Brief Introduction of Jeff Driskel
Jeffrey Matthew “Jeff” Driskel (born April 23, 1993) is an American professional football quarterback currently associated with the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his athleticism and dual-threat capabilities, Driskel has carved out a career as a versatile backup quarterback across numerous NFL teams since being drafted in 2016. His journey from a highly-touted college recruit to a journeyman NFL veteran showcases his resilience and adaptability within professional football.
Jeff Driskel Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeffrey Matthew Driskel |
| Date of Birth | April 23, 1993 |
| Age (as of Sep 2025) | 32 years old |
| Birthplace | Oviedo, Florida, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 231 lb (105 kg) |
| Profession | Professional American Football Quarterback |
| College | Florida (2011–2014), Louisiana Tech (2015) |
| NFL Draft | 2016, Round 6, Pick 207 (San Francisco 49ers) |
| Current Team (2025) | Las Vegas Raiders (Practice Squad) |
| Spouse | Tarin Moses Driskel (m. 2016) |
| Children | Jensen Michelle Driskel (daughter, b. 2018) |
| Parents | Jerry and Mary Driskel |
| Brother | Jason Driskel |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Approximately $10 million in career earnings |
Early Life and Education of Jeff Driskel
Jeff Driskel was born on April 23, 1993, in Oviedo, Florida. His athleticism was evident from a young age, and he quickly distinguished himself in multiple sports. Driskel attended Paul J. Hagerty High School in Oviedo, Florida, where he excelled in both football and baseball. During his high school football career, he amassed impressive statistics, throwing for 4,844 yards and 36 touchdowns. His senior year in 2010 was particularly decorated; he threw for 1,819 yards and 15 touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,333 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Driskel’s exceptional talent garnered national attention, leading to him being selected as a member of the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback competition, where he finished first among quarterbacks and was awarded MVP. He was also recognized as the Maxwell Football Club National High School Player of the Year and the Gatorade Florida Player of the Year in 2010. Both Rivals.com and Scout.com ranked him as the best pro-style quarterback recruit in his class.
Beyond football, Driskel was also a formidable baseball player. Interestingly, his family has a military background; his father, Jerry Driskel, served 20 years in the U.S. Navy. During his father’s final three years in the Navy, the family was stationed in Sasebo, Japan, where Jeff further honed his baseball skills. Due to his size and talent, he was affectionately nicknamed “Godzilla” by the local Japanese children, often playing with kids several years his senior. His mother, Mary Driskel, played volleyball at Air Force, and his younger brother, Jason Driskel, also played college football at Florida Atlantic. The Driskel family moved to the Orlando area when Jeff was 10, where he began playing Pop Warner football. Despite not having played baseball since high school, Driskel was drafted by the Boston Red Sox with the 863rd pick in the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft, demonstrating his diverse athletic prowess.
Jeff Driskel’s Career
College Career
Jeff Driskel began his college football career at the University of Florida, where he enrolled in January 2011. As a freshman, he appeared in five games, completing 16 of 34 passes for 148 yards. He took over as the Gators’ starting quarterback in his sophomore season in 2012, leading the team to an impressive 11–2 record and a berth in the 2013 Sugar Bowl. In that season, he completed 156 of 245 passes for 1,646 yards with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions, while also rushing for 408 yards and three touchdowns, which ranked seventh in school history for a quarterback in a single season. He also set a school record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a single game with 177 yards and three touchdowns against Vanderbilt.
His junior year in 2013 was cut short after just three games due to a broken right fibula sustained against Tennessee. He returned in 2014, retaining his starting job initially, but was later benched in favor of Treon Harris. After four seasons with the Gators, Driskel was granted a release and transferred to Louisiana Tech University in January 2015. In his single season with the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, Driskel flourished, passing for 4,026 yards and 27 touchdowns, earning him the Conference USA Newcomer of the Year award in 2015. He also notably earned his Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree while at Louisiana Tech.
NFL Career
Jeff Driskel’s performance at Louisiana Tech caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the 207th overall pick. He ran a 4.56-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, which was faster than any other quarterback in his draft class.
