Jeffrey Matthew Driskel Bio
Jeffrey Matthew Driskel is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League. Born on April 23, 1993, in Oviedo, Florida, Driskel has built a journeyman career spanning multiple NFL franchises since entering the league as a sixth-round draft pick in 2016. His career has seen him start games for six different teams while also demonstrating versatility by occasionally playing other positions during his tenure in the league.
Early Life and Background
Jeffrey Matthew Driskel grew up in Oviedo, Florida, where he attended Paul J. Hagerty High School. During his high school football career, he threw for 4,844 yards and 36 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation. His exceptional performance earned him recognition as a member of the Elite 11 quarterback competition in 2010, where he finished first among quarterbacks and was awarded MVP honors.
As a senior in 2010, Driskel was named the Maxwell Football Club National High School Player of the Year and the Gatorade Florida Player of the Year. He was widely regarded as the best pro-style quarterback recruit in his class by both Rivals.com and Scout.com. Beyond football, Driskel also played baseball in high school and was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 2013 Major League Baseball draft, though he ultimately chose to pursue football professionally.
Path to American Football
Driskel accepted an athletic scholarship to play for the University of Florida Gators, where he initially served as a backup during his freshman year in 2011. He appeared in five games, completing 16 of 34 passes for 148 yards with two interceptions. As a sophomore in 2012, Driskel earned the starting position and led Florida to an impressive 11-2 record, culminating in a berth in the 2013 Sugar Bowl.
His promising college career faced a significant setback when he suffered a broken right fibula during a game against Tennessee in 2013, causing him to miss the remainder of that season. Driskel returned in 2014 but lost his starting job to Treon Harris midway through the season. Seeking a fresh start, he transferred to Louisiana Tech University for his final college season in 2015, where he threw for 4,026 yards and 27 touchdowns, earning Conference USA Newcomer of the Year honors.
Jeffrey Matthew Driskel Career
San Francisco 49ers (2016)
Driskel was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the 207th overall pick. Notably, the 49ers acquired the draft pick by trading tight end Vernon Davis to the Denver Broncos. He signed a four-year contract worth $2.45 million with a signing bonus of $112,539 and began training camp as the fourth-string quarterback on the depth chart. After competing with Christian Ponder for the third-string spot following Thad Lewis’s season-ending injury, Driskel was released during final roster cuts on September 3, 2016.
Cincinnati Bengals (2016-2018)
The Cincinnati Bengals claimed Driskel off waivers the following day, placing him as the third-string quarterback behind Andy Dalton and A.J. McCarron. In 2017, he was placed on injured reserve early in the season. His breakthrough came in 2018 when he made his regular-season debut in relief during a Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, completing all four pass attempts for 39 yards.
When Dalton suffered a season-ending thumb injury in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns, Driskel stepped into the starting role. He threw his first professional touchdown pass to Tyler Boyd and added a rushing touchdown in that game. Driskel started the final five games of the season, completing 764 passing yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions while posting a 1-4 record as a starter.
Detroit Lions (2019)
Driskel signed with the Detroit Lions on September 17, 2019. He made his first start for the Lions in Week 10 against the Chicago Bears, filling in for an injured Matthew Stafford. He passed for 269 yards with one touchdown and one interception in a 20-13 loss. The following week against the Dallas Cowboys, Driskel threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 51 yards and a score in a 35-27 defeat. He was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury after Week 12.
Denver Broncos (2020)
On March 27, 2020, Driskel signed a two-year contract with the Denver Broncos. He saw his first action in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, coming in relief for an injured Drew Lock and passing for 256 yards with two touchdowns in a 26-21 loss. Driskel made his first Broncos start in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, throwing for 176 yards with one touchdown and one interception before being benched in the fourth quarter of a 28-10 defeat. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in late November and was later fined for violating league protocols before being activated on December 16. The Broncos released him in May 2021.
Houston Texans (2021-2022)
Driskel joined the Houston Texans on a one-year deal in May 2021. He was released at the end of training camp and re-signed to the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster in October. In a notable career adjustment, Driskel converted from quarterback to tight end on November 18, 2021, playing the position for the first time in his professional career. He was placed on injured reserve later that season. He re-signed with the Texans in March 2022, spent most of the season on the practice squad, and was promoted to the active roster in December.
