John Wolford
John Wolford (born October 16, 1995) is an American football quarterback in the National Football League (NFL).[1] He played college football for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, where he set school records in 2017 for passing yards (3,192), passing touchdowns (29), total offense (3,875 yards), and total touchdowns responsible for (39).[2] Undrafted out of college, Wolford signed with the New York Jets as a free agent in 2018 but was released before the season; he then joined the Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) in 2019, serving as their starting quarterback and leading the team to a 5-3 regular-season record before the league folded.[3][4] Wolford signed with the Los Angeles Rams' practice squad in 2019 and rose to prominence in 2020, making his NFL debut as a starter in Week 17 against the Arizona Cardinals, where he passed for 231 yards in a 18–7 victory that clinched a playoff berth for the Rams.[5] He also started the Rams' wild-card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks, completing 3 of 6 passes for 29 yards before suffering a neck injury that sidelined him after the sixth offensive play; backup Jared Goff entered and led the team to a win, giving Wolford credit for his first playoff victory.[6] Over his tenure with the Rams from 2020 to 2022, Wolford appeared in seven regular-season games with four starts, compiling a 2–2 record as a starter, 626 passing yards, and one touchdown while contributing to their Super Bowl LVI championship in the 2021 season (though he did not play in the game).[7][1] After leaving the Rams, Wolford joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, spending time on their practice squad and active roster without seeing regular-season action.[8] He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in February 2025 before being released later that year.[9] On October 29, 2025, the Minnesota Vikings signed Wolford to their practice squad as veteran depth behind quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer, following an injury to Carson Wentz.[10]Early life
Childhood and family
John Wolford was born on October 16, 1995, in Dallas, Texas.[1] His family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, during his early childhood, where he spent much of his formative years.[11] Growing up in this environment, Wolford was exposed to sports from a young age, influenced by his family's athletic background. His father, Robert Wolford, played a pivotal role in nurturing this interest by enrolling him in tackle football leagues at age six, a year earlier than the standard age requirement for such programs.[12] A significant family connection to professional football came through his uncle, Will Wolford, a three-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle who enjoyed a 13-year NFL career with the Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, and Pittsburgh Steelers.[13][14] This lineage provided John with early inspiration and insights into the sport, shaping his aspirations amid a household that valued athletic achievement.High school career
John Wolford attended Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, Florida, where he played football as a quarterback.[2] He became the first freshman in the school's 60-year football history to start at varsity quarterback.[15] As the starting quarterback, Wolford led Bishop Kenny to strong seasons, including a perfect 10-0 record in 2011 as a sophomore in Florida's Class 5A and a 10-1 mark in 2013 as a senior, with the team advancing to the playoffs in multiple years.[2] Over his four-year career, he set five Florida state records, including 10,621 passing yards, 126 touchdown passes, 706 completions, 13,403 yards of total offense, and 162 total touchdowns responsible for.[16] His senior season highlighted his performance with 198 completions out of 284 attempts for significant yardage and touchdowns, culminating in a standout final game where he accounted for 773 total yards.[17][18] Wolford earned first-team all-state honors in Class 5A, Times-Union Super 24 Player of the Year, Florida Times-Union All-First Coast selection, and honorable mention on the Parade All-America team.[2][16] Rated as a three-star recruit by scouting services, Wolford received offers from programs including Toledo, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, and East Carolina, but his 6-foot-1 height limited major conference interest despite his production.[16] He committed to Wake Forest University, following in the football legacy of his uncle, Will Wolford, a former NFL offensive lineman.[16]College career
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
