Josh Freeman

Freeman passed for over 7,000 yards at Grandview High School where he was a four-star rated prospect by both Rivals.com and Scout.com.{{Cite web |title=Josh Freeman, 2006 Pro Style Quarterback |url=https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2006/josh-freeman-15233 |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=Rivals.com |language=en-US |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119220803/https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2006/josh-freeman-15233 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Josh Freeman, Miami Dolphins, Quarterback |url=https://247sports.com/player/josh-freeman-25265/ |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=247Sports |language=en-US |archive-date=July 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707023154/http://247sports.com/Player/Josh-Freeman-25265 |url-status=live }} As a sophomore, he threw for 1,946 yards and 24 passing touchdowns, leading Grandview to a 9–3 record and a spot in the quarterfinals of the Class 4 playoffs. In addition, he set 10 school records during his career at Grandview, including career passing yards (7,175), passing touchdowns (78), attempts (809), completions (385), yards passing in a game (404), and touchdowns in a game (6).{{Cite web |title=Josh Freeman Biography |url=http://www.kstatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=3062&SPID=212&DB_OEM_ID=400&ATCLID=251134&Q_SEASON=2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428132344/http://www.kstatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=3062&SPID=212&DB_OEM_ID=400&ATCLID=251134&Q_SEASON=2006 |archive-date=April 28, 2009 |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=Kansas State Wildcats Athletics}} As a junior, he topped 2,400 yards through the air with 23 touchdowns. As a senior, he was the #4 pro-style rated quarterback in the country by Rivals.com as well as being ranked as the #92 overall prospect in the nation by Rivals and the top player in the state of Missouri.{{Cite web |title=Top 20 – Missouri – 2006 |url=https://n.rivals.com/state_rankings/2006/missouri |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=Rivals.com |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119220928/https://n.rivals.com/state_rankings/2006/missouri |url-status=live }} He was the #9 quarterback nationally. He led Grandview to a 7–4 record, a district title and a berth in the sectional round of the Missouri state playoffs. He also completed 151-of-286 passes (53%) for 2,622 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2005. He also earned first-team Class 4 all-state honors from the Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association. Freeman was selected to the Kansas City Star All-Metro team and was the 2005 Thomas A. Simone Award winner as the top player in the Kansas City metro area.{{Cite web |title=Grandview Athletics – Josh Freeman Hall of Fame 2016–2017 |url=https://www.grandviewbulldogs.org/hall-of-fame/2016-2017-hall-of-fame-inductees/josh-freeman-hall-of-fame-2016-2017 |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=www.grandviewbulldogs.org |language=en-US |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119221039/https://www.grandviewbulldogs.org/hall-of-fame/2016-2017-hall-of-fame-inductees/josh-freeman-hall-of-fame-2016-2017 |url-status=live }}

File:KSU on offense at Texas 2006 cropped.jpg in 2007]]

Despite being a highly recruited quarterback prospect, one major program wanted the 6' 5" 225 lb Freeman as a tight end, which his African-American father saw as a racial slight. Freeman said he "didn't see it the same way" at the time, as the school already had a quarterback recruit from his class. Nevertheless, Freeman was not interested, as his longtime goal was to become an NFL quarterback.{{Cite web |title=ESPN E:60 – Josh Freeman – Year of the Quarterback |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrRQwqMR2Bc&t=289s |publisher=YouTube |access-date=January 7, 2022 |archive-date=January 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107100412/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrRQwqMR2Bc&t=289s |url-status=live }} He originally committed to Nebraska to play for head coach Bill Callahan, but Kansas State head coach Ron Prince, convinced Freeman to enroll there instead.{{Cite web |last=Talman |first=Josh |date=December 19, 2005 |title=Freeman makes switch |url=https://n.rivals.com/news/freeman-makes-switch |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=Rivals.com |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119220335/https://n.rivals.com/news/freeman-makes-switch |url-status=live }}

As a freshman in 2006, Freeman appeared in 11 of 13 games that season, including starts in the final eight contests of 2006. He replaced Dylan Meier at quarterback during the second half at Baylor and directed the Kansas State offense the rest of the season. He passed for a Kansas State freshman record 1,780 yards on 140-of-270 passing (52%).{{Cite web |title=Josh Freeman 2006 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/josh-freeman-1/gamelog/2006 |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626134934/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/josh-freeman-1/gamelog/2006 |url-status=live }} He became the first true freshman to start a game at Kansas State since 1976. Additionally, he had consecutive 250+ yard passing games against Colorado and Texas, marking the first time a Kansas State quarterback had done so since Michael Bishop in 1998.{{Cite web |title=Kansas State at Colorado Box Score, November 4, 2006 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-11-04-colorado.html |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815015302/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-11-04-colorado.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Texas at Kansas State Box Score, November 11, 2006 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-11-11-kansas-state.html |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006182726/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-11-11-kansas-state.html |url-status=live }} He attempted a Kansas State freshman-record 47 passes against Nebraska, completing 23 for 272 yards. He earned his first career start against Oklahoma State and led the Wildcats to a comeback win. He finished the game 10-for-15 passing for 177 yards and ran for a game-winning 21-yard touchdown with 1:11 to go in the game.{{Cite web |title=Oklahoma State at Kansas State Box Score, October 7, 2006 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-10-07-kansas-state.html |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626135003/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-10-07-kansas-state.html |url-status=live }} In 2007, he set new single-season school records for pass attempts, completions and yards after throwing for 3,353 yards and 18 touchdowns on 316-of-499 passing.{{Cite web |title=Josh Freeman 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/josh-freeman-1/gamelog/2007 |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626134951/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/josh-freeman-1/gamelog/2007/ |url-status=live }} In 2008, Freeman was 224 of 382 passing for 2,945 yards and 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season for a passer rating of 132.9.{{Cite web |title=Josh Freeman 2008 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/josh-freeman-1/gamelog/2008 |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626134944/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/josh-freeman-1/gamelog/2008/ |url-status=live }} The 14 rushing touchdowns were the fourth-most in a single season by a Wildcat quarterback.{{Cite web |date=December 22, 2008 |title=Freeman Honored by Pro Football Weekly |url=http://www.kstatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=400&ATCLID=3636647 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224105732/http://www.kstatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=400&ATCLID=3636647 |archive-date=December 24, 2008 |website=Kansas State Wildcats Athletics}}

