Easton Michael Stick (born September 15, 1995) is an American professional football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the North Dakota State Bison and was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL draft. Stick has built his career as a reliable backup quarterback, eventually earning starting opportunities with the Chargers before joining the Falcons organization.
Easton Stick Bio
Easton Michael Stick grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, where he developed his passion for football at a young age. He attended Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, where he established himself as a standout quarterback. His performance in high school laid the foundation for his collegiate career at North Dakota State University, one of the most successful programs in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Stick’s journey from a Nebraska prep star to an NFL quarterback reflects his dedication and development as a player.
Early Life and Background
Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Stick attended Creighton Preparatory School, a well-known Catholic preparatory school in the city. During his high school years, he honed his skills as a quarterback, demonstrating the leadership qualities and athletic ability that would characterize his later career. His Omaha roots connected him to a region with strong football traditions, setting the stage for his transition to collegiate competition.
Path to American Football
Stick’s path to professional football began at North Dakota State University, where he joined the Bison football program in 2014. Initially serving in a backup role, he learned behind Carson Wentz, who would go on to become the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft. This mentorship and development environment proved invaluable for Stick’s growth as a quarterback. He took his first collegiate snaps during the 2015 season, gaining valuable experience that would prepare him for the starting role he would assume the following year.
Easton Stick Career
College Career (2014–2018)
Stick’s collegiate career at North Dakota State was marked by remarkable success. He took his first snaps during the 2015 season against the Weber State Wildcats, where he ran for 24 yards on three attempts in a 41–14 victory. His first career start came against the Indiana State Sycamores, where he passed for 126 yards and one touchdown in a 28–14 win. He demonstrated his dual-threat ability by throwing for four touchdowns in multiple games, including a 59–7 victory against Western Illinois and a 55–0 win over Missouri State. The Bison went on to win the FCS Championship Game that season against Jacksonville State, 37–10.
When Carson Wentz was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016, Stick earned the starting quarterback position for North Dakota State. In Week 3 of the 2016 season, he led the Bison to a 23–21 victory over the #13 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes, capped by a walk-off field goal. Although NDSU suffered a regular-season loss to rival South Dakota State, Stick guided the team to the FCS Quarterfinals before they were eliminated. During his senior season in 2018, Stick reached his peak performance, earning FCS First-team All-American honors, First-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) recognition, and the MVFC Offensive Player of the Year award. He holds the record for most wins by a starting quarterback in FCS history with a 49–3 record as a starter at North Dakota State.
Los Angeles Chargers (2019–2024)
Stick was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fifth round, 166th overall, of the 2019 NFL draft. As a rookie, he participated in the preseason but did not appear in any regular-season games. Heading into the 2020 season, Stick was expected to compete for the backup quarterback position behind starter Justin Herbert. However, the Chargers signed Chase Daniel instead, and Stick remained third on the depth chart.
During Week 3 of the 2020 season, Stick saw his first meaningful NFL action when Herbert appeared to suffer an injury. Before Stick could take his first regular-season snap, the Chargers called a timeout and Herbert returned to the game. Later that season in Week 7, Stick entered briefly when Herbert was again briefly sidelined due to injury. He completed one pass for four yards and had a rushing attempt for negative two yards before Herbert returned.
On March 13, 2023, the Chargers re-signed Stick to a one-year contract, keeping him as Herbert’s backup. In Week 14 of the 2023 season, Stick was inserted into the game after Herbert suffered a finger injury. In his first game played since 2020, Stick threw for 179 yards in a 24–7 loss to the Denver Broncos. Following this performance, on December 12, 2023, the Chargers announced that Stick would take over as the starter after Herbert required season-ending surgery. He started the final four games of the season, all resulting in losses for the team. Overall in 2023, Stick passed for 1,129 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, along with one rushing touchdown. He re-signed with the Chargers on March 16, 2024.
Atlanta Falcons (2025–Present)
On April 21, 2025, Stick signed with the Atlanta Falcons. He was waived as part of final roster cuts on August 26 but was re-signed to the Falcons practice squad the following day. Stick was elevated to the active roster for play on October 26, 2025, demonstrating the Falcons’ confidence in his abilities as a veteran backup option. He was later signed to the active roster on November 19, 2025, solidifying his role with the organization as they evaluated their quarterback situation.
Playing Style and Strengths
Stick is known as a composed and efficient quarterback who brings leadership and stability to any offense. His collegiate record of 49 wins as a starter demonstrates his ability to manage games and make smart decisions under pressure. He possesses solid mobility and can extend plays with his legs when necessary, as shown throughout his career. Stick’s experience in a successful program at North Dakota State provided him with a strong foundation in offensive schemes and game management that has translated well to his NFL career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Stick’s most significant professional milestone came during the 2023 season when he took over as the Chargers’ starting quarterback following Justin Herbert’s season-ending injury. He made his first career start in Week 15 and appeared in five games overall during that season, passing for 1,129 yards. His college career was highlighted by winning four FCS national championships and setting the FCS record for most wins by a starting quarterback. His MVP-level senior season in 2018, which earned him conference and national honors, served as the cornerstone of his professional prospects.
Easton Stick Career Wins
Throughout his career, Stick has accumulated significant victories at both the collegiate and professional levels. His most notable accomplishments came during his time at North Dakota State, where he helped the program maintain its dynasty status in the FCS. In the NFL, his contributions have come primarily as a backup and spot starter, with his 2023 season with the Chargers representing his most extensive game action to date.
North Dakota State Highlights
Stick was a key contributor to four FCS national championships during his time at North Dakota State (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018). As a starter from 2016 to 2018, he compiled a record of 49–3, which stands as the FCS record for most wins by a starting quarterback. His senior season was particularly impressive, earning him MVFC Offensive Player of the Year honors, First-team All-MVFC recognition, and FCS First-team All-American status. His 2018 season included multiple four-touchdown performances and consistent excellence in leading the Bison offense.
Professional Highlights
At the professional level, Stick’s most notable performance came during his starting stint with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. He passed for 179 yards against the Denver Broncos in his 2023 debut and finished the season with 1,129 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception across five games played. His career NFL statistics include 175 passing attempts, 112 completions (64.0%), 1,133 passing yards, three touchdowns, one interception, and a passer rating of 85.7.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a new chapter in Stick’s NFL career as he joined the Atlanta Falcons organization. After being signed in April 2025, he competed for the backup quarterback position during training camp and the preseason. Following initial roster cuts, Stick was added to the practice squad before being elevated to the active roster on October 26, 2025. His ability to bounce back and earn opportunities with the Falcons demonstrated his resilience and continued value as an NFL quarterback. The Falcons utilized his experience and leadership as they navigated their quarterback situation throughout the season, providing Stick with opportunities to contribute in various roles within the offense.