Deshone Kizer: Unpacking A Promising NFL Journey
The Early Life and Formative Years of Deshone Kizer
Every athlete's story begins long before they step onto the professional stage. For Deshone Allen Kizer, born on January 3, 1996, in Toledo, Ohio, his foundation was laid within a family deeply rooted in sports and public service. His upbringing in Toledo provided the backdrop for his early athletic development, where he quickly distinguished himself on the football field. His family background offered a unique blend of athletic prowess and civic dedication. Deshone Kizer's father, Derek Kizer, served as a police officer and had a collegiate athletic career himself, playing basketball at Bowling Green State University. This instilled in young Deshone a sense of discipline and the competitive spirit that would define his future endeavors. On his mother's side, Mindy Kizer, a court bailiff, also boasted an impressive athletic past, having been a three-sport athlete at Ohio’s Clyde High and running track at the University of Toledo. This rich athletic lineage undoubtedly contributed to Deshone Kizer's natural gifts and his early success in sports. From a young age, Kizer's talent as a quarterback was evident, setting him on a path that would eventually lead him to one of college football's most storied programs and, subsequently, the NFL. His formative years were crucial in honing the skills and resilience required to compete at the highest levels of the sport.Personal Data & Biodata
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Deshone Allen Kizer |
| Born | January 3, 1996 |
| Birthplace | Toledo, Ohio, USA |
| Parents | Derek Kizer (Father), Mindy Kizer (Mother) |
| High School | Central Catholic High School (Toledo, OH) |
| College | University of Notre Dame |
| Position | Quarterback |
| NFL Draft | 2017, Round 2, Pick 52 (Cleveland Browns) |
| NFL Teams | Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans |
| Years Active (NFL) | 2017-2021 |
Collegiate Stardom at Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame is synonymous with rich football tradition, and it was here that Deshone Kizer truly rose to national prominence. As a student at the University of Notre Dame, Kizer quickly established himself as a dynamic and exciting quarterback. His collegiate career was marked by flashes of brilliance that captivated fans and analysts alike, leading many to believe he was destined for greatness in the NFL. During his time with the Fighting Irish, Deshone Kizer showcased a rare combination of arm talent, athleticism, and leadership. He had the ability to make throws from various arm angles, extend plays with his legs, and navigate the pocket under pressure. These attributes made him a formidable opponent and a key player for Notre Dame. In fact, for a significant portion of his college football season, Kizer was widely considered a contender for the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. This high praise underscored the immense potential he displayed, and the anticipation surrounding his professional future was palpable. Despite the initial buzz, Kizer and Notre Dame experienced some ups and downs, which ultimately saw his draft stock settle into the second round. Nevertheless, his performances against top collegiate competition provided a substantial body of work for NFL scouts to evaluate. His time at Notre Dame was a crucial period of development, preparing him for the rigorous demands of professional football and cementing his status as one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2017 class.The NFL Draft and Cleveland Browns Tenure
The 2017 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment for Deshone Kizer. After his impressive collegiate career at Notre Dame, he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round, as the 52nd overall pick. This selection placed him squarely in the spotlight of one of the NFL's most scrutinized franchises, a team perennially searching for its franchise quarterback. The Browns, eager to turn their fortunes around, thrust Kizer into the starting role almost immediately, a decision that would prove to be a defining factor in his early professional career. Starting as a rookie quarterback in the NFL is arguably one of the toughest challenges in professional sports. The Browns, under head coach Hue Jackson, were in a state of perpetual rebuilding, and Kizer inherited a team with significant deficiencies across the board. He was tasked with leading an offense that struggled with consistency, protection, and playmaking talent. This environment, while offering an immediate opportunity, also presented an incredibly steep learning curve for a young quarterback. Throughout his rookie season with the Browns, Deshone Kizer displayed moments of the talent that made him a high draft pick – his strong arm, his ability to extend plays, and his competitive spirit. However, he also endured the struggles typical of a rookie quarterback on a struggling team. He faced intense pressure, both from opposing defenses and from the weight of expectations. The Browns finished the 2017 season with a historic 0-16 record, a stark reflection of the challenges Kizer and the entire organization faced. While Kizer's individual statistics might not have been stellar, they must be viewed within the context of the team's overall performance and the immense pressure placed upon him.The Hue Jackson Factor
