Sam Ehlinger Bio
Samuel George Ehlinger, born on September 30, 1998, in Austin, Texas, is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 222 pounds, Ehlinger has built his career on resilience, accuracy, and a dual-threat skill set. He previously played for the Indianapolis Colts after a standout college career with the Texas Longhorns.
Ehlinger emerged as a leader during his college years, guiding the Longhorns to the 2018 Big 12 Championship Game and earning multiple bowl game MVP honors. Selected by the Colts in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, he has continued to develop as a professional, contributing in backup and starting roles while earning recognition for his football intelligence and competitive drive.
Early Life and Background
Sam Ehlinger grew up in Austin, Texas, where he attended Westlake High School. As the son of Ross Ehlinger, he was introduced to football at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the quarterback position. The tragic loss of his father in 2013, when Sam was just 15 years old, had a profound impact on his life and career, fueling his determination to succeed.
At Westlake, Ehlinger played under coach Todd Dodge and graduated as the school’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, surpassing future NFL stars Drew Brees and Nick Foles. He was named the MaxPreps National Junior of the Year and was rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com. His impressive high school performance earned him scholarship offers from several major programs, but he committed to the University of Texas on July 28, 2015.
Ehlinger’s upbringing in a football-centric family and his strong faith helped shape his character. He has often spoken about the influence of his family and his Christian beliefs on his approach to the game, emphasizing perseverance and humility through adversity.
Path to Professional Football
Ehlinger’s path to the NFL began at Westlake High School, where he set passing records and attracted national attention. His success in high school made him one of the most sought-after recruits in Texas, ultimately leading him to play for the Texas Longhorns. Under head coach Tom Herman, Ehlinger competed for the starting quarterback job as a freshman in 2017, eventually taking over the role after an injury to starter Shane Buechele.
During his freshman year, Ehlinger set several Texas freshman records, including 380 passing yards against Kansas State, and led the team to a 2-4 record in his starts. His poise and athleticism quickly made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the college football landscape. By his sophomore season, Ehlinger had firmly established himself as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback, leading the team to the 2018 Big 12 Championship Game and a victory in the 2019 Sugar Bowl.
Ehlinger’s success at Texas earned him numerous accolades, including being named a Heisman Trophy candidate before his junior year. He finished his college career as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in Longhorns history, ranking second in career passing yards, touchdowns, and total offense, trailing only Colt McCoy.
Sam Ehlinger Career
Early Career (2017-2018)
Ehlinger’s college career at Texas began in 2017 under head coach Tom Herman, where he quickly rose from a backup role to become the Longhorns’ starting quarterback. In his freshman season, he set several school records for a true freshman, including 380 passing yards in a single game against Kansas State. Despite finishing with a 2-4 record as a starter, Ehlinger’s performance showcased his potential as a dual-threat quarterback.
In 2018, Ehlinger solidified his role as the starting quarterback, leading the Longhorns to the Big 12 Championship Game against the Oklahoma Sooners. He threw for 349 yards and accounted for four touchdowns in the title game, though Texas fell short. His leadership and resilience were further demonstrated in the 2019 Sugar Bowl, where he led the Longhorns to a 28-21 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs and was named the game’s MVP after rushing for three touchdowns.
Big 12 Breakthrough (2019-2020)
As a sophomore, Ehlinger earned preseason recognition as a Heisman Trophy candidate and was a consensus preseason All-Big 12 selection. The Dallas Morning News named him the best quarterback in the Big 12 entering the season. He started all 13 games for the Longhorns, setting school records for passing yards and touchdowns through the first eight games of the season.
During the 2019 season, Ehlinger became the only player in Texas history to throw for at least 200 yards and two touchdowns in the first five games of a season. He set school records for four passing touchdown games in a season (4) and three touchdown games (6), while tying Colt McCoy’s school record with his twelfth 200-yard passing game. He was a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Wuerffel Trophy, and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, and finished the season with a win in the Alamo Bowl, earning the game’s Offensive MVP honors.
