Trey Lance

Trey Lance's Biography

Born on May 9, 2000, in Marshall, Minnesota, Trey Aubrey Lance’s journey into American football was influenced by his father, Carlton Lance, a former cornerback for the Canadian Football League’s Saskatchewan Roughriders and the World League of American Football’s London Monarchs. Trained chiefly by his father from an early age, Trey took on the role of a running back during his youth football days and ascended to the position of a quarterback during his middle school years. He showcased his talent and made a mark at Marshall High School, emerging as Minnesota’s most promising quarterback prospect.

Initially desiring to be part of the University of Minnesota’s football team, Trey was ready to make a commitment after participating in a recruitment event in February 2017. However, Power Five schools, including Minnesota, allocated him as a wide receiver or defensive back — roles that weren’t the path he envisaged. Disappointed, but undeterred, Trey committed to North Dakota State in December 2017.

His stint as a redshirt freshman at North Dakota State in the 2018 season saw him participate in two games, making notable contributions with two key rushing touchdowns. As he eased into the role of the starting quarterback in 2019, Trey’s talent became resoundingly clear as he headed his team to emerge victorious in the 2020 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game. His impressive distinctiveness in the game earned him the coveted title of Most Valuable Player. Completing the season with 192-of-287 passes for 2,786 yards, 28 touchdowns, and no interceptions, Trey set a record for the NCAA with the most passing attempts per season without an interception. His rushing prowess was displayed with his 1,100-yard run and 14 touchdowns. The remarkable performance saw him receive both the Walter Payton Award and the Jerry Rice Award, establishing him as the FCS’s outstanding offensive player and best freshman, respectively.

However, the 2020 season had an upsetting start for Trey as the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a delay. During this tough time, he managed to showcase his skills in a single game against Central Arkansas, impressively scoring two touchdowns each by throwing and rushing. Regardless, he decided to opt-out the rest of the season that was rescheduled to early 2021, and instead chose to train and prepare for the NFL draft.

In the 2021 NFL draft, while most analysts predicted either Trey or Alabama quarterback Mac Jones would be claimed by the San Francisco 49ers third overall, it was Trey who was ultimately chosen. Signing his rookie contract, worth $34.1 million, Trey took on the role of a second-string quarterback after Jimmy Garoppolo. Despite limited on-field opportunities, Trey demonstrated his capabilities with significant performances in matches against teams like the Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers. His football journey, however, was not without setbacks, and an unfortunate sprained knee curtailed much of his playing time.

Despite his injury struggles, Trey was named starter over Garoppolo for the 2022 season. However, disaster struck yet again when a severe ankle injury cut his season short. Returning for the 2023 training camp under a cloud of uncertainty, Trey faced strong competition in the form of Brock Purdy. After being named the third-string backup, speculation grew about his future with the 49ers. However, his preseason performances indicated that his quarterback skills remained undiminished.

In a twist of fate, on August 26, 2023, Trey was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. Despite displaying exemplary performances, he had to satisfy himself with the third-string quarterback position for the season. By May 1, 2024, the Cowboys had eventually declined the fifth-year option on his contract, making his free agency imminent after the season.

Beyond the field, Trey is known for his firm Evangelical Christian beliefs. He carried these principles with him throughout his academic and football journey, leading his school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. His football legacy continues through his younger brother Bryce, who plays as a wide receiver at North Dakota State. Despite the rough patches in his football career, Trey Aubrey Lance’s story continues, sealing his indelible impact on American football.