Ernest Joseph Perry IV (American Football) Bio
Ernest Joseph Perry IV, commonly known as E. J. Perry, is an American professional football quarterback born on August 16, 1998, in Andover, Massachusetts. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 208 pounds, Perry has built a unique professional path that has taken him through multiple NFL, USFL, UFL, and CFL organizations. He currently plays for the DC Defenders of the United Football League after most recently spending time with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.
Perry attended Boston College before transferring to Brown University, where he became one of the most decorated quarterbacks in Ivy League history. Over the course of his career he has developed a reputation as a resilient and athletic passer who continues to pursue starting opportunities across professional leagues.
Early Life and Background
E. J. Perry IV grew up in Andover, Massachusetts, and attended Andover High School, where he played quarterback for his father, E. J. Perry III. As a junior he set a Massachusetts single-game passing record with 636 yards and was featured in Sports Illustrated’s Faces in the Crowd. During his senior season he was named the Boston Globe Division 1 Player of the Year after throwing for 3,398 yards and 47 touchdowns while adding 1,006 rushing yards and 13 scores on the ground.
Perry finished his high school career with 8,712 passing yards and 114 touchdown passes, totals that rank second in Massachusetts high school history. He drew college interest from FBS programs such as UMass and Ohio, along with several FCS schools including New Hampshire, Holy Cross, Monmouth, Bryant, Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, and Columbia, before ultimately committing to Boston College.
Path to American Football
Perry began his collegiate career at Boston College, joining the program as an early enrollee. He saw limited action as a freshman and played in five games during his sophomore year, completing 27 of 39 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns before deciding to transfer.
His uncle, James Perry, had recently been named head coach at Brown, and Perry followed him to the Ivy League program. The move allowed Perry to step into a starting role quickly and showcase his dual-threat skill set at a higher competitive level than he had experienced at Boston College.
E. J. Perry (American Football) Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
At Boston College, Perry spent two seasons developing behind established quarterbacks and adjusting to the speed of FBS competition. He appeared in one game as a freshman without attempting a pass, then logged five appearances as a sophomore, finishing with 277 passing yards and two touchdowns.
After transferring to Brown, Perry immediately claimed the starting job and was named first-team All-Ivy League following his first season with the Bears. He completed 251 of 418 passes for 2,948 yards and 22 touchdowns while rushing for 730 yards and eight scores, establishing himself as one of the conference’s most dynamic offensive players.
Brown University Breakthrough (2019–2021)
Perry’s 2020 senior season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he returned in 2021 to put together a career-defining campaign. He won the Bushnell Cup as the Ivy League’s top offensive player and earned first-team All-Ivy League honors for the second time after completing 295 of 444 passes for 3,033 yards and 23 touchdowns, adding 402 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
He also received the George H. “Bulger” Lowe Award from the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston as the best offensive player in New England and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award. After the season Perry graduated from Brown with a degree in sociology in December 2021 and was invited to the 2022 East–West Shrine Bowl, where he completed 13 of 18 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns and was named the game’s offensive MVP.
Professional Career and League Transitions (2022–2025)
Perry declared for the 2022 NFL Draft and went undrafted after participating in the NFL Combine, where he posted the highest overall athleticism score among quarterbacks. He initially agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent, but instead signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on May 3, 2022. Perry was released on a non-football injury designation in July, re-signed in August, waived during final cuts, and brought back on the practice squad.
His professional journey has since included repeated stints with several organizations. He has signed with the Houston Texans, the Michigan Panthers of the USFL and later the UFL, and the Memphis Showboats, often returning to previous teams after short NFL opportunities. On October 7, 2025, Perry was added to the practice roster of the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League, before signing with the DC Defenders of the UFL in May 2026.
Driving Style and Strengths
Perry is widely regarded as a dual-threat quarterback with strong arm talent and above-average mobility. His athleticism was reflected in his record-setting NFL Combine score, and his college statistics show consistent production as both a passer and runner. Coaches have valued his competitiveness, leadership, and ability to operate efficiently in spread and pro-style offensive systems.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Perry’s signature moments are his 636-yard passing game as a high school junior and his Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year award in 2021. He was also named the offensive MVP of the 2022 East–West Shrine Bowl after a standout performance against top collegiate competition.
E. J. Perry (American Football) Career Wins
E. J. Perry has compiled a versatile professional resume defined more by longevity and persistence than by headline victories. Across multiple spring and fall leagues, he has earned the trust of coaching staffs who have repeatedly brought him back to their rosters, underscoring the value placed on his athletic skill set and work ethic.
Brown University Highlights
Perry’s most decorated stretch came at Brown, where he was a two-time first-team All-Ivy League selection in 2019 and 2021. He also captured the 2021 Bushnell Cup as the conference’s top offensive player and earned the George H. “Bulger” Lowe Award as the best offensive player in New England.
Other Performances
Beyond college, Perry has posted strong performances in spring football leagues and at NFL training camps, most notably his 2022 East–West Shrine Bowl MVP outing. His combined professional passing line includes 206 attempts, 122 completions, 1,383 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, with 270 rushing yards and 6 rushing scores.
E. J. Perry (American Football) Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Perry comes from a deep football family. His father, E. J. Perry III, coached him at Andover High School, and his uncle James Perry is a longtime college head coach who recruited him to Brown. Another uncle, John Perry, has served as head coach at Merrimack College and as a receivers coach for the Houston Texans, giving Perry direct connections across multiple levels of the sport.
Personal Life
Perry graduated from Brown University in December 2021 with a degree in sociology. He continues to pursue his professional football career across multiple leagues while maintaining close ties to his New England roots.
2025 Season Performance
Perry’s 2025 campaign has been defined by movement between leagues as he sought a stable roster home. He signed with the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League in February 2025, providing him an opportunity to compete for meaningful snaps in the spring league. He later joined the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League on October 7, 2025, where he was added to the practice roster.
Throughout the year Perry continued to refine his game while navigating frequent transactions, including contract terminations to pursue NFL opportunities and quick re-signings with spring football clubs. His combined production reflected both his mobility and his need for consistent offensive rhythm, with rushing touchdowns standing out as a strength.
Heading into the remainder of 2025 and the following UFL season, Perry is focused on securing a consistent starting role and translating his athletic tools into sustained on-field success. His perseverance through multiple roster changes has positioned him as a respected veteran presence across several professional football leagues.