Jake Haener Bio
Jake Haener is an American professional football quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Washington Huskies and Fresno State Bulldogs. Haener was selected by the Saints in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft.
Early Life and Background
Jake Haener was born on March 10, 1999, in Danville, California. He attended Monte Vista High School, where he had a remarkable football career, throwing for 8,464 yards and setting a school record with 90 touchdowns. His impressive performance in high school led him to commit to the University of Washington to pursue his college football career.
Path to American Football
After redshirting his first year at the University of Washington in 2017, Jake Haener made his collegiate debut in 2018, appearing in four games as a backup to Jake Browning. He completed 9 of 13 passes for 107 yards, including one touchdown and one interception. In 2019, Haener transferred to California State University, Fresno, where he had to sit out his first year due to transfer rules. He became the starting quarterback in 2020, showcasing his skills and leading the team effectively.
Jake Haener Career
Early Career (2020-2022)
During his time at Fresno State, Jake Haener had a standout season in 2020, completing 150 of 232 passes for 2,021 yards, 14 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He continued to excel in 2021, earning recognition as a Second-team All-Mountain West selection. In 2022, he achieved First-team All-Mountain West honors, solidifying his reputation as a top quarterback in college football.
Breakthrough (2023-Present)
Jake Haener’s professional career began when he was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft, being the 127th overall pick. He made the initial opening roster for the Saints to start the 2023 season. However, he faced a setback when he failed a drug test, resulting in a six-week suspension. Despite this challenge, Haener demonstrated resilience and returned to the team.
Notable Works and Milestones
Haener began the 2024 season as the backup quarterback behind Derek Carr. He made his mark in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos, where he recorded his first career touchdown pass. Following an injury to Carr, Haener was named the starting quarterback for the Saints, showcasing his potential in the NFL.
Jake Haener Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jake Haener has received several nominations and accolades, including being named First-team All-Mountain West in 2022 and Second-team All-Mountain West in 2021, highlighting his performance at the collegiate level.
Jake Haener Awards Won
Jake Haener has achieved notable recognition in his football career, particularly during his college years, where he earned First-team All-Mountain West honors in 2022 and Second-team All-Mountain West honors in 2021.
Jake Haener Family
Jake Haener’s mother, Julie Haener, is a well-known figure in journalism, having served as an anchor at KTVU-TV in Oakland from 1997 to 2024. Her career in broadcasting has been influential in the family’s life.
Personal Life
In July 2024, Jake Haener publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. He has expressed his commitment to taking responsibility for his health and has been open about his journey.
