From collegiate standout to NFL journeyman: the professional trajectory of quarterback Jake Haener
In short: Born in 1999, Jake Haener transitioned from a record-breaking high school career in California to the professional ranks of the NFL. His journey through collegiate programs and multiple professional franchises highlights the volatile nature of professional football, marked by roster fluctuations, suspensions, and personal health challenges along the way.
Jake Haener’s path to professional football began in Danville, California, where he set a school record with 90 touchdowns at Monte Vista High School. After committing to the University of Washington, he spent his early collegiate years as a backup before transferring to California State University, Fresno, in 2019. Following a mandatory sit-out year, he emerged as the Bulldogs' starter in 2020, demonstrating his passing capability by throwing for 2,021 yards in just six games. His time at Fresno State was notable for a brief entry into the NCAA transfer portal in late 2021, though he ultimately chose to remain with the program.
The 2023 NFL draft saw Haener selected in the fourth round, 127th overall, by the New Orleans Saints. His professional tenure began with immediate adversity; he was suspended for the first six weeks of the 2023 season after failing a drug test for a banned performance-enhancing substance. Haener publicly stated he was unaware of how the substance entered his system but accepted full responsibility for the result. By 2024, he served as a backup to Derek Carr, eventually recording his first career touchdown pass in a Week 7 game against the Denver Broncos. Later that season, he was named the starter following a hand injury to Carr.
The subsequent years reflected the instability often found in professional sports rosters. After being waived by the Saints in August 2025, Haener navigated a series of practice squad assignments and active roster moves. His career path took him to the Kansas City Chiefs in early 2026, followed by a stint with the New York Giants later that year. Amidst these professional shifts, Haener faced personal health challenges, announcing a skin cancer diagnosis in July 2024. His career remains a testament to the persistent movement required of players navigating the competitive landscape of the NFL, supported by a family background in media, as his mother, Julie Haener, served as a long-time television anchor.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Jake Haener
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