John Wolford enrolled at Wake Forest University in 2014 after committing from Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, Florida. As a true freshman in 2014, Wolford emerged as the starting quarterback for the Demon Deacons, becoming the first true freshman to start a season opener since 1974 and the first to start all 12 games in a season, while setting school records for freshman passing yards and attempts.[19][20] Wolford progressed to become a full-time starter over his sophomore, junior, and senior years from 2015 to 2017, providing steady leadership for the team's offense during a period of improvement that included back-to-back bowl game appearances in the 2016 Military Bowl against Temple and the 2017 Belk Bowl against Texas A&M.[12][21] In his senior year of 2017, Wolford served as a team captain and earned second-team All-ACC honors, in addition to recognition on the All-ACC Academic Football Team for his performance both on the field and in the classroom.[2][12]College statistics
John Wolford's college career at Wake Forest spanned four seasons from 2014 to 2017, during which he established himself as a dual-threat quarterback with steady improvement in passing efficiency and significant contributions via rushing, particularly in his final two years. His passing statistics reflect a progression from a high-volume freshman season to a breakout senior year, while rushing added a dynamic element, culminating in over 1,100 net yards and 19 touchdowns despite early negative yardage due to sacks.Passing Statistics
The following table summarizes Wolford's year-by-year passing performance:| Year | Games | Completions | Attempts | Completion % | Yards | TDs | INTs | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 12 | 214 | 367 | 58.3 | 2,037 | 12 | 14 | 108.1 |
| 2015 | 11 | 142 | 233 | 60.9 | 1,791 | 9 | 11 | 128.8 |
| 2016 | 12 | 166 | 299 | 55.5 | 1,774 | 9 | 10 | 108.6 |
| 2017 | 12 | 239 | 374 | 63.9 | 3,192 | 29 | 6 | 158.0 |
| Career | 47 | 761 | 1,273 | 59.8 | 8,794 | 59 | 41 | 126.1 |
Rushing Statistics
Wolford's rushing output evolved from minimal involvement as a freshman to a key component of Wake Forest's offense later on, with net yards accounting for sacks taken behind the line of scrimmage.| Year | Games | Carries | Yards | Yards per Carry | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 12 | 104 | -151 | -1.5 | 0 |
| 2015 | 11 | 73 | 67 | 0.9 | 3 |
| 2016 | 12 | 130 | 521 | 4.0 | 6 |
| 2017 | 12 | 140 | 683 | 4.9 | 10 |
| Career | 47 | 447 | 1,120 | 2.5 | 19 |
Records and Notable Achievements
As a true freshman in 2014, Wolford set Wake Forest freshman records with 214 completions, 2,037 passing yards, and 12 passing touchdowns, while starting all 12 games—the first Demon Deacon freshman to do so.[27] In his senior year, he established single-season school records for passer efficiency (158.0), passing yards (3,192), passing touchdowns (29), total offense (3,875 yards), and touchdowns responsible for (39). These accomplishments underscored his development into one of Wake Forest's most productive quarterbacks, with career marks ranking in the top three for passing yards (third, 8,794) and touchdowns (second, 59).[2]Professional career
Early professional stints
After going undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft following a productive college career at Wake Forest, where he set numerous school passing records, John Wolford signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent on August 26, 2018.[28] He participated in the Jets' preseason and training camp but was waived during final roster cuts on September 1, 2018.[29] The following day, on September 3, 2018, Wolford was signed to the Jets' practice squad as one of their 10 allotted spots for developmental players.[30] His time there proved short-lived, as he was released from the practice squad on September 4, 2018, to make room for another quarterback.[29] With limited NFL opportunities, Wolford turned to the Alliance of American Football (AAF), a spring professional league launched in 2019 to showcase talent, innovate rules like a modified playbook and onside kick alternatives, and bridge the gap for players seeking NFL roster spots.[31] The Hotshots selected him in the second round of the AAF's quarterback draft, positioning him as their starter under head coach Rick Neuheisel.[32] Wolford quickly adapted to the league's format, delivering a standout debut on February 10, 2019, with 275 passing yards and four touchdowns to lead the Hotshots to a 38-22 win over the Salt Lake Stallions, earning him Offensive Player of the Week honors.[33] Throughout the season, Wolford demonstrated resilience and leadership, orchestrating key comebacks such as a fourth-quarter rally against the San Diego Fleet in Week 3 and a high-yardage performance of over 250 yards in a victory over the Memphis Express, while becoming the first AAF player to earn multiple Player of the Week awards.[34] He started seven games, helping the Hotshots achieve a 5-3 record and a share of the Western Division lead by the end of Week 8.[35] The league's momentum halted abruptly on April 2, 2019, when owner Tom Dundon suspended all operations indefinitely due to insurmountable financial challenges, including disputes with the NFL over revenue sharing and broadcast rights, ending the season two games short of completion and without a championship.[31]Los Angeles Rams
