C.J. Beathard Bio
Casey Jarrett Beathard is an American professional football quarterback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. Born on November 16, 1993, in Nashville, Tennessee, Beathard played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes before being selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Across his professional career, he has also spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Miami Dolphins, establishing himself as a reliable backup with starting experience.
Early Life and Background
Casey Jarrett Beathard was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, where his family has long-standing ties to both football and country music. He attended Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee, where he played high school football for the Battle Ground Academy Wildcats. His upbringing in a sports-oriented household helped shape his early interest in quarterbacking and competitive athletics.
Beathard comes from one of football’s most recognized families. His grandfather, Bobby Beathard, is a former NFL executive and Pro Football Hall of Famer, while his great-uncle, Pete Beathard, played quarterback in the NFL. His father, Casey Beathard Sr., is a well-known country music songwriter, and his brother Tucker Beathard is a country music singer. This blend of athletic and musical heritage gave the younger Beathard a unique upbringing.
Path to American Football
After completing his high school career, Beathard committed to the University of Iowa to play college football. He redshirted during his freshman year in 2012, preserving a season of eligibility while adjusting to the demands of the Hawkeyes’ program. The following season he appeared in a limited role, making his collegiate debut against the Western Michigan Broncos on September 21, 2013, where he recorded a 54-yard completion and four carries for 30 yards.
As he developed, Beathard became a central figure in the well-known “Iowa quarterback controversy” during the 2014 season. After a strong second-half performance against the Pittsburgh Panthers that led to a comeback victory, he earned public support from Hawkeye fans calling for him to start. He continued to grow within the program, and after the TaxSlayer Bowl, head coach Kirk Ferentz officially named Beathard the starting quarterback for the 2015 season, allowing him to fully take command of the offense.
C.J. Beathard Career
Early Career (2013–2014)
Beathard’s early college years were defined by patience and gradual development. During the 2013 season, he appeared in five games and recorded his first collegiate touchdown on a five-yard rush against the Purdue Boilermakers on November 9. He finished that year with 179 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, along with 13 carries for 49 yards and two rushing touchdowns, offering a glimpse of his dual-threat ability.
In 2014, Beathard continued in a backup role behind Jake Rudock but gained national attention for his second-half performance against Pittsburgh. He led the Hawkeyes back from a 17–7 deficit to win 24–20, igniting fan debate about the starting quarterback position. Although Rudock returned as starter for most of the season, Beathard’s performance set the stage for his promotion the following year.
Iowa Hawkeyes Breakthrough (2015–2016)
Named the starter for 2015, Beathard helped lead the Iowa Hawkeyes football team to an undefeated 12–0 regular season. He threw for 2,570 yards, 14 touchdowns, and three interceptions, earning recognition as a second-team player on the 2015 All-Big Ten Conference football team. The Hawkeyes’ winning streak ended with a 16–13 loss to the Michigan State Spartans in the Big Ten Championship, after which Iowa faced Stanford in the Rose Bowl, falling 45–16 despite Beathard’s 239 passing yards and two touchdowns.
In his final college season in 2016, Beathard led Iowa to an 8–4 regular season record and a berth in the Outback Bowl against the Florida Gators. The Gators won 30–3 in Beathard’s last collegiate game. He finished the year with 1,929 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, along with two rushing touchdowns, completing his college career as one of the program’s most influential quarterbacks.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2017–2020)
The San Francisco 49ers selected Beathard in the third round, 104th overall, of the 2017 NFL Draft, making him the sixth quarterback taken that year. He signed a four-year, $3.52 million rookie contract on June 12, 2017, and was named the backup to Brian Hoyer after outperforming Matt Barkley and Nick Mullens in training camp. Beathard made his NFL debut in Week 6 against the Washington Redskins, throwing his first touchdown pass, a 45-yard strike to Aldrick Robinson, and was named the 49ers’ starter following the game.
Beathard’s rookie season ended after a hip and leg injury in Week 10, when Jimmy Garoppolo was acquired mid-game and eventually promoted to starter. He completed 123 of 224 passes for 1,430 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions, adding 136 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns across seven games. In 2018, after Garoppolo tore his ACL, Beathard started multiple games and posted a career-high 349 passing yards against the Arizona Cardinals before a wrist injury sidelined him. He saw limited action in 2019 and 2020 but started the 49ers’ Week 16 win over the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, throwing three touchdowns in a 20–12 victory.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2021–2023)
On March 24, 2021, Beathard signed a two-year, $5 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars to serve as the backup to Trevor Lawrence. He appeared primarily in relief roles during his tenure, offering veteran depth at the quarterback position. On February 24, 2023, Beathard signed a contract extension to remain with the organization, reinforcing his value as a trusted reserve.
