Who is Bailey Zappe? Bailey Zappe, born on April 26, 1999, in Victoria, Texas, is an American football quarterback known for his remarkable journey from an underrecruited high school player to a record-setting college star and NFL prospect. Despite receiving only one scholarship offer from Houston Baptist University, Zappe's determination and talent shone through. He later transferred to Western Kentucky University, where he broke multiple records, including single-season passing yards and touchdowns. Drafted by the New England Patriots in 2022, Zappe's NFL career has seen ups and downs, including a recent release. His story is one of resilience, intelligence, and leadership.
Early Life and High School Career
Bailey Zappe's journey to the NFL began in Victoria, Texas, where he first showcased his quarterbacking skills.
- Bailey Michael Zappe was born on April 26, 1999, in Victoria, Texas.
- Victoria East High School was where Zappe honed his skills, passing for 3,770 yards and 37 touchdowns as a senior.
- Rushing Ability: He also rushed for 633 yards and scored 15 touchdowns, showing his versatility.
College Recruitment and Early College Career
Despite his impressive high school stats, Zappe faced challenges in college recruitment.
- Underrecruited: Zappe received only one scholarship offer, from Houston Baptist University.
- Houston Baptist Commitment: He committed to play at Houston Baptist, starting nine games in his first year.
- First-Year Stats: Zappe passed for 1,548 yards with five touchdowns and 10 interceptions, also rushing for two touchdowns.
Rising Through the Ranks at Houston Baptist
Zappe's performance improved significantly during his time at Houston Baptist.
- Redshirt Sophomore Season: He completed 357 of 560 passes for 3,811 yards with 35 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
- COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic shortened his redshirt junior season, but he still passed for 1,833 yards and 15 touchdowns in four games.
Transfer to Western Kentucky
Seeking greater opportunities, Zappe transferred to Western Kentucky University.
- Western Kentucky Transfer: He moved to Western Kentucky for his final year of eligibility.
- Record-Breaking Season: Zappe threw for 5,967 yards and 62 touchdowns, breaking the single-season record previously held by B.J. Symons.
College Statistics and Achievements
Zappe's college career was marked by impressive stats and records.
- Games Played: He played 14 games at Western Kentucky.
- Yards Per Game: Averaged 426 yards per game.
- Completion Percentage: Completed 69.2% of his passes.
- Touchdowns: Threw 62 touchdowns with 11 interceptions.
- Attempts: Made 686 passing attempts.
NFL Draft and Early Professional Career
Zappe's college success led to his selection in the NFL Draft.
- Draft Selection: The New England Patriots selected Zappe in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
- NFL Debut: He began his NFL career as a backup quarterback for the Patriots.
- Backup Role: Zappe found himself behind Mac Jones but remained determined to prove his worth.
Preseason and Coaching Influence
Zappe's preseason performances and coaching support have been crucial.
- Preseason Performances: In the 2023 preseason, he went 2-0 as a backup quarterback.
- Bill Belichick’s Assessment: Patriots head coach Bill Belichick praised Zappe as a "pro's pro."
- Bill O’Brien’s Influence: The return of Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator aligned with Zappe's strengths.
Competition and Release from Patriots
The competitive nature of the NFL led to changes in Zappe's career.
- QB Room Competition: Zappe faced competition from Trace McSorley and Malik Cunningham.
- Release from Patriots: In August 2024, the Patriots released Zappe to focus on younger options.
Potential Landing Spots
After his release, Zappe became a free agent with potential new opportunities.
- Free Agent Status: Zappe is now a free agent.
- Vikings’ Need: The Minnesota Vikings are considering him due to their quarterback issues.
- Packers’ Consideration: The Green Bay Packers might find Zappe a dependable option.
Skills and Attributes
Zappe's skills and attributes have been key to his success.
- Athleticism and Intelligence: Known for his intelligence and athleticism, Zappe excels at reading defenses.
- Leadership Skills: His leadership and determination have been praised by coaches and teammates.
- Pocket Awareness: Zappe stays calm under pressure and makes accurate throws from the pocket.
College and NFL Statistics
Zappe's statistics highlight his performance in both college and the NFL.
- College Career Stats: Played 33 games, averaging 394.5 yards per game with a 62.5% completion percentage.
- NFL Career Stats: Played 12 games, averaging 234.5 yards per game with a 62.5% completion percentage.
Physical Attributes and Developmental Potential
Zappe's physical attributes and potential make him an attractive option for teams.
- Physical Attributes: Stands at 6 feet 2 inches and weighs around 215 pounds.
- Developmental Potential: Despite his release, Zappe remains a developmental quarterback with significant potential.
Leadership and Work Ethic
Zappe's leadership and work ethic have been crucial to his career.
- Leadership and Work Ethic: His dedication to improving his skills and handling tough situations with grace are highly valued.
- Future Prospects: Zappe's determination and potential make him a quarterback to watch in the NFL.
Bailey Zappe's Remarkable Journey
Bailey Zappe's path from an underrecruited high school quarterback to a potential NFL starter is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in Victoria, Texas, he showcased his skills at Victoria East High School, but only received one scholarship offer from Houston Baptist University. Despite this, Zappe excelled, setting records at both Houston Baptist and Western Kentucky University. His historic season at Western Kentucky saw him break single-season records for passing yards and touchdowns.
Drafted by the New England Patriots in 2022, Zappe's NFL journey began as a backup. Despite limited playing time, he demonstrated promise and resilience. His release from the Patriots in 2024 opened new opportunities, with teams like the Vikings and Packers considering him. Known for his intelligence, athleticism, and leadership, Zappe's future in the NFL remains bright. His story is a testament to hard work, determination, and the potential to make a lasting impact in football.
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