Sam Ehlinger Bio
Samuel George Ehlinger is an American professional football quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He previously played for the Indianapolis Colts. He played college football for the Texas Longhorns, where he led the team to the 2018 Big 12 Championship Game and two bowl games. The Indianapolis Colts selected him in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Early Life and Background
Samuel George Ehlinger was born on September 30, 1998, in Austin, Texas. He attended Westlake High School in Austin, where he played quarterback and was coached by Todd Dodge. During his time at Westlake, Ehlinger set school records for passing yards and touchdowns, surpassing notable quarterbacks like Drew Brees and Nick Foles. He was recognized as the MaxPreps National Junior of the Year and was rated a four-star recruit by Rivals.com. On July 28, 2015, he committed to play football at the University of Texas at Austin.
Path to American Football
Ehlinger joined the Texas Longhorns in 2017 under head coach Tom Herman. Initially, he competed for the starting quarterback position against Shane Buechele. Ehlinger made his first career start on September 9, 2017, against San Jose State, leading Texas to a 56-0 victory. Throughout his college career, he became known for his resilience and ability to perform under pressure, earning accolades such as the 2019 Sugar Bowl MVP and Second-team All-Big 12 in 2020.
Sam Ehlinger Career
Early Career (2021-2024)
Sam Ehlinger was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft. He signed a four-year rookie contract with the team on May 19, 2021. In his rookie season, he faced competition for the backup quarterback position but was placed on injured reserve due to an ACL sprain. He returned to the active roster later in the season and was named the starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2022 season.
Breakthrough (2022)
Ehlinger’s breakthrough came during the 2022 season when he was named the starting quarterback for the Colts. In his first start against the Washington Commanders, he completed 17 of 23 passes for 201 yards, although the team lost the game. Despite the ups and downs of the season, he showcased his potential as a quarterback in the NFL.
Notable Works and Milestones
Sam Ehlinger’s notable achievements include being named the 2019 Sugar Bowl MVP and earning the title of Offensive MVP in the 2019 Alamo Bowl. He also received recognition as a Second-team All-Big 12 player in 2020.
Sam Ehlinger Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Sam Ehlinger has received several nominations and accolades, including being a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award and the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award.
Sam Ehlinger Awards Won
Sam Ehlinger has won multiple awards during his college career, including the 2019 Sugar Bowl MVP and the Offensive MVP of the 2019 Alamo Bowl.
Sam Ehlinger Family
Sam Ehlinger is married to Cami Jo Ehlinger. He has faced personal tragedies, including the loss of his father, Ross Ehlinger, who passed away in 2013, and his younger brother, Jake, who died in 2021.
Personal Life
Sam Ehlinger is a Christian and has been open about his faith. He continues to focus on his career in the NFL while cherishing the memories of his family.