A significant aspect of Deshone Kizer's time with the Cleveland Browns, and a point of contention for many observers, was how he was handled by the coaching staff, particularly head coach Hue Jackson. The decision to start a raw rookie quarterback on a team that was clearly not ready to compete at a high level raised questions about player development and long-term strategy. Critics often point to the fact that Kizer was thrown into the fire without adequate support or a stable environment conducive to growth. The Browns' strategy under Hue Jackson often involved a rapid turnover of quarterbacks and a lack of consistent offensive identity. This instability made it incredibly difficult for any young signal-caller, including Deshone Kizer, to establish rhythm, build confidence, or properly develop their skills. The constant pressure of an winless season, coupled with what some perceived as a lack of patience and proper mentorship from the coaching staff, undoubtedly impacted Kizer's progression. The narrative around Kizer's rookie year often includes the sentiment that he was put in an impossible situation, and that the organizational handling, rather than solely his talent, played a significant role in his struggles and eventual departure from Cleveland.Navigating the NFL Landscape: Team Transitions
The NFL is a business, and for players, it often means navigating a landscape of team changes, new systems, and constant competition. After his rookie season with the Cleveland Browns, Deshone Kizer's journey in the NFL became a testament to this reality. He was traded to the Green Bay Packers in March 2018, marking the beginning of his transition through various franchises. In Green Bay, Kizer served as the backup to legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While this move offered a chance to learn from one of the best in the game, it also meant a significant reduction in playing time. He appeared in limited action for the Packers, primarily in mop-up duty or during injuries to Rodgers. This period was crucial for Kizer's development, albeit from a different perspective – observing, learning, and refining his craft without the immediate pressure of being a starter. However, after one season with the Packers, Kizer was waived in August 2019. His next stop was with the Las Vegas Raiders. He signed with the Raiders in September 2019, joining their practice squad and later being elevated to the active roster. This move represented another opportunity for Deshone Kizer to prove his worth, albeit in a backup capacity. He spent time with the Raiders, again largely in a reserve role, before being waived by the team. Being waived by the Las Vegas Raiders was another indication that Deshone Kizer's career in the NFL might be coming to an end, or at least entering its final stages. Following his stint with the Raiders, Kizer found a temporary home with the Tennessee Titans. His time with the Titans was characterized by a series of signings to the practice squad and subsequent waivers. For instance, he signed a reserve/future contract with Tennessee on January 11, 2021, was waived by Tennessee on August 5, 2021, and signed to the practice squad again on November 21, 2020, and November 26, 2021. This cycle of signing and waiving highlights the precarious nature of being a backup quarterback in the NFL, constantly vying for a roster spot and proving one's value.Deshone Kizer's NFL Career Statistics Overview
While Deshone Kizer's NFL career was relatively short, spanning from 2017 to 2021, his statistics provide a snapshot of his performance and the challenges he faced. As a former NFL quarterback, his career numbers are primarily concentrated during his rookie season with the Cleveland Browns, where he started the majority of their games. For the latest stats for Deshone Kizer, fans often turn to reliable sources like NFL.com and ESPN, which provide comprehensive data including scoring, rushing, defensive, and receiving stats, though for a quarterback, the focus is predominantly on passing and rushing metrics. On NFL.com, you can find the latest on QB Deshone Kizer, including news, stats, videos, highlights, and more. Similarly, ESPN offers a complete career NFL stats profile for Tennessee Titans quarterback Deshone Kizer, detailing his performance across various categories. Throughout his NFL tenure, Kizer completed 212 of 401 pass attempts (52.7%) for 2,894 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions. He also rushed for 419 yards and 5 touchdowns. The high number of interceptions, particularly in his rookie season, was a significant factor in his evaluation and illustrated the learning curve he faced. While these numbers might not jump off the page, they represent the output of a young quarterback thrust into a difficult situation, learning on the fly against the best defenses in the world.Key Career Highlights and Challenges