Arizona Cardinals (2023)
Driskel signed with the Arizona Cardinals in April 2023 on a one-year contract. He spent most of the season bouncing between the active roster and practice squad, seeing limited playing time as a backup. He was elevated to the active roster in November to serve as backup to Clayton Tune against the Cleveland Browns before returning to the practice squad.
Cleveland Browns (2023-2024)
On December 29, 2023, the Cleveland Browns signed Driskel off the Cardinals’ practice squad. In a surprising move, the Browns named him the starting quarterback for their Week 18 regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. With the team having already clinched a playoff berth and resting key starters including Joe Flacco, Driskel earned his first start of the season in the finale.
Washington Commanders (2024-Present)
Driskel signed with the Washington Commanders on April 1, 2024, joining the franchise as a veteran backup option. His career continued to evolve as he provided depth at the quarterback position. In December 2025, the Commanders signed Driskel off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad following an injury to Marcus Mariota, bringing him back to Washington for a second stint with the organization.
Playing Style and Strengths
Driskel stands at 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 231 pounds, giving him the prototypical size for an NFL quarterback. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to make plays both through the air and with his legs, compiling 417 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns across his NFL career. His experience starting games for multiple franchises has shown his adaptability to different offensive systems and his ability to step in and manage games when called upon.
Notable Career Moments
Driskel’s career has been marked by resilience and adaptability. His 2018 season with the Bengals, where he started five games and threw five touchdowns following Andy Dalton’s injury, remains one of his most significant stretches of extended playing time. His position conversion to tight end with the Texans in 2021 showcased his versatility and willingness to contribute in any role. Becoming a Week 18 starter for a playoff-bound Browns team in 2024 demonstrated the respect he has earned around the league as a reliable option at the quarterback position.
Jeffrey Matthew Driskel Career Statistics
Across his NFL career spanning multiple teams, Driskel has appeared in numerous games with meaningful playing time. His career statistics reflect his experience as a spot starter and backup quarterback throughout the league.
NFL Career Highlights
In professional football, Driskel has completed 229 of 391 pass attempts for 2,394 yards with 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, compiling a passer rating of 79.4. On the ground, he has added 417 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, demonstrating his dual-threat capability. His most productive stretch came during his five starts with the Bengals in 2018, where he passed for 764 yards and 5 touchdowns.
College Career Statistics
Driskel’s college career at Florida and Louisiana Tech showcased his potential as a starting quarterback. At Louisiana Tech in 2015, he passed for 4,026 yards and 27 touchdowns, earning Conference USA Newcomer of the Year honors. During his time at Florida, he appeared in games across three seasons, contributing to an 11-2 Gators team that earned a Sugar Bowl berth in 2012.
| League | Games Played | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career | Multiple Seasons | 2,394 | 16 | 10 |
| College (Louisiana Tech) | One Season | 4,026 | 27 | Multiple |
Family
Personal Life
Jeffrey Matthew Driskel maintains a relatively private personal life despite his public career in professional football. He grew up in Oviedo, Florida, where he excelled in both football and baseball during his high school years. His athletic versatility was evident from an early age, as evidenced by his selection in the Major League Baseball draft while still in college.
Driskel has been active on social media, connecting with fans through various platforms throughout his career. His journey through multiple NFL teams has made him a relatable figure for players seeking to establish themselves in a competitive league, demonstrating persistence and adaptability as key professional attributes.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season saw Driskel continue his journeyman career in professional football. He began the season with the Washington Commanders before joining the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad in September. After a brief stint with the Raiders, he returned to the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad in November before being signed back to the Commanders’ roster in December following an injury to Marcus Mariota.
This pattern of moving between teams highlights Driskel’s role as a trusted veteran option at quarterback across the league. Teams have consistently valued his experience, professionalism, and ability to step into games when needed. His return to Washington provided depth during a critical portion of the season, demonstrating the continued trust organizations place in his abilities.
Throughout his career, Driskel has exemplified the qualities of a consummate professional, adapting to new teams, learning different systems, and being ready to contribute whenever called upon. His journey through nine NFL franchises reflects both the challenges of building a lasting career as a quarterback and his determination to remain in the league despite those obstacles.