Ehlinger’s senior season in 2020 was marked by high expectations, as he was named a preseason All-American and a candidate for multiple national awards, including the Davey O’Brien Award and Maxwell Award. Despite the COVID-shortened season, he led the Longhorns to a 7-3 record and a victory in the Alamo Bowl. He set school records for most games with at least one rushing and one passing touchdown (15) and most game-winning drives (7), while tying the school record for four rushing touchdowns in a game.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2021-2024)
Ehlinger was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round, 218th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 19, 2021, and entered training camp competing for the backup quarterback role. His rookie season was cut short by an ACL sprain that landed him on injured reserve, but he was activated in October and finished the year on the active roster.
In 2022, Ehlinger was promoted to the Colts’ starting quarterback role after Matt Ryan struggled early in the season. His first start came in Week 8 against the Washington Commanders, where he completed 17 of 23 passes for 201 yards. Despite showing promise, Ehlinger was replaced as the starter after a loss to the New England Patriots, and Ryan returned to the starting role. Ehlinger made one more start in Week 18 of the 2022 season, serving as the Colts’ quarterback in the season finale.
Denver Broncos Era (2025-Present)
On March 31, 2025, Ehlinger signed a one-year contract with the Denver Broncos as a free agent. He was released on August 26 during final roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad the following day, despite receiving offers from multiple teams for active roster spots. He was promoted to the active roster on September 6, 2025, following an injury to a teammate.
Throughout the 2025 season, Ehlinger shuttled between the active roster and practice squad multiple times as the Broncos managed their quarterback depth chart. He did not appear in any regular season games during the year but was active for the AFC Championship Game, serving as the backup to Jarrett Stidham after Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury. On March 8, 2026, Ehlinger signed a one-year, $2 million contract extension to remain with the Broncos.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ehlinger is known for his poise in the pocket, accuracy as a passer, and effectiveness as a runner. His dual-threat ability allows him to extend plays with his legs while keeping his eyes downfield, and his football intelligence has earned praise from coaches at every level. His durability and willingness to compete have made him a valuable asset in backup roles, capable of stepping in and leading an offense when called upon.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ehlinger’s most memorable college moment came in the 2019 Sugar Bowl, where he rushed for three touchdowns and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. In the NFL, he earned his first career start with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022 and led a comeback win in his first preseason appearance. His resilience through personal tragedy, including the loss of his father and brother, has been a defining aspect of his career and personal narrative.
Sam Ehlinger Career Statistics
Sam Ehlinger’s professional career has been defined by his preparation and readiness as a backup quarterback. While he has seen limited starting opportunities, his career passing statistics reflect his efficiency when called upon.
NFL Regular Season Statistics
Through the 2025 season, Ehlinger has recorded 64 completions on 101 pass attempts for 573 passing yards, with three touchdowns and three interceptions, posting a 76.1 passer rating. He has also contributed 96 rushing yards as a situational runner. His completion percentage of 63.4 percent demonstrates his accuracy in limited action.
Sam Ehlinger Family
Family Background and Personal Tragedy
Ehlinger’s father, Ross Ehlinger, passed away from a heart attack in 2013 during a triathlon at the age of 46. His younger brother, Jake Ehlinger, who played linebacker for the Texas Longhorns, died from an accidental overdose on May 6, 2021, at the age of 20. These losses have deeply shaped Sam’s perspective on football and life, and he has often credited his family for instilling the resilience and faith that guide his career.
Personal Life
Ehlinger is a Christian and has spoken publicly about the role his faith plays in his life. He is married to Cami Jo Ehlinger, and the couple announced in April 2026 that they were expecting their first child. Off the field, Ehlinger is active in community work and was named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team during his senior season at Texas for his contributions off the field.
Sam Ehlinger 2025 Season Performance
Ehlinger’s 2025 season with the Denver Broncos was marked by movement between the active roster and the practice squad, as the team managed its quarterback depth chart. He did not appear in any regular season games but remained a key part of the team’s preparation throughout the year, contributing on the practice field and in the film room while learning the Broncos’ offensive system.
His most significant on-field contribution came in the postseason, when he was active for the AFC Championship Game as the backup to Jarrett Stidham following Bo Nix’s season-ending ankle injury. Though he did not enter the game, his readiness and preparation for one of the NFL’s biggest stages underscored his value to the Broncos organization.
Following the season, Ehlinger signed a one-year contract extension worth $2 million, signaling the Broncos’ confidence in his role within the quarterback room. As he enters the 2026 season, Ehlinger will look to build on his experience within the Broncos’ system and continue providing steady leadership and competition at the quarterback position.
