50 Facts About Justin Fields

Early Life and High School Achievements

Justin Fields' journey to becoming a professional football player began in Kennesaw, Georgia. His early years were marked by both challenges and triumphs.

1. Justin Fields was born on March 5, 1999, in Kennesaw, Georgia.
2. He attended Harrison High School, where he excelled in both football and baseball.
3. Fields was diagnosed with epilepsy during high school, a condition he has managed throughout his career.
4. Despite a season-ending injury in his senior year, he was still regarded as the highest-rated quarterback recruit for colleges in 2018 by ESPN.

College Recruitment and Career

Fields' talent was evident early on, making him a highly sought-after recruit. His college career saw him transferring from Georgia to Ohio State, where he truly shined.

5. Fields was ranked as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback prospect in the 2018 recruiting class.
6. He initially enrolled at the University of Georgia but transferred to Ohio State University in January 2019.
7. At Ohio State, Fields led the Buckeyes to a 20-2 record and two consecutive Big Ten Championships.
8. He was twice named the Big Ten Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year and Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year.
9. Fields threw for 5,373 yards and 63 touchdowns in his two seasons at Ohio State.
10. He also rushed for 867 yards and 15 touchdowns during his college career.

College Awards and Records

Fields' time at Ohio State was decorated with numerous awards and records, showcasing his exceptional talent and leadership.

11. Fields won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football Award in 2020.
12. He was the MVP of the 2019 Big Ten Football Championship Game.
13. In 2019, Fields was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
14. He set a single-season passer efficiency rating of 181.43 in 2019, ranking third nationally.
15. Fields became the first quarterback in Big Ten history to win each of his first 13 games as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback.
16. Under Fields' leadership, Ohio State made back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances for the first time in school history.

Transition to the NFL

Fields' transition to the NFL was marked by his selection in the 2021 NFL Draft and his subsequent debut with the Chicago Bears.

17. Fields was selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears with the 11th overall pick.
18. In his NFL debut, Fields took the field on four plays against the Los Angeles Rams.
19. Despite being named the starting quarterback for most of the season, Fields' rookie season was marked by injuries and inconsistent play.
20. He threw for 1,870 yards and maintained a passer rating of 73.2 in his rookie season.
21. Fields suffered several injuries during his rookie season, including cracked ribs, an injured hand, and an ankle sprain.
22. Despite the injuries, Fields finished the season with 420 rushing yards, ranking No. 5 among NFL quarterbacks.

2022 Season and Beyond

Fields' second season in the NFL saw him capitalizing on his strengths, particularly his rushing ability, and facing new challenges.

23. In 2022, Fields rushed for 1,143 yards, becoming the third NFL quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in a season.
24. He led the league in sacks taken at 55 and fumbles at 16 in 2022.
25. Fields showed ability as a passer, notching two four-touchdown games in the 2023 season.
26. The Bears showed signs of rebuilding under new leadership, but Fields' future with the team remained uncertain.

Trade to Pittsburgh Steelers

Fields' career took a new turn with his trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he faced new opportunities and challenges.

27. On March 16, 2024, Fields was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
28. The Steelers declined the fifth-year option on Fields' contract, making him a free agent after the 2024 season.
29. Fields was involved in a preseason quarterback competition with Russell Wilson before being named the starter due to Wilson's injury.
30. In his debut as a Steeler, Fields completed 17-of-23 pass attempts for 156 yards and added 57 rushing yards.
31. Fields scored his first touchdown as a Steeler on a five-yard pass to tight end Darnell Washington.
32. Through his first three starts with the Steelers, Fields completed 73.3% of his passes, averaging 6.9 yards per throw.

Comparisons and Performance Metrics

Fields' playing style and performance metrics have drawn comparisons to other dynamic quarterbacks, highlighting his unique abilities.

33. Fields' style of play drew comparisons with former Steelers quarterback/wide receiver Kordell Stewart.
34. This marked the first time in Fields' professional career where he led his team to three straight wins in the starting position.
35. Fields led Ohio State to the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship game.
36. During his final year at Ohio State, Fields vocally supported the playing of the season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
37. Fields' senior season with Ohio State was documented in the Netflix series QB:1 Beyond the Lights, season 2.

College Honors and Legacy

Fields' college career left a lasting legacy, with numerous honors and records that cemented his place in Ohio State history.

38. Fields was named the Big Ten Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year and Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year in both 2019 and 2020.
39. He was named the Sugar Bowl MVP in 2020.
40. Fields was a finalist for the Davey O’Brien Award in both 2019 and 2020.
41. He was named First-Team All-Big Ten by both coaches and media in both 2019 and 2020.
42. Fields was named Second-Team All-American by several organizations, including the Walter Camp Football Foundation and CBS Sports.
43. He set several records at Ohio State, including a single-season passer efficiency rating of 181.43 in 2019.
44. Fields was the MVP of the 2019 Big Ten Championship Game after throwing for 299 yards and three touchdowns.
45. He became the first quarterback in Big Ten history with 40 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns in the same season in 2019.

NFL Rushing Records and Future Outlook

Fields' dual-threat ability has set him apart in the NFL, with impressive rushing records and a promising future.

46. Fields suffered several injuries during his time with the Chicago Bears, impacting his performance.
47. He set the single-game regular season record for quarterback rushing yards while playing for the Chicago Bears.
48. Fields became the third NFL quarterback ever to have a 1,000-yard rushing season.
49. In 2021, Fields ranked No. 2 among qualified quarterbacks with a 10.1 Air Yards Per Attempt average.
50. Despite his current trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers, there is reason to believe that Justin Fields will continue to be a dynamic and impactful player in the NFL.

Justin Fields: A Dynamic NFL Talent

Justin Fields' journey from high school standout to NFL quarterback has been nothing short of remarkable. His dual-threat ability, showcased through impressive passing and rushing stats, sets him apart. Fields' college career at Ohio State was filled with accolades, including Big Ten Championships and a Heisman Trophy finalist nod. Despite a challenging rookie season with the Chicago Bears, marked by injuries, Fields demonstrated resilience and potential. His 2022 season saw him rush for over 1,000 yards, a rare feat for quarterbacks. The trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024 offers a fresh start, and Fields has already shown promise with consecutive wins. His versatility and determination make him a valuable asset, and fans eagerly await his continued growth and success in the NFL. Fields' story is one of perseverance, talent, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.