Wolford signed with the Los Angeles Rams on April 10, 2019, shortly after the Alliance of American Football suspended operations, marking his entry into the NFL following a successful stint with the Arizona Hotshots.[36] He was waived during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019, but re-signed to the team's practice squad the next day, where he spent the entire 2019 season developing behind quarterbacks Jared Goff and Blake Bortles. His prior AAF experience, where he threw for 1,617 yards and 14 touchdowns, helped facilitate this transition by demonstrating his professional readiness.[37] Wolford signed a reserve/future contract with the Rams on December 31, 2019, and remained on the practice squad into the 2020 season.[38] Following a thumb injury to starter Jared Goff in Week 16, he was elevated to the active roster on December 28, 2020, and made his first NFL start in Week 17 against the Arizona Cardinals on January 3, 2021.[39] In that playoff-clinching 18-7 victory, Wolford completed 22 of 38 passes for 231 yards with one interception, while adding 56 rushing yards on six carries, becoming the first player in the Super Bowl era to achieve over 200 passing yards and 50 rushing yards in a debut.[40] Wolford started the Rams' wild-card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks on January 9, 2021, completing 3 of 6 passes for 29 yards before exiting early in the second quarter with a neck injury; the Rams won 30-20, advancing with backup Goff finishing the game.[41] He did not appear in further postseason games that year as the Rams lost in the divisional round to the Green Bay Packers. In the 2021 regular season, Wolford served as the backup to newly acquired quarterback Matthew Stafford, appearing in three games without starts and dressing as the emergency third quarterback for much of the year.[42] As part of the Rams' roster, he contributed to their Super Bowl LVI campaign, earning a ring after the team's 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on February 13, 2022, though he did not play in the game or playoffs.[43] Wolford signed his exclusive rights free agent tender with the Rams on April 19, 2022, securing his spot for the upcoming season.[44] During the 2022 regular season, injuries to Stafford elevated him to three starts: against the New Orleans Saints on October 30 (18 of 30 for 153 yards, one interception in a 27-20 loss); versus the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 6 (14 of 21 for 180 yards, one touchdown in a 16-10 loss); and at the Seattle Seahawks on December 4 (6 of 11 for 63 yards, two interceptions before exiting with a calf injury in a 27-23 loss).[45] The Rams did not extend a qualifying offer to Wolford at the start of free agency in March 2023, effectively releasing him from the team after four seasons with limited but notable appearances.[38]Tampa Bay Buccaneers
John Wolford signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on May 9, 2023, as a free agent following his departure from the Los Angeles Rams after the 2022 season, where he had notable playoff experience.[38][46] He joined the quarterback room behind starter Baker Mayfield and backup Kyle Trask, providing veteran depth during organized team activities and training camp.[38] Wolford was released by the Buccaneers on August 29, 2023, but re-signed to their practice squad the next day.[47] Throughout the 2023 season, he remained primarily on the practice squad, serving as a scout team quarterback to simulate opposing offenses and aid preparations for the first-team defense.[8] On October 31, 2023, he was elevated to the active roster for added depth amid injury concerns elsewhere in the league, though he did not see regular-season action.[48] In the 2024 offseason, Wolford re-signed with the Buccaneers on March 15, agreeing to a one-year contract to maintain continuity in the quarterback group.[8] He participated in training camp and preseason games but was released on August 27, 2024, as the team finalized its 53-man roster.[49] During practices, Wolford interacted closely with Mayfield, including drills in OTAs where they worked on offensive schemes together.[50] Over his tenure with Tampa Bay, spanning parts of two seasons, Wolford recorded no regular-season starts or appearances, focusing instead on developmental and preparatory roles.[51]Jacksonville Jaguars