Deshone Kizer's career was a mix of promising moments and significant hurdles. A "highlight" in the traditional sense might be hard to pinpoint given the team's struggles, but his ability to start all 15 games he played in his rookie year speaks to his durability and the trust, however forced, the Browns had in him. He showed flashes of his dual-threat capability, using his legs to extend plays and pick up crucial first downs. His competitive nature was often praised, as he continued to battle despite the mounting losses. However, the challenges were immense. The sheer volume of turnovers, particularly interceptions, was a major concern. The pressure of leading an 0-16 team undoubtedly weighed heavily on him, impacting his decision-making and confidence. The lack of a strong supporting cast and a consistent coaching philosophy also contributed to his difficulties. For any young quarterback, stability and a clear developmental path are crucial, and these were largely absent during Kizer's most significant playing time. His subsequent roles as a backup and practice squad player with the Packers, Raiders, and Titans reflected the NFL's assessment of his potential as a starter versus his value as a developmental or reserve player.The Later Stages: Practice Squads and Waivers
The latter part of Deshone Kizer's NFL career saw him navigating the challenging landscape of practice squads and waivers, a common reality for many players striving to remain in the league. After his time as a starter with the Browns and a backup with the Packers, Kizer's journey took him through the Las Vegas Raiders and eventually, the Tennessee Titans. His tenure with the Titans, while providing opportunities to stay in an NFL system, was characterized by a series of transactional movements. On November 21, 2020, he was signed to the practice squad by Tennessee. This was followed by a more substantial commitment when he signed a reserve/future contract with Tennessee on January 11, 2021, indicating the team saw some potential for him in the long term. However, the transient nature of the NFL soon became apparent. On August 5, 2021, he was waived by Tennessee, a move that Rotowire reported as "End of the road in Tennessee," citing John Glennon of broadwaysportsmedia.com. Despite this, he was again signed to the practice squad by Tennessee on November 26, 2021, demonstrating the cyclical nature of roster management and the constant need for depth at the quarterback position. These movements highlight the relentless competition and the often-unstable nature of a professional football career, especially for players not holding a definitive starting role. Each signing to the practice squad offered a glimmer of hope and a chance to impress, while each waiver underscored the constant evaluation and difficult decisions made by NFL front offices.The End of an NFL Chapter
The waiver by the Tennessee Titans on August 5, 2021, as reported by Rotowire and John Glennon, marked what appeared to be the definitive "end of the road" for Deshone Kizer's active playing career in the NFL. While he did have another brief stint on the Titans' practice squad later that year, the consistent pattern of being waived and re-signed to practice squads indicated that his time as a viable NFL quarterback option was drawing to a close. Deshone Kizer is a former NFL quarterback who played for four teams from 2017 to 2021. His career, while not reaching the heights many predicted after his Notre Dame days, serves as a powerful example of the fine margins in professional sports. The combination of being drafted into a challenging situation with the Cleveland Browns, particularly under Hue Jackson, and the subsequent inability to find a consistent role elsewhere, ultimately led to his relatively early departure from the league. His story is a reminder that talent alone is often not enough; the right environment, coaching, and a bit of luck also play crucial roles in a player's long-term success in the unforgiving world of the NFL.Beyond the Gridiron: Life After the NFL