Although drafted by the 49ers, Driskel was waived by the team on September 3, 2016, and was subsequently claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals the following day. He spent three seasons with the Bengals (2016-2018), where he made his NFL debut in 2018 and started five games after an injury to starting quarterback Andy Dalton. During this period, he completed 202 of 345 passes for 2,120 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, also adding 309 rushing yards and three scores. His sole NFL victory as a starter came during his time with the Bengals in 2018.
Driskel’s professional journey continued with the Detroit Lions, who signed him on September 17, 2019. He made his first start for the Lions in Week 10 against the Chicago Bears, throwing for 269 yards and a touchdown. In Week 11 against the Dallas Cowboys, he threw for 209 yards, two touchdowns, and rushed for 51 yards and another touchdown. A hamstring injury later placed him on injured reserve.
On March 27, 2020, Driskel signed a two-year contract with the Denver Broncos. He played in three games for the Broncos, starting one, and recorded 432 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. His tenure with the Broncos was also notable for his placement on the reserve/COVID-19 list after testing positive for the virus, and he, along with other Broncos quarterbacks, was fined for violating COVID-19 protocols. He was released by the Broncos on May 3, 2021.
He then signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans on May 20, 2021. During his time with the Texans in 2021, Driskel briefly converted from quarterback to tight end, playing the position for the first time in his career. He re-signed with the Texans in 2022 and was eventually promoted to the active roster. Following his time in Houston, Driskel signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals on April 17, 2023. He spent time on their practice squad and was elevated to the active roster for one game.
Towards the end of the 2023 season, Driskel was signed by the Cleveland Browns off the Cardinals’ practice squad on December 29, 2023. He started in their Week 18 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, completing 166 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, as the Browns rested key starters after clinching a playoff berth. On April 1, 2024, Driskel signed with the Washington Commanders, playing in one game during the 2024 season.
Most recently, on September 1, 2025, Jeff Driskel signed with the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad, providing depth due to injuries in their quarterback room. This marks his ninth NFL team, highlighting his persistent presence in the league as a reliable backup option. As of the current date, he has played in 25 NFL games, starting 12, and holds a career record of 1-11 as a starter. His career NFL statistics include 2,394 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, with a completion percentage of 58.6%. He has also rushed for 417 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Jeff Driskel Personal Life & Family
Jeff Driskel’s personal life is rooted in his family and community involvement. He is married to Tarin Moses Driskel, whom he met while they were both students at the University of Florida. Tarin was a cheerleader at Florida and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation and Event Management in 2013. The couple tied the knot on July 9, 2016, and welcomed their daughter, Jensen Michelle, on August 31, 2018.
Family values have always been important to Jeff, influenced by his father, Jerry Driskel, who served 20 years in the U.S. Navy. This military background instilled in him a sense of discipline and leadership. His mother, Mary, played volleyball at Air Force, and his brother, Jason, also pursued a career in football, playing at Florida Atlantic.
The Driskel family is also actively involved in their community. Jeff and Tarin are passionate about giving back, and they host a free football and cheer camp for children in their home state of Florida. This initiative provides kids with a unique opportunity to receive instruction from NFL players and former college athletes, fostering fun and community spirit during the summer. Tarin, with her cheerleading background, ensures the camp also offers a cheer aspect for young girls, making it a comprehensive and inclusive event.
Awards and Achievements of Jeff Driskel
Jeff Driskel’s career, both in high school and college, is marked by several notable awards and achievements, reflecting his talent and dedication.
- Elite 11 Quarterback Competition MVP (2010): Recognized as the top quarterback in this prestigious national competition during his high school years.
- Maxwell Football Club National High School Player of the Year (2010): A significant honor for the nation’s best high school football player.
- Gatorade Florida Player of the Year (2010): Named the top high school football player in the state of Florida.
- C-USA Newcomer of the Year (2015): Awarded in his lone season at Louisiana Tech, acknowledging his immediate impact and outstanding performance in the Conference USA.
- Florida Gators Record Holder: Holds the University of Florida school record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single game (177 yards vs. Vanderbilt in 2012).
