Bailey Zappe Bio
Bailey Michael Zappe is an American professional football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played his first three seasons of college football for the Houston Baptist Huskies and used his last year of eligibility with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, setting the FBS season records for passing yards and passing touchdowns. Zappe was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft by the New England Patriots, where he spent his first two seasons alternating as a backup and starter. He joined the Browns as a backup in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Bailey Zappe was born on April 26, 1999, in Victoria, Texas. He attended Victoria East High School, where he had a standout senior season, passing for 3,770 yards and 37 touchdowns while also rushing for 633 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns. Despite his impressive high school performance, Zappe was not heavily recruited and ultimately committed to play college football at Houston Baptist University, which was his only scholarship offer. In 2023, Victoria East retired Zappe’s No. 4 jersey in recognition of his achievements.
Path to American Football
Zappe began his college career at Houston Baptist, starting nine games in his first year and passing for 1,548 yards with five touchdowns and ten interceptions. As a redshirt sophomore, he had a breakout season, completing 357 of 560 passes for 3,811 yards with 35 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. After a shortened junior season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Zappe decided to transfer to Western Kentucky University, where he was named the starting quarterback for the 2021 season. He quickly made an impact, passing for 424 yards and seven touchdowns in his first start against Tennessee-Martin. During the 2021 regular season, Zappe led the Football Bowl Subdivision in passing yards and touchdowns, ultimately breaking FBS records for both in the Boca Raton Bowl.
Bailey Zappe Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Zappe was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft, becoming the 137th overall pick. He began his rookie season as the third-string quarterback but was promoted to the second option after an injury to starter Mac Jones. Zappe made his NFL debut in a game against the Green Bay Packers, completing ten of fifteen passes for 99 yards and a touchdown. He became the first rookie in the league to throw a touchdown pass that season and made his starting debut the following week against the Detroit Lions, leading the Patriots to a 29-0 victory.
Breakthrough (2024)
In 2024, Zappe was waived by the Patriots but quickly signed to the practice squad of the Kansas City Chiefs. He was later signed to the active roster of the Cleveland Browns after an injury to their starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. Zappe was announced as the starting quarterback for the Browns’ Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Zappe’s signature achievements include being the NCAA passing yards leader and passing touchdowns leader in 2021, as well as earning the title of C-USA Most Valuable Player. His performance in college football set him up for a successful transition to the NFL, where he has continued to demonstrate his skills as a quarterback.
Bailey Zappe Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Bailey Zappe has received several notable nominations and accolades, primarily during his college years, including the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award and recognition as First-team All-C-USA in 2021.
Bailey Zappe Awards Won
Zappe’s impressive college career earned him multiple awards, including the NCAA passing yards leader and passing touchdowns leader in 2021, as well as the C-USA Most Valuable Player. He was also named the Offensive MVP of the 2021 Boca Raton Bowl.
Bailey Zappe Family
Information regarding Bailey Zappe’s family is not publicly available, as he has chosen to keep personal details about his family life private.
Personal Life
Details about Bailey Zappe’s personal life, including marital status and relationships, are not publicly disclosed. He remains focused on his professional football career and continues to develop as a player in the NFL.