For many professional athletes, the transition from the highly structured and demanding world of sports to life after retirement can be a significant challenge. While details about Deshone Kizer's post-NFL career are not as widely publicized as his playing days, glimpses suggest he has been exploring new avenues and leveraging his experiences. One notable appearance that hints at his post-playing interests was his participation in a live taping of the "Playing Business Podcast." This event, partnered with @on_discourse, featured professional golfer Michelle Wie West, Deshone Kizer, and Dan Gardner. Such an engagement suggests an interest in the business side of sports, media, or perhaps even entrepreneurship, allowing him to share insights from his unique perspective as a former NFL player. Furthermore, a quick search for Deshone Kizer's profile on LinkedIn reveals his continued connection to the professional world. LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members, allows individuals to showcase their education, work experience, and network. Seeing his profile there, possibly listing his education from the University of Notre Dame and potentially any post-NFL ventures, indicates a deliberate effort to build a career beyond the football field. Many former athletes transition into roles in sports media, coaching, business, or community engagement, utilizing the discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills honed during their athletic careers. While the specifics of Deshone Kizer's current endeavors are not extensively detailed in public sports news, his presence in such forums suggests a proactive approach to building his next chapter.What We Can Learn from Deshone Kizer's Journey
The career of Deshone Kizer, though not a lengthy one by NFL standards, offers several valuable insights into the complexities of professional football and the factors that shape a player's trajectory. His story is a compelling narrative for aspiring athletes, coaches, and fans alike, highlighting the delicate balance between talent, opportunity, and environment. Firstly, Kizer's experience underscores the immense pressure placed on young quarterbacks, especially those drafted by struggling franchises. Being thrown into a starting role on an 0-16 team, as he was with the Cleveland Browns, is arguably one of the most challenging situations any rookie can face. It demonstrates that a player's success is not solely dependent on their innate talent but also heavily influenced by the organizational stability, coaching philosophy, and supporting cast around them. The narrative around how he was handled by the Cleveland Browns, and particularly Hue Jackson, serves as a cautionary tale about player development in unstable environments. Secondly, Kizer's journey through multiple teams – the Browns, Packers, Raiders, and Titans – illustrates the transient nature of NFL careers, particularly for those in backup or developmental roles. It highlights the constant grind of proving oneself, adapting to new systems, and battling for roster spots. His repeated signings to practice squads and subsequent waivers are a stark reminder of the cutthroat competition and the thin margins that separate staying in the league from moving on. Finally, Deshone Kizer's story is a testament to resilience. Despite the public scrutiny, the challenging circumstances, and the ultimate end of his NFL playing days, he continued to compete and seek opportunities. His post-playing engagements suggest a proactive approach to leveraging his experiences and building a life beyond the gridiron. His career reminds us that while the dream of NFL stardom is powerful, the reality often involves navigating adversity, adapting to change, and finding new paths forward. ---Conclusion
The NFL career of Deshone Kizer, from his highly anticipated arrival as a second-round pick out of Notre Dame to his eventual departure from the league in 2021, offers a multifaceted look at the life of a professional quarterback. We've traced his path from a promising collegiate talent to navigating the pressures of being a rookie starter for the Cleveland Browns, and subsequently, his stints with the Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans. His journey underscores the critical role that team environment, coaching stability, and player development play in an athlete's success, particularly when considering the challenges he faced with the Browns and Hue Jackson.
While his time as a starting quarterback was brief, Deshone Kizer's story is rich with lessons about resilience, adaptation, and the unpredictable nature of professional sports. His career statistics, though not prolific, tell a story of a player who battled through immense pressure and difficult circumstances. As he moves into his next chapter, perhaps engaging in the business of sports or other ventures, his experiences on the gridiron will undoubtedly continue to shape his path. We encourage you to share your thoughts on Deshone Kizer's career in the comments below. What do you remember most about his time in the NFL? Feel free to explore other articles on our site for more insights into the careers of professional athletes.
DeShone Kizer Returns vs. Ravens After Dealing with Migraine | News
DeShone Kizer Addresses Reports He Was out Until 1 AM Friday Night
DeShone Kizer Not Picked in 1st Round of 2017 NFL Draft; Possible
