Brief Introduction of Brett Rypien
Brett Robert Rypien is an American football quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). Known for his prolific college career at Boise State University, he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, carving out a career as a resilient and prepared backup quarterback. He has had stints with several NFL teams, including the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks. Rypien is recognized for his strong football lineage as the nephew of former Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien.
Brett Rypien Overview
| Full Name | Brett Robert Rypien |
| Date of Birth | July 9, 1996 |
| Age | 29 years old |
| Birthplace | Spokane, Washington, U.S. |
| Family | Tim Rypien (Father), Julie Rypien (Mother), Mark Rypien (Uncle) |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Profession | Professional Football Quarterback |
| Current Team | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Net Worth (2025 estimate) | Approximately $6 million |
Early Life and Education of Brett Rypien
Brett Rypien was born in Spokane, Washington, to Tim and Julie Rypien. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, he was a multi-sport athlete, participating in both football and baseball, a sport his father played at the minor league level.
High School Accomplishments
Rypien attended Shadle Park High School in Spokane, where he was the starting quarterback for all four years. His high school career was nothing short of historic. By the time he graduated, Rypien had shattered multiple Washington state records, many of which were previously held by another Boise State legend, Kellen Moore. His records included career passing yards (13,044), career pass completions (1,006), single-season passing yards (4,552), single-season touchdowns (50), single-game passing yards (613), and single-game pass completions (44). A standout student as well, Rypien graduated with a 4.0 GPA, earning valedictorian honors.
Brett Rypien’s Career
Rypien’s football journey has been marked by record-breaking collegiate success and a persistent professional career that has seen him navigate the challenges of being an undrafted player in the NFL.
College Career at Boise State (2015–2018)
Rypien enrolled early at Boise State University in January 2015 to participate in spring practices. Though initially slated to redshirt his freshman season, an injury to the starting quarterback thrust him into action. He made an immediate impact, becoming the first true freshman quarterback to play for Boise State since 1993. In his first season, he set a Boise State record for most passing yards in a game by a freshman with 469 yards, a record he broke shortly after with a 506-yard performance. This stellar play earned him the Mountain West Conference (MWC) Freshman of the Year and first-team all-conference honors, a first for a freshman in the conference’s history.
Throughout his four years as a starter for the Broncos, Rypien was a model of consistency and production. He was named first-team All-MWC three times (2015, 2016, 2018) and second-team once (2017). By the end of his collegiate career, he had rewritten the MWC record books, finishing as the conference’s all-time leader in passing yards (13,581), completions (1,036), and 300-yard passing games (21). He also ranks second all-time at Boise State in passing yards, passing touchdowns (90), completions, and attempts.
Professional Career
Despite his decorated college career, Rypien went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. He signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent, beginning a professional career that has seen him play for multiple franchises.
Denver Broncos (2019–2022)
Rypien spent his initial seasons with the Broncos primarily on the practice squad. He saw his first significant NFL action in 2020. In his first career start on Thursday Night Football against the New York Jets, he led the Broncos to a 37-28 victory, throwing for 242 yards and two touchdowns. In doing so, he became just the fifth quarterback in franchise history to lead a fourth-quarter comeback in his first start. He would appear in eight games with three starts over his four seasons in Denver, throwing for a total of four touchdowns and eight interceptions.
A Journeyman’s Path (2023-Present)
After his time in Denver, Rypien’s career has been characterized by short stints with several teams, a common path for a reliable backup quarterback in the NFL. In 2023, he signed with the Los Angeles Rams and made one start. He also had brief stops with the Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets during the same season. He spent time with the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings in 2024 before signing with the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad. Following an injury to Bengals’ starting quarterback Joe Burrow, Rypien was promoted to the active roster to serve as the backup to Jake Browning.
Brett Rypien Personal Life & Family
Family has played a significant role in Brett Rypien’s life and career. He is the nephew of Mark Rypien, a former NFL quarterback who was the MVP of Super Bowl XXVI with the Washington Football Team. Brett has often spoken about the valuable advice and encouragement he has received from his uncle throughout his career. Rypien is married to Laura Rypien (formerly Laura Buck).
Awards and Achievements of Brett Rypien
| Award / Honor | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year | 2018 |
| First-team All-Mountain West | 2015, 2016, 2018 |
| Second-team All-Mountain West | 2017 |
| Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year | 2015 |
| Washington State Player of the Year (High School) | 2014 |
Brett Rypien Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Brett Rypien’s net worth is estimated to be around $6 million. His primary source of income is his salary from his NFL contracts. Throughout his career, he has earned over $6 million in total. He signed a 1-year, $1,170,000 contract with the Cincinnati Bengals for the 2025 season.
Legacy and Influence
Brett Rypien’s legacy is one of perseverance and a testament to the importance of preparation and intelligence in the quarterback position. While not possessing elite physical traits, his football acumen and consistent accuracy allowed him to shatter records at the collegiate level. In the NFL, he has carved out a role as a dependable backup, a position that requires constant readiness and a deep understanding of the game plan. His journey as an undrafted free agent serves as an inspiration for players who may be overlooked in the draft process but possess the intangibles to succeed in professional football.
Interesting Facts about Brett Rypien
- He holds dual U.S. and Canadian citizenship, as his father, Tim, is from Calgary.
- As a high school senior, he was named the Washington State Player of the Year.
- At the NFL Combine, his pass velocity was recorded at 59 MPH, tying for the highest among quarterbacks in his draft class.
- He graduated from Shadle Park High School as the valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA.
- He is the nephew of Super Bowl XXVI MVP Mark Rypien.
Social Media Presence
Brett Rypien maintains a presence on social media, where he shares insights into his professional and personal life. Fans can follow him on platforms such as Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to keep up with his journey.
Final Words about Brett Rypien
Brett Rypien’s career is a compelling narrative of a quarterback who has maximized his talents through hard work, intelligence, and an unwavering belief in his abilities. From a record-setting high school and college career to navigating the unpredictable landscape of the NFL as an undrafted player, he has consistently proven his value. Now with the Cincinnati Bengals, he continues to embrace his role, ready to step in when called upon and contribute to his team’s success, adding another chapter to his resilient football story.
