Nate Sudfeld

Nate Sudfeld's Biography

Born on October 7, 1993, in Modesto, California, Nathan Michael Sudfeld demonstrated a talent for football at an early age. As a junior in high school, Nathan assumed the role of starting quarterback at Modesto Christian School, taking over from Fresno State-bound Isaiah Burse. Showing remarkable promise, Nathan concluded his high school career by throwing for 3,300 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions, garnering numerous accolades, including the Trans Valley League Outstanding Offensive Player Award, second-team all-state and first-team all-district honors as a senior.

Sudfeld’s impressive high school career sparked interest from numerous esteemed universities, including UCLA, Indiana, New Mexico State, and Arizona. Initially committed to Arizona, Sudfeld changed his college choice due to a coaching change and system adjustment, ultimately deciding to sign up with Indiana University.

As a true freshman at Indiana, Sudfeld stepped in for Cameron Coffman after the starting quarterback, Tre Roberson, injured his leg. Sudfeld’s leadership during a crucial fourth-quarter comeback against Ball State led to his co-Freshman of the Week honors from the Big Ten Conference. In his sophomore year, Sudfeld began sharing the field with Tre Roberson, making his first start against Bowling Green. The young quarterback proved his mettle, ending the season with 2,523 yards, 21 touchdowns, and a pass efficiency rating of 142.0.

Sudfeld’s junior year marked a significant turning point in his college career. After Coffman and Roberson transferred to Wyoming and Illinois State respectively, Sudfeld became the undisputed starter. However, his season was cut short after he injured his left shoulder during a match against Iowa, resulting in surgery. Despite his absence from the field, Sudfeld continued to shine academically, earning an Academic All-Big Ten selection, and even featured on the Manning Award watchlist.

In his senior year, Sudfeld attended the renowned Manning Passing Academy at Nicholls State University and continued to impress on the field, passing for 3,573 yards, with 27 touchdowns.

Following his commendable college football performance, Sudfeld was picked in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft as the 187th overall pick, selected by the Washington Redskins. He signed a four-year contract with the Redskins amounting to $2.5 million. His rookie year saw limited playing time as he remained on the sidelines for 16 games, in a reserve role behind starter Kirk Cousins and backup Colt McCoy. Eventually, the Redskins waived Sudfeld in September 2017.

Within a day of his release from the Redskins, Sudfeld joined the practice squad of the Philadelphia Eagles. He was later elevated to the active roster, marking his first NFL regular season appearance, where he set a new NFL record for completion percentage by a quarterback making his NFL debut (minimum 20 attempts). This accomplishment ushered Sudfeld into the NFL limelight, and he ultimately saw his team, the Eagles, clinch the Super Bowl LII Championship.

Sudfeld then experienced various ups and downs ranging from significant game time and a promotion to becoming a free agent. Despite suffering a broken left wrist during a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans and some on-field setbacks, Sudfeld remained resilient and determined. He re-signed with the Eagles in 2020, briefly moved to the San Francisco 49ers, and then the Detroit Lions, where he was enlisted as backup for Jared Goff. However, his time with the Lions came to a sudden halt following a serious ACL injury during a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.

Nathan Sudfeld comes from a family of passionate sports enthusiasts. His parents, Ralph and Michelle Sudfeld, have two twin sons, Matthew and Zach, and two daughters, Juliana and Sarah. Both Matthew and Zach followed in their elder brother’s footsteps, with Matthew becoming a wide receiver at Brown, and Zach securing a position in the NFL as a tight end for the New England Patriots and the New York Jets. Their sisters, Juliana and Sarah, also engaged in athletics, with Juliana playing volleyball for Wheaton College in Illinois, and Sarah playing basketball for The King’s College in New York City. Nathan Sudfeld’s story is the epitome of resilience, determination, and the power of pursuing one’s passion, no matter the obstacles faced.