40 Facts About Jake Haener

Early Life and Education

Jake Haener's journey to the NFL began in Danville, California. His early life and education laid the foundation for his future success.

1. Born on March 10, 1999, in Danville, California, Jake Haener is the son of Julie Haener, a former TV anchor, and Ryan Haener.
2. Attended Monte Vista High School, where he set a record with 8,464 passing yards and 90 touchdowns over three years and 35 games.
3. Named the first-team quarterback on the All-Bay Area Preps team following his senior year.
4. Earned first-team All-North Coast Section and All-East Bay Athletic League honors.
5. Also named the All-NorCal first-team quarterback.

College Commitment and Transfer

Jake's college career saw him move from the University of Washington to Fresno State, where he truly shined.

6. Committed to the University of Washington for college football, redshirting in 2017 and serving as a backup in 2018.
7. Transferred to Fresno State University in 2019, becoming the starting quarterback in 2020.
8. Completed 252-of-350 pass attempts, with only three interceptions and 20 touchdowns during his time at Fresno State.
9. Led the Bulldogs to two wins over ranked opponents and helped achieve back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time since 2017-2018.
10. Suffered an ankle injury in Week 3 of the 2022 season against USC, sidelining him for four weeks.

College Career Highlights

Jake's college career was filled with impressive stats and accolades, showcasing his talent and determination.

11. Returned from injury to pass for a season-high 394 yards against San Diego State.
12. Named first-team All-Mountain West in 2022 and second-team All-Mountain West in 2021.
13. Midseason addition to the Manning Award watch list and the Maxwell Award watch list.
14. First Fresno State player to receive an invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl since Derek Carr.
15. Finished his five-year college career with a 68:18 touchdown to interception ratio.

Professional Draft and NFL Career

Jake's transition to the NFL began with the New Orleans Saints, where he continues to develop his skills.

16. Selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
17. Stands at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) and weighs 207 pounds (91 kg).
18. Known for his arm strength, which is a mix of his lower half being clean and his overall athleticism.
19. Exceptionally tough in the pocket, often taking hits to get high-value throws off.
20. Shows good anticipation and decisiveness on the field, rarely getting late with the ball out.

NFL Career Stats and Performances

Jake's early NFL career has seen him make notable contributions to the Saints' offense.

21. Played in several games for the Saints during the 2023 season.
22. Highlighted by a 19-yard dart to Jontre Kirklin while evading pressure against the Houston Texans in Week 3 of the 2023 preseason.
23. Escaped the pocket and found Kirklin for a 53-yard gain against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2.
24. Career stats as of the end of the 2023 season include 134 completions, 226 attempts, 1,654 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions.
25. Passer rating stands at 85.2, reflecting his growing role in the Saints' offense.

Personal Life and Challenges

Jake's personal life and challenges have shaped him into the resilient player he is today.

26. Currently unmarried and not publicly dating anyone.
27. Enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, and traveling.
28. Has a brother named Kyle, with his family providing emotional and financial support throughout his journey.
29. Faced a six-week suspension in 2023 for testing positive for a banned substance.
30. Announced in July 2024 that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer.

Community Involvement and Future Prospects

Jake's involvement in the community and his future prospects highlight his commitment both on and off the field.

31. Participated in a Seniors Casino Fun Day at the Hollygrove Senior Center, joining residents for fun and games hosted by Caesars New Orleans on April 17, 2024.
32. Nominated as a team captain during his college days at Fresno State, demonstrating his leadership qualities.
33. Set several records during his time at Fresno State, including most offensive plays by a junior quarterback.
34. Holds the program's record for most offensive plays by a junior quarterback and tied for fourth-most in Mountain West history for consecutive 400-yard passing games.
35. Led Monte Vista High School to a 12-1 record and the CIF North Coast Section Division I championship as a senior.

Professional Potential and Development

Jake's potential as a professional quarterback continues to grow as he develops his skills and gains experience.

36. Graded as a high-level developmental prospect, ranked 165 overall and 7th among quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
37. Often compared to Brett Rypien due to their similar playing styles and physical attributes.
38. Working to improve his pocket movement and ability to escape the pocket to make plays.
39. Ability to throw with touch is below average, mostly throwing fastballs.
40. Despite limitations, shows significant potential as a professional quarterback, making him an attractive prospect for the Saints and other NFL teams.

Jake Haener's Journey in the NFL

Jake Haener's path to the NFL is a story of grit, talent, and perseverance. From his record-setting days at Monte Vista High School to his standout performances at Fresno State, Haener has consistently shown he's got what it takes. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2023, he quickly made an impact despite facing challenges like an ankle injury and a six-week suspension. His stats, including a solid passer rating and impressive yardage, speak volumes about his potential. Off the field, Haener's involvement in community activities and his resilience in the face of personal challenges, like his skin cancer diagnosis, highlight his character. As he continues to grow and develop, Jake Haener remains a promising figure in professional football, poised to make significant contributions to the Saints and the NFL.