C.J. Beathard Bio
Casey Jarrett Beathard is an American professional football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Known for his strong arm and competitive spirit, Beathard has made a name for himself in the NFL since his debut, showcasing his abilities on various teams throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Casey Jarrett Beathard was born on November 16, 1993, in Nashville, Tennessee. He attended Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee, where he played high school football for the Wildcats. His early exposure to football laid the foundation for his future career. After high school, Beathard committed to the University of Iowa, where he continued to develop his skills as a quarterback.
Path to American Football
Beathard redshirted during his freshman year at Iowa in 2012. He made his collegiate debut in 2013, appearing in five games and showcasing his potential with a 54-yard completion and two rushing touchdowns. His performance in college football garnered attention, and he became a key player for the Iowa Hawkeyes, leading them to significant victories and earning accolades such as Second-team All-Big Ten in 2015. His success at Iowa ultimately led to his selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.
C.J. Beathard Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
Beathard was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his professional career. He signed a four-year contract with the team and quickly became a backup quarterback. Beathard made his NFL debut on October 15, 2017, against the Washington Redskins, where he threw his first touchdown pass. Over his rookie season, he completed 123 of 224 passes for 1,430 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Breakthrough (2021–Present)
In 2021, Beathard signed a two-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he continued to develop as a quarterback. He had a notable performance in December 2023, stepping in for an injured Trevor Lawrence and leading the Jaguars to a close game against the Cincinnati Bengals. In 2024, he briefly joined the Miami Dolphins before returning to the Jaguars. As of September 2025, Beathard is a member of the Detroit Lions, where he continues to compete for a position on the roster.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Beathard has been recognized for his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. His notable achievements include leading the Iowa Hawkeyes to an undefeated regular season in 2015 and his impressive performances in the NFL, including a standout game where he threw for three touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals in 2020.
C.J. Beathard Award Nominations
Throughout his career, C.J. Beathard has received recognition for his performances, including being named Second-team All-Big Ten in 2015.
C.J. Beathard Awards Won
While C.J. Beathard has not won any major awards in the NFL, his contributions to his teams and his college achievements highlight his skills as a quarterback.
C.J. Beathard Family
C.J. Beathard comes from a family with a rich history in sports and music. He is the son of country music songwriter Casey Beathard and the brother of country music singer Tucker Beathard. His grandfather, Bobby Beathard, is a Pro Football Hall of Famer, and his great-uncle, Pete Beathard, was a former NFL quarterback.
Personal Life
Beathard’s personal life has been marked by both triumphs and tragedies. In December 2019, his younger brother, Clay, was fatally stabbed outside a bar in Nashville, Tennessee. This incident profoundly impacted Beathard and his family, highlighting the challenges they have faced off the field. Despite these challenges, Beathard continues to focus on his football career and honor his family’s legacy.