Jake Haener Bio
Jake Haener is an American professional football quarterback who most recently played for the New Orleans Saints organization. Born on March 10, 1999, in Danville, California, Haener developed his skills at Monte Vista High School before advancing through the college football ranks at both the University of Washington and California State University, Fresno. The New Orleans Saints selected Haener in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 127th overall pick. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 200 pounds, Haener has competed at the professional level while navigating significant challenges throughout his young career.
Early Life and Background
Jake Haener grew up in Danville, California, where he attended Monte Vista High School. During his high school career, Haener established himself as a standout quarterback by throwing for 8,464 yards and a school-record 90 touchdowns. His exceptional performance at the high school level earned him recognition as a promising collegiate prospect, leading to his commitment to play football at the University of Washington.
Haener comes from a notable family background. His mother, Julie Haener, served as a long-time news anchor at KTVU-TV in Oakland from 1997 to 2024, having previously worked as an anchor in Fresno during the early 1990s. This media connection gave Jake Haener visibility in the Northern California region from an early age.
Path to the NFL
After graduating from Monte Vista High School, Haener committed to play at the University of Washington, joining the Washington Huskies football program. He redshirted his first year with the team in 2017 as he adjusted to the collegiate level. The following year, in 2018, Haener appeared in four games as a backup to quarterback Jake Browning, completing 9 of 13 passes for 107 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Prior to the 2019 season, Haener transferred to California State University, Fresno to join the Fresno State Bulldogs. Due to transfer rules, he was required to sit out his first year with the program. Haener earned the starting quarterback position in 2020, where he demonstrated his abilities by completing 150 of 232 passes for 2,021 yards, 14 touchdowns, and five interceptions across six games. He continued as the starter throughout the 2021 season, further developing his reputation as a capable playmaker at the Mountain West level.
Jake Haener Career
College Career (2017–2022)
Haener’s time at Washington provided him with valuable experience backing up an established quarterback, though his opportunities were limited. The experience of practicing against collegiate-level competition prepared him for the challenges ahead. After making the decision to transfer, Haener found a better fit with Fresno State’s program, where he could compete for the starting role.
His breakthrough season came in 2020 when he took over as the starter. Haener’s performance throughout that season showcased his arm strength, decision-making ability, and leadership qualities that scouts look for in a professional quarterback. His 2020 statistics demonstrated his capability to move the ball through the air efficiently while protecting the football. He followed this with another solid season in 2021, earning Second-team All-Mountain West honors.
New Orleans Saints (2023–2025)
The New Orleans Saints selected Jake Haener in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 127th overall, recognizing his potential after watching his development at Fresno State. Haener initially made the opening roster for the Saints to start the 2023 season. However, in early September, it was revealed that he had failed a drug test earlier that summer after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance. As a result, Haener received a six-week suspension to begin the season.
Haener released a statement explaining that he did not know how the substance entered his body, noting that none of his supplements or prescribed medications contained the banned ingredient. He accepted responsibility for the failed test result regardless of the circumstances. Following the suspension, he rejoined the team and continued working to establish himself within the organization.
Haener began the 2024 campaign as the backup quarterback behind Derek Carr. In Week 7 against the Denver Broncos, he entered the game in relief of Spencer Rattler on the final drive and recorded his first career NFL touchdown on a 12-yard pass to Cedrick Wilson Jr. When Carr suffered a hand fracture in Week 14, the Saints named Haener their starting quarterback for the remainder of the season, providing him with his first extended opportunity as a professional starter.
Driving Style and Strengths
Haener displays the composure and football intelligence expected of a quarterback who spent multiple years developing at the collegiate level. His experience starting at Fresno State helped him understand offensive schemes and pre-snap reads. His brief appearances with the Saints, including his first career touchdown drive, demonstrated his ability to make quick decisions when entering games under pressure.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Haener’s early NFL career came when he was thrust into the starting role following Derek Carr’s injury in 2024. That first career touchdown pass to Cedrick Wilson Jr. against the Broncos represented a memorable milestone. His journey through the 2023 suspension and eventual starting opportunity showcased his resilience in dealing with professional football challenges.
Jake Haener Career Statistics
Haener’s NFL career statistics through the 2025 season reflect limited game action as a rookie and backup quarterback. His opportunities came primarily in relief situations before receiving his first extended starting role late in the 2024 season.
College Highlights
At Fresno State, Haener established himself as one of the more productive quarterbacks in the Mountain West Conference. His 2020 season statistics of 2,021 passing yards in just six games demonstrated his efficiency and ability to move the offense. Haener earned First-team All-Mountain West honors in 2022 and Second-team All-Mountain West recognition in 2021, validating his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the conference during his collegiate career.
NFL Career Statistics
Through the 2025 season, Haener appeared in limited games for the New Orleans Saints. He completed 18 of 39 passing attempts for 226 yards with one touchdown and one interception, resulting in a passer rating of 62.6. His completion percentage of 46.2 percent reflects the challenges of transitioning from the college game to professional competition while learning behind an established veteran.
| Competition Level | Games | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL (2023–2025) | Limited appearances | 226 | 1 | 1 |
| College (Fresno State) | Multiple seasons | 2,021+ (2020 season) | 14 (2020 season) | 5 (2020 season) |
Jake Haener Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jake Haener was raised in Danville, California, by his mother, Julie Haener. His mother’s career in broadcast journalism provided Jake with public visibility throughout his childhood and early football career. Julie Haener’s long tenure at KTVU-TV, one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s major news stations, established her as a respected figure in Northern California media.
Personal Life
In July 2024, Jake Haener publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. The announcement came during a period when he was competing for playing time with the New Orleans Saints. Haener’s decision to share his health diagnosis demonstrated his willingness to be open about personal challenges while continuing to pursue his professional football career. Details regarding his treatment and current health status remain private as he continues his football career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional period for Jake Haener with the New Orleans Saints organization. After serving as the starting quarterback late in the 2024 season following Derek Carr’s injury, Haener entered training camp competing for the backup position behind Spencer Rattler. The Saints organization made the decision to move forward with Rattler as the starter to begin the 2025 campaign.
On August 26, 2025, the Saints waived Haener after Rattler was named the starter. He was signed to the practice squad the following day, providing him with a pathway to remain with the organization while continuing to develop. Haener was subsequently signed to the active roster on September 2, 2025, though he was waived again four days later. The Saints re-signed him to the practice squad on September 9, 2025, where he spent the remainder of the season developing behind the team’s quarterbacks on the active roster.