Brady Quinn was once one of the biggest names in football thanks to his dominant play at Notre Dame. Unfortunately, his life in the NFL was short-lived and unspectacular by nearly every measure. Not one to dwell on what could’ve been, Quinn has seen success in his life after football. 

Brady Quinn’s college career

Brady Quinn chose to attend Notre Dame in 2003 after being heavily recruited in high school. His first year was an absolute mess, as he threw for nine touchdowns and 15 interceptions to go with 1,831 yards. Notre Dame finished with a disappointing 5-7 record.

In Quinn’s second season, however, he improved to 17 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and almost 2,600 yards. Unfortunately, the team record stood at 6-6, so the Fighting Irish looked elsewhere for a coach.

When Charlie Weis took over, Notre Dame football turned around. Quinn had his two best seasons under Weis, who helped lead the team to many wins. Quinn’s junior year saw him throw for 32 touchdowns and 4,000 yards with only seven interceptions. The next year was even better, as the young prospect threw for 37 TDs and seven interceptions.

Although Quinn was never a Heisman winner, he finished fourth in the voting in 2005 and third in 2006. His dominant final stretch at Notre Dame made him a shoo-in for the NFL draft. When the time came, the Cleveland Browns selected Quinn with the 22nd overall pick. 

Quinn’s NFL career 

The Browns rookie only saw one game during his first season, when he threw three-for-eight for no touchdowns. Quinn’s sophomore season saw little improvement, as he started in all three games he played. He completed 45-of-89 of passes and threw for two touchdowns and two interceptions. Then, a finger injury ended his season.

Quinn’s third year was a rollercoaster. He began the season as the Browns’ starter but lost the job to Derek Anderson by the third game. After Cleveland failed to improve, Quinn was named the struggling starter once more. The young QB finished with 1,339 throwing yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions. 

Quinn didn’t see a regular-season game again for nearly three years. He spent his entire Broncos tenure on the bench, as Tim Tebow took his chance to get extended play during his storied 2011 season. Quinn eventually ended up in Kansas City, where he started in eight games but only recorded two touchdowns and eight interceptions with a 1-7 record.

Although the Ohio native got brief stints with four more teams, he never stepped foot in a regular-season game again. Quinn finished with a 4-16 record as a starter, 12 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions.

Brady Quinn’s life after football

Quinn was involved with football in a different light post-NFL. Although it was briefly interrupted by a short stint with the Miami Dolphins, he began to work in television as his NFL career wound down.

Despite his disappointing pro career, Quinn’s eye for the game and ability to break it down made him a natural for a TV gig. Now, Quinn is a thriving college football analyst for Fox Sports. 

Quinn is also quite charitable. His 3rd & Goal Foundation has been praised for its work with the community, specifically regarding military veterans. The charity helps veterans avoid homelessness, learn financial literacy, and develop skills that help them succeed in civilian life. 

Although Quinn’s career in football was deemed disappointing, the former NFL quarterback has made quite the life for himself. The now-34-year-old turned his NFL career into an opportunity to help others. Although players are often defined by their on-field success, Quinn proves to be an MVP off of it.