Jeff Driskel Net Worth and Income
As a professional athlete in the NFL, Jeff Driskel’s income primarily stems from his player contracts, salaries, and potential endorsements. Having been in the league for nearly a decade, his career earnings reflect the financial success possible in professional football, even as a backup quarterback.
By the end of the 2025 NFL season, Jeff Driskel is estimated to have accumulated approximately $10 million in career earnings. His contracts have varied throughout his tenure with different teams. For the 2024 season with the Washington Commanders, he signed a 1-year contract worth $1,125,000. In 2025, he signed a practice squad contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, which typically pays a weekly salary for practice squad members. His 2025 salary cap charge is reported at $315,000, with a cash payout of the same amount. While these figures represent his base income, additional revenue streams could include appearance fees, local endorsements, and other investments. His ability to secure multiple contracts across various teams as a reliable depth option has contributed significantly to his overall financial standing, making the “Jeff Driskel net worth” a testament to his longevity in a highly competitive sport.
Legacy and Influence
Jeff Driskel’s legacy in the NFL is perhaps best characterized by his resilience and versatility. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to adapt to different offensive schemes and serve as a reliable backup quarterback for multiple franchises. While he may not have held a long-term starting role, his enduring presence in the league as a seasoned veteran is a testament to his dedication and skill.
Beyond the field, Driskel, along with his wife Tarin, has made a positive impact through community initiatives. Their annual free football and cheer camp in Florida provides an accessible opportunity for young athletes to engage with the sport and receive instruction from professional players. This commitment to youth development and community engagement reflects a broader influence that extends beyond his playing statistics, contributing to a positive public image. His career journey also serves as an inspiration, showcasing how a player can maintain a professional career through perseverance and a willingness to contribute in various capacities.
Interesting Facts about Jeff Driskel
- Baseball Draft Pick: Despite focusing on football, Driskel was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 29th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft, an impressive feat given he hadn’t played baseball since high school.
- “Godzilla” Nickname: As a child living in Sasebo, Japan, Driskel was nicknamed “Godzilla” due to his large size and talent in baseball compared to his peers.
- Holds an MBA: While playing college football at Louisiana Tech, Jeff Driskel also earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, demonstrating his commitment to academic pursuits alongside his athletic career.
- Brief Tight End Stint: During his time with the Houston Texans in 2021, Driskel briefly converted from quarterback to tight end, showcasing his versatility and willingness to contribute in different roles.
- College Record Breaker: At the University of Florida, Driskel set a school record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single game with 177 yards against Vanderbilt in 2012.
Controversies
One notable controversy in Jeff Driskel’s career occurred during his time with the Denver Broncos in 2020. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list after testing positive for the virus. Alongside other quarterbacks on the Broncos roster, Driskel was subsequently fined by the team for violating NFL’s COVID-19 protocols. This incident highlighted the challenges faced by the league in maintaining health and safety during the pandemic and the consequences for players who did not adhere to the established guidelines.
Social Media Presence
Jeff Driskel maintains a presence on social media platforms, allowing fans to follow his career and personal updates. His official X (formerly Twitter) account is @jeffdriskel. As of April 2020, he had over 31,000 followers. While current exact follower counts can fluctuate, his verified account serves as a direct channel for communication with his audience. He also shares updates and insights into his life, including his family and community work, on platforms like Instagram (@jeffdriskel). His online presence reflects his professional identity and connection with the broader football community and fans.
Final Words about Jeff Driskel
Jeff Driskel’s career in the NFL exemplifies the journey of a professional athlete navigating the demanding landscape of top-tier football. From a celebrated high school prospect to a starting quarterback in the SEC and eventually a well-traveled veteran in the NFL, his path has been marked by both promise and perseverance. As of the 2025 season, Driskel remains an active part of the professional football world, currently serving on the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad. His ability to consistently find opportunities across numerous teams underscores his value as an experienced, adaptable, and athletic quarterback. Looking ahead, Jeff Driskel continues to be a resilient figure in the league, ready to contribute his skills and experience whenever called upon, further solidifying his place in NFL history as a dedicated journeyman quarterback.
