From Texas High School standout to the NFL: The journey of Behren Morton
In short: Born in Lubbock, Texas, in 2002, Behren Morton rose through the ranks of high school football before becoming a pivotal quarterback at Texas Tech. His path to the NFL was marked by resilience through recurring injuries and standout performances, eventually leading to his selection by the New England Patriots in 2026.
Behren Morton’s football journey began in Eastland, Texas, where he excelled as a high school quarterback under his father’s coaching. A three-time District 5-3A MVP, Morton’s high school career was defined by prolific production, including a senior season where he passed for 3,613 yards and 37 touchdowns while also contributing 19 rushing scores. His talent as a four-star recruit drew interest from several major programs, but he ultimately committed to Texas Tech.
His collegiate career at Texas Tech was characterized by both flashes of brilliance and significant physical challenges. After redshirting his first year, Morton stepped into the starting role due to injuries to teammates Tyler Shough and Donovan Smith. Throughout his time as a Red Raider, he navigated a series of setbacks, including a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder, a head injury, and various lower-leg issues. Despite these hurdles, he delivered notable performances, such as a 401-yard, four-touchdown game against Oklahoma State in 2024 and an offensive MVP showing in the 2023 Independence Bowl victory over California.
By the end of his tenure at Texas Tech, Morton had established himself as a resilient playmaker. His professional transition began in 2026 when the New England Patriots selected him in the seventh round of the NFL draft with the 234th overall pick. Morton’s versatility was on display early in his professional tenure; during a 2026 preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, he not only passed for 129 yards but also stepped in as an emergency punter, showcasing the adaptability that defined his collegiate years. His career remains a testament to the endurance required to navigate the transition from high school dominance to the highest level of professional football.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Behren Morton
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