During the 2023 season, Beathard took over in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 4, 2023, after Lawrence injured his ankle. He led a late drive that resulted in a game-tying 40-yard field goal with 26 seconds remaining, helping force overtime against Cincinnati. Although the Jaguars ultimately lost 34–31, Beathard’s poise in the two-minute drill was widely praised. On August 27, 2024, he was released on an injury settlement as part of final roster cuts.
Miami Dolphins and Return to Jacksonville (2024)
On October 22, 2024, Beathard was signed to the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad after injuries struck the team’s quarterback room, including starter Tua Tagovailoa, Skylar Thompson, and Tyler Huntley. His stay in Miami was brief, as the Jacksonville Jaguars signed him off the Dolphins’ practice squad on November 6, 2024, marking his return to the organization. He provided depth at quarterback during the back half of the 2024 season.
Detroit Lions Era (2025–Present)
On September 4, 2025, Beathard signed with the Detroit Lions’ practice squad, joining a competitive quarterback room. He continues to serve in a reserve role, offering experience and steady preparation behind the Lions’ starting lineup. His familiarity with multiple offensive systems across the NFL has made him a valued depth piece in Detroit.
Driving Style and Strengths
Beathard is recognized for his toughness, mobility, and poise under pressure, traits that have defined his career as a backup. He has consistently performed well in two-minute drill situations, demonstrating strong pocket awareness and the willingness to absorb contact while delivering accurate throws. His football intelligence and preparation have allowed him to step into starting roles across multiple franchises.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Beathard’s career came during his rookie season when he led the 49ers to a comeback win over the New York Giants in Week 10, highlighted by an 83-yard touchdown pass to Marquise Goodwin. His Week 16 start against the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, where he threw three touchdowns, stands as another career milestone. His late-game heroics against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023 also reinforced his reputation as a clutch performer.
C.J. Beathard Career Wins
Across his professional career, Beathard has recorded two NFL victories, with both wins coming as a starter for the San Francisco 49ers. His first career win came in Week 10 of the 2017 season against the New York Giants, followed by a Week 16 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in 2020. While his primary role has been as a backup, his performances in relief and as a spot starter have produced memorable moments throughout his time in the league.
NFL Highlights
Beathard’s NFL career includes stints with the San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, and Detroit Lions, with his most productive stretch occurring during his rookie season in 2017. Through the 2025 season, he has accumulated 563 passing attempts, 340 completions, 3,886 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, alongside a career passer rating of 82.1. His mobility has also contributed, as evidenced by his rushing touchdowns across multiple seasons.
Other Performances
In college, Beathard led Iowa to a 12–0 regular season in 2015, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors. He capped his college career with a 2016 Outback Bowl appearance against the Florida Gators, finishing his senior season with 17 passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. His college performances helped establish him as a legitimate NFL Draft prospect.
C.J. Beathard Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Beathard comes from one of football’s most distinguished families. His grandfather, Bobby Beathard, is a Pro Football Hall of Fame executive who shaped multiple NFL franchises through decades of scouting and personnel work. His great-uncle, Pete Beathard, played quarterback in the NFL, giving the family a multi-generational presence in professional football.
Personal Life
Beathard is the son of country music songwriter Casey Beathard and the brother of country music singer Tucker Beathard, blending athletic and musical traditions within his family. On December 21, 2019, his younger brother, Clay Beathard, the starting quarterback for the LIU Sharks, was fatally stabbed outside a bar in Nashville, Tennessee, a tragedy the family has acknowledged publicly. Beathard has continued to honor his brother’s memory through his work in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
Beathard joined the Detroit Lions’ practice squad on September 4, 2025, entering the season as part of the team’s quarterback depth chart. With a roster designed around its starters, his role has primarily involved preparation and readiness, a position he has filled across multiple organizations throughout his career. His veteran presence provides stability behind Detroit’s starting quarterback as the season progresses.
Given his extensive experience in offensive systems under head coaches such as Kyle Shanahan and Doug Pederson, Beathard brings a high level of football IQ to the Lions’ quarterback room. While his on-field opportunities in 2025 have been limited, his track record of stepping into starting roles when called upon makes him an important insurance option. His ability to manage two-minute drills and execute game plans remains a defining trait.
Looking ahead, Beathard is positioned to continue contributing as a backup quarterback for Detroit, with the potential to see action if injuries affect the team’s depth chart. His journey across five NFL organizations underscores a career built on resilience and adaptability. As the 2025 season unfolds, his experience and preparation remain valuable assets for the Lions’ offensive staff.