The Rise and Fall of Brock Osweiler: A Quarterback’s Journey

Edited by Jon Hudec.

Produced by ESPN Creative Studio: Heather Donahue, Jarret Gabel, David Ibarra, Luke Knox, Dan Pellegrino,

Garrett Siegel and Rachel Weiss.

Illustration by Studio Muti. Contract data from Spotrac, additional research by Sandra Fish. Photography by Getty Images and AP.

The Early Years

Brock Osweiler, born on November 22, 1990, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, had a promising start to his football career. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall, Osweiler possessed the physical attributes that made him an attractive prospect for college recruiters.

Osweiler attended Flathead High School in Kalispell, Montana, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. His talent on the football field led to a scholarship offer from Arizona State University.

College Success

At Arizona State, Osweiler quickly made a name for himself as a talented quarterback. In his sophomore year, he became the team’s starting quarterback and led them to an 8-5 record, including a victory in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Osweiler’s junior year was even more impressive. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 26 touchdowns, earning him All-Pac-12 Conference honors. His success on the field caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he decided to forgo his senior year to enter the NFL Draft.

The NFL Draft and Early Career

In the 2012 NFL Draft, Osweiler was selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round, with the 57th overall pick. He was seen as the heir apparent to future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning.

During his first few seasons in the NFL, Osweiler served as Manning’s backup and gained valuable experience learning from one of the best quarterbacks in the league. In 2015, when Manning was sidelined with an injury, Osweiler stepped in and performed admirably, leading the Broncos to a 5-2 record in his seven starts.

The Houston Texans Era

Osweiler’s success as a starter caught the attention of the Houston Texans, who signed him to a four-year, $72 million contract in 2016. The Texans were hopeful that Osweiler would be their long-term solution at quarterback.

However, Osweiler’s time in Houston did not go as planned. He struggled with consistency and failed to live up to the expectations set by his contract. In his lone season with the Texans, he threw for just 2,957 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions.

Despite his struggles, Osweiler led the Texans to a playoff victory over the Oakland Raiders before being benched in favor of backup Tom Savage in the Divisional Round.

A Rocky Road

Following his disappointing season in Houston, Osweiler was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2017. However, his time in Cleveland was short-lived, as he was released by the team after just one season.

Osweiler then had brief stints with the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins before finding himself out of the league in 2019. It seemed like his once-promising career had come to an end.

A Second Chance

Just when it seemed like Osweiler’s NFL career was over, he received a call from the Indianapolis Colts in 2020. The Colts were in need of a backup quarterback and saw potential in Osweiler.

Osweiler seized the opportunity and signed with the Colts. While he did not see any playing time during the season, his presence on the team provided valuable experience and mentorship for the younger quarterbacks.

The Legacy of Brock Osweiler

Although Osweiler’s career had its ups and downs, his journey serves as a reminder of the challenges that quarterbacks face in the NFL. From being a highly touted prospect to struggling with consistency and finding himself out of the league, Osweiler’s story is one of perseverance.

While he may not have achieved the level of success that was expected of him, Osweiler’s contributions to the teams he played for should not be overlooked. His time with the Broncos and Texans, despite their shortcomings, showcased his ability to step up in pressure situations and lead his team to victories.

As Osweiler moves on from his playing career, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience and determination. His journey serves as a reminder that success in the NFL is not always guaranteed, but with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.

So, as we reflect on the rise and fall of Brock Osweiler, let us remember that his story is not just about the highs and lows of a quarterback’s career, but also about the strength and character it takes to overcome adversity.