The resilient journey of an undrafted NFL quarterback
In short: From record-breaking college performances to the grueling instability of professional practice squads, Kurt Benkert’s football career is a study in persistence. Discover how an undrafted free agent navigated the highs of NFL rosters and the physical toll of the XFL before finding a new arena.
Kurt Benkrert's path to the professional ranks was marked by significant collegiate hurdles. After a prolific senior year at Island Coast High School, where he threw for 2,261 yards and 20 touchdowns, he committed to East Carolina University. His time with the Pirates was interrupted by a torn ACL prior to the 2015 season, prompting a transfer to the University of Virginia in May 2016.
At Virginia, Benkert emerged as a standout, setting a school record with 455 passing yards in a single game during his 2017 senior season. Following this display, he joined the Atlanta Falcons on 1 May 2018, entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent. His tenure in Atlanta was a cycle of being waived and signed to the practice squad, a pattern that would define much of his professional experience.
Benkert's career saw him move through several prominent organizations, including the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers. In December 2021, while with the Packers, he saw his first professional game action, kneeling twice to secure a 45–30 victory against the Chicago Bears. His later years included a stint in the XFL, where he faced extreme physical adversity, including three broken ribs during a game for the San Antonio Brahmas.
After announcing his retirement from football on August 26, 2023, Benkert transitioned into the digital space. He has since become a significant figure on YouTube, where his Madden NFL content has amassed over 145,000,000 views. He also serves as an alternate for the Spacestation Gaming Halo team.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Kurt Benkert
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