40 Facts About Taylor Heinicke

Early Life and High School Achievements

Taylor Heinicke's journey to the NFL began in Lawrenceville, Georgia. His early years set the stage for his future success.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on March 15, 1993, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Taylor Heinicke grew up in a supportive family with his father, Brett Heinicke, encouraging his football dreams.

2. High School Football: Heinicke played at Collins Hill High School, where he was an all-state selection as a junior, leading his team to a 10-4 record and a trip to the Class AAAAA semi-finals.

3. Senior Season Achievements: In his senior year, Heinicke threw for 4,218 yards and 44 touchdowns, setting Gwinnett County single-season records.

4. Old Spice National Player of the Year: His outstanding performance earned him the title of Old Spice National Player of the Year in Georgia.

5. Reality TV Appearance: Heinicke appeared on "The Ride," a reality TV show featuring high school quarterbacks competing for a spot in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

College Career at Old Dominion

Heinicke's college career at Old Dominion University (ODU) was nothing short of spectacular. His records and accolades speak volumes about his talent.

6. College Football at Old Dominion: Heinicke chose ODU, where he majored in engineering and threw for 2,385 yards and 25 touchdowns in his freshman year.

7. FCS Records: In 2012, he set multiple FCS records, including passing yards in a season (5,076) and total yards in a game (791).

8. Walter Payton Award: Heinicke won the Walter Payton Award in 2012, recognizing him as the most outstanding offensive player in the FCS.

9. CAA Offensive Player of the Year: His contributions earned him the CAA Offensive Player of the Year title in 2012.

10. Coach Bobby Wilder's Praise: Former ODU coach Bobby Wilder praised Heinicke's quick defensive reads, calling him a "five-read guy."

11. Engineering Degree: Heinicke was taking four engineering courses at ODU when the Washington Football Team called him.

12. Air Raid Offense: ODU's Air Raid offense, which spread the field and relied on Heinicke's defensive reading skills, was a perfect fit for him.

13. Come-From-Behind Wins: Heinicke recorded 12 come-from-behind wins at ODU, showcasing his leadership and clutch performances.

14. One-Score Victories: He also achieved 13 one-score victories, further demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.

NFL Journey and Early Struggles

Despite going undrafted, Heinicke's determination led him to multiple NFL teams and eventually to a starting role.

15. NFL Draft: Heinicke went undrafted in the 2015 NFL draft but signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent.

16. Minnesota Vikings: He spent two seasons with the Vikings, working under quarterbacks coach Scott Turner.

17. Carolina Panthers: In April 2018, the Panthers claimed Heinicke off waivers. He made his first professional start against the Falcons, throwing for 320 yards and one touchdown.

18. Ron Rivera's Praise: Panthers head coach Ron Rivera praised Heinicke's athletic ability, calling him a "gunslinger" with good toughness.

19. XFL Experience: Heinicke joined the St. Louis BattleHawks in the XFL, though he didn't record any statistics before the league suspended operations.

20. Return to Old Dominion: With his NFL future uncertain, Heinicke returned to ODU to finish his engineering degree.

Breakthrough with Washington Football Team

Heinicke's career took a significant turn when he joined the Washington Football Team, leading to some of his most memorable performances.

21. Washington Football Team: In December 2020, Heinicke signed with Washington's practice squad and was promoted to the active roster after Alex Smith's injury.

22. Playoff Debut: Heinicke made his playoff debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January 2021, completing 26 of 44 passes for 306 yards and a touchdown.

23. NFL Record: In 2021, Heinicke set the NFL record for the most completions by a quarterback in his first three starts.

24. 2022 Season: Heinicke started most of the 2022 season after Carson Wentz's injury, continuing to impress with his performances.

25. Athletic Ability: His speed, quickness, and arm strength have been significant factors in his success.

26. Gunslinger Mentality: Heinicke's willingness to take risks and make big plays has earned him the "gunslinger" label.

27. Leadership Skills: His ability to motivate teammates has been a key aspect of his success, as noted by former ODU coach Bobby Wilder.

Records and Recognition

Heinicke's performances have not only earned him records but also the admiration of fans and fellow players.

28. Patrick Mahomes' Record: Heinicke set an NCAA record for passing yards in a single game with 730 yards, later matched by Patrick Mahomes.

29. Comeback Performances: Known for his ability to lead comebacks, Heinicke recorded 12 come-from-behind wins at ODU.

30. Social Media Impact: His performances often go viral, with even Patrick Mahomes expressing admiration for Heinicke's skills.

31. Chase Young's Support: Washington's rookie defensive end Chase Young has shown significant support for Heinicke, demonstrating his respect and admiration.

32. Injury in Playoffs: Heinicke suffered a dislocated AC joint during the 2021 playoffs but continued to play, showcasing his resilience.

Community and Personal Life

Heinicke's journey has been supported by his community and his commitment to education.

33. Community Support: His hometown community in Georgia has closely followed and supported his NFL dreams.

34. Engineering Background: Heinicke's commitment to his engineering degree at ODU highlights his dedication to both football and education.

35. Scott Turner's Influence: Scott Turner, who coached Heinicke with the Vikings, has been a significant influence in his career.

Professional Experience and Legacy

Heinicke's professional journey has taken him through multiple teams and leagues, each contributing to his growth as a player.

36. Professional Experience: Heinicke has played for the Vikings, Patriots, Texans, Panthers, and Washington Football Team, as well as the St. Louis BattleHawks in the XFL.

37. XFL Backup Role: Serving as the backup quarterback for the BattleHawks, Heinicke's XFL experience helped him stay prepared for NFL opportunities.

38. Washington's Trust: Despite being undrafted, Heinicke has earned the trust of his coaches and teammates, proving his reliability and work ethic.

39. Media Perception: Often perceived as an underdog due to his size and perceived natural arm talent, Heinicke has consistently defied expectations.

40. Legacy and Impact: Heinicke's journey from high school to the NFL inspires countless young athletes, showcasing that determination and hard work can lead to success.

Heinicke's Inspiring Journey

Taylor Heinicke's story shows that hard work and determination can lead to success. From his high school days in Lawrenceville, Georgia, to his standout college career at Old Dominion University, Heinicke has always been a fighter. Despite going undrafted in the 2015 NFL draft, he didn't give up. He bounced around several NFL teams, even spending time in the XFL, before finding a home with the Washington Football Team.

His playoff debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January 2021 put him on the map, proving he could compete at the highest level. Heinicke's ability to lead comebacks and perform under pressure has made him a fan favorite and an inspiration to many. His journey reminds us that with grit and perseverance, anything is possible. Taylor Heinicke's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of football players and fans alike.