Brief Introduction of Ben Wooldridge
Ben Wooldridge is an American professional football quarterback who, as of 2025, is signed with the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Known for his resilience and leadership, Wooldridge built a notable collegiate career at both Fresno State and the University of Louisiana, overcoming significant injuries to post impressive stats and earn accolades. His journey is marked by perseverance, culminating in his entry into the professional ranks as an undrafted free agent, where he continues to compete for a roster spot.
Ben Wooldridge Overview
| Full Name | Benjamin Wooldridge |
| Date of Birth | September 27, 1999 |
| Age (as of Aug 2025) | 25 |
| Birthplace | Pleasanton, California, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 216 lb (98 kg) |
| Profession | American Football Quarterback |
| Current Team | New England Patriots |
| Wife | Katee Hale (married November 2022) |
| Parents | Mark and Sheri Wooldridge |
| Siblings | Andy and Jacob Wooldridge |
| Net Worth (2025 Estimate) | Contract valued at $2,971,000 over 3 years |
Early Life and Education of Ben Wooldridge
Ben Wooldridge was born on September 27, 1999, in Pleasanton, California, to parents Mark and Sheri Wooldridge. Growing up with two brothers, Andy and Jacob, Wooldridge developed a competitive spirit that would fuel his athletic pursuits. He attended Foothill High School in his hometown of Pleasanton, where he laid the foundation for his football career. As a standout quarterback for the Foothill Falcons, he demonstrated significant talent. During his junior season, he threw for an impressive 2,700 yards and 27 touchdowns, completing 64 percent of his passes. His senior year, he was named the Most Valuable Player for the East Bay Athletic League after leading the team to a 7-3 regular-season record. He was rated as a two-star recruit and committed to play college football at California State University, Fresno.
Ben Wooldridge’s Career
College Career: Fresno State (2018–2020)
Wooldridge began his collegiate journey at Fresno State. He was redshirted during his true freshman season in 2018 and did not see any game action. Over the next two seasons, he served in a backup role. In 2019, he appeared in three games, completing 4 of 6 passes for 30 yards and a touchdown. In the shortened 2020 season, he played in two games, completing 8 of 16 passes for 117 yards. Seeking more playing time and a fresh start, Wooldridge entered the NCAA transfer portal on December 16, 2020.
A New Chapter at Louisiana (2021–2024)
On January 27, 2021, Wooldridge announced his transfer to the University of Louisiana to play for the Ragin’ Cajuns. After not appearing in any games during the 2021 season, he got his opportunity in 2022. He took over as the starting quarterback mid-season after an injury to the starter and made a significant impact. In 10 games (five starts), he threw for 1,661 yards and 15 touchdowns before his own season was cut short by an injury in November. The 2023 season was again marred by injury, as he played in only three games before suffering another season-ending injury. Despite the setbacks, Wooldridge returned for the 2024 season, showcasing remarkable resilience. He was named the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year and earned First-Team All-Sun Belt honors, leading the Ragin’ Cajuns with an impressive performance that included completing 66% of his passes for 2,453 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only six interceptions, plus five rushing touchdowns.
Professional Career: New England Patriots (2025–Present)
After going unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft, Ben Wooldridge signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent on May 9, 2025. He signed a three-year, $2,971,000 contract with the team, which included a $6,000 signing bonus and $15,000 in guaranteed money. He made his preseason debut in August 2025 against the Washington Commanders, where he had an impressive showing, completing 9 of 12 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. He is currently competing for a position on the team’s final roster.
Ben Wooldridge Personal Life & Family
Family has been a cornerstone of support for Ben Wooldridge throughout his challenging career. He is the son of Mark and Sheri Wooldridge and has two brothers, Andy and Jacob. In a 2023 interview, he credited his mother as a tremendous supporter and a primary reason he was able to push through the hardships of his injuries. His family has Louisiana roots, with his grandparents residing in Slidell, which he mentioned in his NIL profile. In November 2022, Ben Wooldridge married his wife, Katee Hale.
Awards and Achievements of Ben Wooldridge
- Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year (2024)
- First-Team All-Sun Belt (2024)
- Second-Team All-Louisiana (2024)
- Three-time Manning Award Star of the Week (2024)
- East Bay Athletic League MVP (2017)
Ben Wooldridge Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Ben Wooldridge’s net worth is primarily tied to his rookie contract with the New England Patriots. He signed a 3-year deal worth $2,971,000, with an average annual salary of $990,333. The contract included a $6,000 signing bonus and $15,000 in guaranteed money. His base salary for the 2025 season is $840,000. During his college career, he also likely earned income through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, though specific figures are not public.
Legacy and Influence
Ben Wooldridge’s career is a testament to perseverance. His ability to come back from multiple significant injuries—including an ACL surgery in late 2022 and another season-ending injury in 2023—to have an award-winning final season at Louisiana is a source of inspiration. In a 2024 interview, he spoke about the importance of mental toughness, stating, “if the quarterback’s not tough then you don’t have a tough team.” This mindset and his leadership qualities have been praised by scouting reports, which note his calm and composed demeanor in the huddle. While his professional legacy is still being written, his college journey has already left a mark, defined by resilience in the face of adversity.
Interesting Facts about Ben Wooldridge
- In a 2024 interview about returning from injury, Wooldridge said, “every day you step onto that field it’s a blessing to be out there with your teammates. It’s a blessing to play this game.”
- In the “Madden NFL 26” video game, his initial rookie rating was a 57 overall.
- He was named a “Midseason Breakout Player for the Bay Area” during his sophomore year of high school.
- He has expressed a deep appreciation for his family’s support, particularly his mother’s, in overcoming the mental and physical challenges of his injuries.
Controversies
There are no known public controversies associated with Ben Wooldridge. His career and public persona have been characterized by professionalism and a focus on overcoming athletic challenges.
Social Media Presence
While Ben Wooldridge is known to be active on social media platforms, as indicated by his NIL profile and team social media posts, verifiable public accounts with follower counts are not readily available. He appears to maintain a relatively private online presence.
Final Words about Ben Wooldridge
Ben Wooldridge’s story is one of unwavering determination. From his high school accolades in California to a challenging and ultimately triumphant college career in Louisiana, he has consistently demonstrated the heart of a competitor. Now, as a member of the New England Patriots, he faces his next great challenge in the NFL. Armed with a strong work ethic, a resilient mindset, and the support of his family, Wooldridge is poised to continue building his legacy, proving that setbacks can be the setup for a comeback.
