 pass to Jordan Akins for a game-winning touchdown with 58 seconds remaining. The 32-31 victory on the road capped a memorable finish to a challenging season. Mills finished 2022 with 3,118 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and a league-leading 15 interceptions in 15 games and starts.

Backup Role and Continued Contribution (2023-Present)

After the Texans selected C. J. Stroud with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, Mills entered a preseason competition for the backup quarterback position. He ultimately earned the No. 2 spot behind Stroud, with Case Keenum serving as the third-string option. During the 2023 season, Mills saw limited action, appearing in six games with 173 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Prior to the 2024 season, Mills signed a one-year, $5 million extension with the Texans through 2025. He appeared in four games during the 2024 season, primarily in the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans with the Texans’ playoff position secured. After Stroud scored on Houston’s opening drive, Mills completed 12 of 22 passes for 128 yards, guiding the Texans to a 23-14 road victory.

Driving Style and Strengths

Mills possesses a strong arm capable of making all the throws required at the NFL level. His 6-foot-4 frame provides excellent height for scanning the field and seeing over the offensive line. Mills demonstrates good pocket awareness and the ability to make accurate throws under pressure. His experience starting at Stanford and his early NFL opportunities have equipped him with a mature approach to the position, understanding of offensive schemes, and the mental toughness required to handle the pressures of professional football.

Notable Events and Milestones

Mills’ rookie season set the foundation for his NFL career, establishing him as the Texans’ franchise record holder for rookie passing yards. His dramatic Week 18 victory against the Indianapolis Colts in 2022 showcased his ability to deliver in clutch situations, engineering a game-winning drive from impossible circumstances. In the 2025 season, Mills stepped in as the starter following C. J. Stroud’s concussion, leading the Texans to a comeback victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars with 292 passing yards, two touchdowns through the air, and the game-winning touchdown on the ground.

Davis Mills Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career spanning four seasons with the Houston Texans, Mills has appeared in 38 games with 32 starts. He has demonstrated consistent improvement in his overall game management and decision-making, adapting to different roles within the Texans’ offense as the team has evolved.

NFL Career Highlights

In 38 career games and 32 starts, Mills has completed 684 of 1,107 pass attempts (61.8%) for 7,082 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 26 interceptions, posting a career passer rating of 82.5. His rookie season remains his most prolific, with 2,664 passing yards in 2021. His 2022 campaign saw him accumulate 3,118 yards while facing significant challenges as a young quarterback leading a rebuilding team. His ability to minimize interceptions and maintain poise has been a notable aspect of his development, particularly in his recent seasons when appearing in relief and backup roles.

Notable Achievements

Mills set the Houston Texans franchise record for rookie passing yards with 2,664 yards in 2021, a mark that stood until C. J. Stroud surpassed it in 2023. His completion percentage and touchdown totals during his rookie season ranked among the best for first-year quarterbacks. Mills also achieved the 7,000-career passing yards milestone, representing a significant milestone in his professional development.

Davis Mills Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Mills was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, where he attended Greater Atlanta Christian School. His family background provided a supportive environment for his athletic development, with resources and encouragement that allowed him to pursue football at the highest levels. The Mills family has been described as instrumental in supporting his journey from youth football through his college career at Stanford.

Personal Life

Mills married Tori Wisted on February 17, 2024. The couple met during their high school years in Georgia and became engaged in 2023 before their wedding the following year. On January 5, 2026, Mills and his wife welcomed their first child, a son named Maximus. The Mills family resides in Houston, Texas, where Davis continues his professional football career with the Texans.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked a significant chapter in Davis Mills’ career with the Houston Texans. After serving primarily as a backup to C. J. Stroud, Mills found himself thrust into the starting role when Stroud suffered a concussion during practice prior to Week 10. The circumstances presented an immediate challenge as the Texans faced the Jacksonville Jaguars in a must-win situation for their playoff positioning.

Mills answered the call spectacularly, engineering a fourth-quarter comeback in only his second start of the season. Trailing 29-10, Mills led multiple scoring drives that resulted in a 36-29 victory. He finished the game with 292 passing yards, two touchdowns through the air, and the game-winning touchdown on the ground, demonstrating the dual-threat ability that had been a smaller part of his game in previous seasons. The performance drew praise from coaches and teammates for his composure and leadership under pressure.

Building on that momentum, Mills continued his efficient play in subsequent starts. Against the Tennessee Titans, he threw for 274 yards and a touchdown in a 16-13 road victory. The following week against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football, Mills completed his passes efficiently, recording 153 passing yards and two touchdowns in a 23-19 win. His performances kept the Texans in contention for playoff positioning while providing the team with reliable play at quarterback during Stroud’s recovery. Mills’ chemistry with the offensive personnel and his understanding of the playbook allowed the Texans to maintain their competitive edge during his extended time as the starter.