Following his release from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in August 2024, Wolford signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad on December 3, 2024, providing veteran quarterback depth during the 2024 season.[52] He remained on the practice squad through the end of the regular season, contributing to team preparations without appearing in any games, primarily through practice sessions and participation in team meetings.[53] On February 17, 2025, Wolford was promoted from the practice squad to the Jaguars' active roster to bolster emergency quarterback options amid ongoing depth needs.[54] In this role, he continued focusing on practice duties and scout team responsibilities but did not see game action during the 2025 offseason or training camp.[55] Wolford's tenure with the Jaguars concluded when he was waived on August 25, 2025, as part of the team's final roster cuts prior to the start of the 2025 regular season.[56] This brief stint highlighted his role as a reliable veteran backup option in the league.[57]Minnesota Vikings
On October 29, 2025, the Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback John Wolford to their practice squad, a move prompted by Carson Wentz's season-ending shoulder injury that required surgery and placed him on injured reserve.[10][58] This addition came shortly after Wolford's release from the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier that month, providing the Vikings with added depth at the position.[59] Wolford serves as the third-string or emergency quarterback behind J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer, positioned on the practice squad to support the team's quarterback room without immediate game-day activation.[60] His familiarity with head coach Kevin O'Connell stems from their overlapping time in the Los Angeles Rams' offensive system, where O'Connell served as offensive coordinator during Wolford's earlier stint, facilitating a seamless integration into the Vikings' scheme.[61] As of November 2025, Wolford has not appeared in any games for the Vikings and remains on the practice squad, though his signing addresses broader quarterback depth concerns amid the 2025 season's injury challenges, including Wentz's absence.[62][63] The move underscores the Vikings' strategy to maintain stability with experienced backups while prioritizing their primary passers.[64]Career statistics and accomplishments
AAF statistics
In the 2019 Alliance of American Football (AAF) season, John Wolford served as the primary starting quarterback for the Arizona Hotshots, appearing in all eight games and starting seven. His performance highlighted his dual-threat capabilities, with strong passing output complemented by modest rushing contributions that aided the team's offensive versatility.[23][65] Wolford's passing stats underscored his role as a key offensive driver for the Hotshots, who finished with a 5-3 record before the league suspended operations. Over the season, he led the AAF in passing touchdowns and ranked among the top quarterbacks in yards and efficiency metrics. The following table summarizes his core statistics:| Category | Passing | Rushing |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 8 | 8 |
| Attempts | 206 | 36 |
| Completions/Attempts | 130/206 (63.1%) | - |
| Yards | 1,617 | 160 |
| Touchdowns | 14 | 1 |
| Interceptions | 7 | - |
| Yards per Attempt | 7.8 | 4.4 |
| Longest | 64 yards | 35 yards (TD) |
NFL regular season statistics
John Wolford has played in seven NFL regular season games across three seasons, all as a backup quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, with no regular season appearances for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, or Minnesota Vikings as of the 2025 season.[1] His career regular season passing totals stand at 61 completions on 104 attempts for 626 yards, a 58.7% completion percentage, 1 touchdown, and 5 interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 58.8.[1] Wolford's adjusted net yards per attempt (ANY/A) over his career is 3.73, reflecting the challenges of his limited opportunities in high-pressure relief roles.[1] In terms of rushing, Wolford has 16 carries for 87 yards and no touchdowns, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt, primarily from designed keepers and scrambles during his brief stints under center.[1] These figures underscore his role as a mobile but infrequently used backup, with rushing contributions appearing in all seven of his games but never exceeding 56 yards in a single season.[1] The following table summarizes Wolford's NFL regular season passing and rushing statistics by year:| Year | Team | Games Played | Completions | Attempts | Completion % | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Interceptions | Passer Rating | ANY/A | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | LAR | 1 | 22 | 38 | 57.9 | 231 | 0 | 1 | 64.7 | 4.89 | 6 | 56 | 0 |
| 2021 | LAR | 3 | 1 | 4 | 25.0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 | -10.00 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| 2022 | LAR | 3 | 38 | 62 | 61.3 | 390 | 1 | 3 | 64.6 | 4.44 | 8 | 32 | 0 |
| Career | - | 7 | 61 | 104 | 58.7 | 626 | 1 | 5 | 58.8 | 3.73 | 16 | 87 | 0 |