After a standout career at Texas, where he sported the No. 3 jersey, former Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers is making a fresh start in the NFL with a new number. As he embarks on his rookie season with the Miami Dolphins, Ewers will wear No. 14, a choice that some speculate might reflect his selection as the 14th quarterback during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Recently, Ewers signed a four-year rookie deal with the Dolphins, which is reported to be valued between $4.31 million and $4.33 million. He’ll be taking his first steps in the league as he joins the team for rookie minicamp, where he’ll have the chance to showcase his skills and earn his spot on the roster.
In Miami, Ewers will initially find himself in a backup role behind established quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Zach Wilson. Despite being a three-year starter at Texas and leading the Longhorns into the College Football Playoff national semifinals twice, Ewers experienced a surprising drop in the draft, being selected as the 231st pick in the seventh round.
This unexpected slide has generated a mix of reactions, not just from fans but also from those close to the quarterback, including his agent. Ewers was characterized in his draft profile as a “good backup with the potential to develop into a starter,” yet he’s entering the league as a likely emergency quarterback.
Embracing this underdog role, Ewers has expressed a renewed sense of motivation. In a recent interview, he reflected on the shift in expectations, stating, “It’s definitely a lot of motivation that comes with it, especially just being the last [quarterback] drafted. I still have high expectations for myself, but just from the outside looking in, this is the first time in my life to not have that much expectation. There’s definitely motivation and fuel. A lot of it.”
What’s intriguing about Ewers’ situation is the potential for opportunity. With Tagovailoa’s past struggles with injuries and Wilson’s mixed performance thus far, there’s a possibility that Ewers could find his way onto the field sooner rather than later. If the moment arises, he seems determined to step up and make the most of it. In a league where every snap counts, Ewers is poised to turn adversity into opportunity, showing that sometimes it takes a little extra motivation to ignite a career.
