Sean Clifford Bio
Sean Burke Clifford (born July 14, 1998) is an American professional football quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 212 pounds, Clifford built his reputation as a multi-year starter at Penn State before entering the professional ranks.
Born in Barrington, Illinois, Clifford rose from a record-setting high school quarterback to one of the most experienced starters in Penn State history. After being selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL Draft, he has continued his professional career with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he serves as a backup quarterback.
Early Life and Background
Sean Burke Clifford was born on July 14, 1998, in Barrington, Illinois. He grew up in a family with strong ties to football, and his passion for the sport developed at an early age. Clifford attended St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, a program with a long tradition of producing competitive quarterbacks and championship teams.
At St. Xavier, Clifford quickly established himself as one of the most productive players in program history. He passed for 4,004 yards and 30 touchdowns during his high school career while also setting a school record with 1,100 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns as a quarterback. In his senior season, he led the Bombers to a Division I State Championship, cementing his status as a top collegiate recruit.
Following his high school success, Clifford committed to Penn State University, choosing the Nittany Lions over other scholarship offers. His blend of passing accuracy, rushing ability, and leadership made him a natural fit for a program looking to develop a franchise quarterback.
Path to American Football
Clifford arrived at Penn State in 2017 and redshirted his first year on campus. In 2018, he served as the backup to Trace McSorley, appearing in four games and completing five of seven passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns. That limited but promising exposure gave him a foundation to compete for the starting role the following season.
Named the starting quarterback in 2019, Clifford earned All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition and was named an Academic All-Big Ten honoree. During the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, he completed 152 of 251 passes for 1,883 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while continuing to excel in the classroom. He earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations from Penn State following the fall 2020 semester, reflecting his commitment to academics alongside athletics.
Clifford’s experience and leadership continued to grow in 2021 and 2022, when he started every game and was named a team captain. His development from a redshirt freshman to a record-setting senior cemented his path toward the NFL, where his durability and football IQ became his calling cards.
Sean Clifford Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
As a sophomore starter in 2019, Clifford helped stabilize the Penn State offense and provided a steady presence behind center. His poise and accuracy allowed the Nittany Lions to remain competitive in the Big Ten Conference, and his academic excellence earned him recognition as an Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
During the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Clifford expanded his role and his production. He started all nine games of the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign and all 13 games in 2021, completing 261 of 429 passes for 3,107 yards, 21 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. His leadership in 2021 brought him multiple honors, including selection to the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, the Senior CLASS Award first team, and Penn State’s Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
Penn State Breakthrough (2022)
Clifford’s senior season in 2022 represented the peak of his college career. He started all 13 games and completed 226 of 351 passes for 2,822 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, leading the Nittany Lions to a New Year’s Day bowl appearance.
During the 2023 Rose Bowl, Clifford connected with KeAndre Lambert-Smith on an 88-yard touchdown pass, the longest passing play in Rose Bowl game history. He was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week twice that season, following performances against Purdue on September 1, 2022, and Minnesota on October 22, 2022. He was also honored as the 2022 Brian Westbrook Regional Player of the Year, recognizing his standout senior campaign.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2025–Present)
After spending 2023 and 2024 with the Green Bay Packers, where he served primarily in a backup role, Clifford signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. On September 16, 2025, he was added to the Bengals’ practice squad following an injury to starting quarterback Joe Burrow. Later that season, on October 31, he was elevated to the active roster after Joe Flacco suffered an injury.
Clifford was waived on November 24, 2025, and re-signed to the practice squad. Looking ahead, he signed a reserve/future contract with Cincinnati on January 5, 2026, securing his place with the organization. He wears jersey number 4 for the Bengals and remains active on the roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Clifford is recognized for his mobility, competitive toughness, and accuracy as a passer. At 6 feet 2 inches and around 212 pounds, he combines a strong arm with the rushing ability he showcased at St. Xavier High School. His experience in high-pressure college environments, including a record-setting Rose Bowl performance, has shaped him into a reliable backup and team-first professional.
Notable Events and Milestones
Clifford’s most celebrated moment came in the 2023 Rose Bowl, when his 88-yard touchdown pass to KeAndre Lambert-Smith set the record for the longest passing play in Rose Bowl history. He also started 45 consecutive games at Penn State, establishing himself as one of the program’s all-time leaders at the quarterback position. In the NFL, he made his debut with the Green Bay Packers on September 10, 2023, and completed his first career pass, a 37-yard strike to Bo Melton, against the Minnesota Vikings on December 31, 2023.
Sean Clifford Career Wins
Sean Clifford’s career is defined more by longevity, leadership, and milestone performances than by traditional win-loss totals as a professional. At Penn State, he guided the Nittany Lions through four full seasons as a starter, earning team captain honors and multiple conference and national recognitions for his play and character.
College and Professional Highlights
As a college starter, Clifford helped Penn State compete in the Big Ten and earned invitations to major bowl games, including the 2023 Rose Bowl, where he authored one of the most memorable passing plays in the game’s history. His production in 2021 and 2022, including 24 touchdown passes in his senior season, marked him as a reliable and efficient passer at the collegiate level.
In the NFL, Clifford’s appearances have been limited but efficient. Through the 2025 season, he has recorded one completion on one attempt for 37 yards, a 100.0% completion rate, no touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 118.7 passer rating, reflecting the precision he displayed in limited opportunities.
Other Performances
Beyond football, Clifford co-founded the student-athlete NIL agency Limitless NIL in 2022 with his brother Liam Clifford. The company helped more than 50 athletes secure endorsement deals totaling over $250,000 before being sold to TEAM Group Holdings in 2023. He also earned Academic All-Big Ten honors throughout his college career, highlighting his performance in the classroom.
Sean Clifford Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Sean Clifford comes from a family with deep connections to football. His brother, Liam Clifford, has been involved in athletics and co-founded Limitless NIL with Sean, reflecting the family’s entrepreneurial and athletic drive. The Clifford family’s commitment to the sport helped shape Sean’s early development as a quarterback.
Personal Life
Clifford was born and raised in Barrington, Illinois, before moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he attended St. Xavier High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations from Penn State in 2020. Clifford is active on social media, where he is known to fans by his handle, and he continues to pursue opportunities both on and off the field.
2025 Season Performance
Sean Clifford’s 2025 season has been defined by adaptability and readiness. After being released by the Green Bay Packers as part of final roster cuts on August 26, 2025, he quickly found a new opportunity with the Cincinnati Bengals, signing to their practice squad on September 16, 2025, in response to an injury to starting quarterback Joe Burrow.
Clifford’s role expanded on October 31, 2025, when he was elevated to the active roster following an injury to Joe Flacco. Although he was waived on November 24 and returned to the practice squad, his value as a steady and experienced backup was evident throughout the season. His preparation and professionalism allowed Cincinnati to maintain quarterback stability during a challenging stretch of injuries.
Looking forward, Clifford’s signing of a reserve/future contract with Cincinnati on January 5, 2026, ensures he remains part of the Bengals’ plans beyond the 2025 campaign. With his experience, accuracy, and leadership, he is positioned to compete for a larger role within the organization as the team builds depth at the quarterback position.