In his three-year collegiate career, Freeman completed 680 passes for 8,078 yards and 44 touchdowns and 34 interceptions in 35 career games. He accumulated a school-record 8,427 total yards and joined Ell Roberson as the only quarterbacks in Kansas State history to score at least 60 touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Kansas State Wildcats Passing |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/kansas-state/ |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=May 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519181154/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/kansas-state/ |url-status=live }}

• Earned three national player-of-the-week honors after a win over Texas in 2006, including Cingular All-America Player of the Week, the Walter Camp Foundation Offensive Player of the Week, and the Master Coaches Survey Player of the Week.
• Big 12 Conference Co-Offensive Player of the week (September 2, 2008)
• USA Today College Football Player of the Week (Named on October 15, 2008)

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 5 3/4

| weight = 248

| dash = 4.97

| ten split = 1.79

| twenty split = 2.91

| shuttle = 4.43

| cone drill = 7.11

| vertical = 33.5

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 11

| wonderlic = 27{{Cite news |date=March 10, 2010 |title=Wonderlic scores of 2010 NFL starting quarterbacks and NFL draft QB prospects |work=Palm Beach Post |url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/sports/wonderlic-scores-of-2010-nfl-starting-quarterbacks/nL5Ky/ |access-date=December 21, 2010 |archive-date=July 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709225927/http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/sports/wonderlic-scores-of-2010-nfl-starting-quarterbacks/nL5Ky/ |url-status=live }}

| arm span = 32 3/4

| hand span = 10

| note = All values from 2009 NFL Combine{{Cite web |title=Josh Freeman Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/josh-freeman/32004652-4518-3259-7559-b0681a1cffd7 |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=November 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111040506/https://www.nfl.com/prospects/josh-freeman/32004652-4518-3259-7559-b0681a1cffd7 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=2009 Draft Scout Josh Freeman, Kansas State NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=65150&DraftYear=2009 |access-date=November 10, 2022 |website=draftscout.com |archive-date=November 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111040506/https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=65150&DraftYear=2009 |url-status=live }}

}}

File:Josh Freeman throwing (cropped).png

Freeman was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft with the 17th overall pick.{{Cite web |title=2009 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/draft.htm |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=July 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706114530/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/draft.htm |url-status=live }} He entered the draft with one year of college eligibility left.{{Cite web |last=Schad |first=Joe |author-link=Joe Schad |date=January 2009 |title=Kansas State QB Freeman says 'time is right' |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3804400 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126095455/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3804400 |archive-date=January 26, 2016 |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}} The Buccaneers later agreed to terms with Freeman on a five-year, $26 million contract, with another possible $10 million in incentives and bonuses.{{Cite web |last=Yasinskas |first=Pat |date=July 30, 2009 |title=Freeman signing could speed up his progress |url=http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcsouth/0-12-218/Freeman-signing-could-speed-up-his-progress.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801221233/http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcsouth/0-12-218/Freeman-signing-could-speed-up-his-progress.html |archive-date=August 1, 2009 |website=ESPN.com}} On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won by a score of 38–28, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, three passing touchdowns, and one interception, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie Stroughter to take the lead, 31–28 late in the game.{{Cite web |title=Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – November 8th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911080tam.htm |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108032603/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911080tam.htm |url-status=live }} Freeman became the youngest quarterback in franchise history to start and win his first game. On December 27, 2009, he led the Buccaneers to a 20–17 overtime win over the 13–1 New Orleans Saints, preventing them from clinching the top seed in the playoffs for one more week.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – December 27th, 2009 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200912270nor.htm |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626133909/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200912270nor.htm |url-status=live }} The Buccaneers finished the 2009 season with a 3–13 record as Freeman finished with 1,855 passing yards, ten touchdowns, and 18 interceptions.{{Cite web |title=2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2009.htm |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620054006/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2009.htm |url-status=live }}

Freeman began the 2010 season as the Buccaneers' starting quarterback. He started all 16 games of the season, the first Buccaneer quarterback to do so since Brad Johnson in 2003. In Week 5, Freeman earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his game against the Cincinnati Bengals.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals – October 10th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201010100cin.htm |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119215958/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201010100cin.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=2010 NFL Week 5 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/week_5.htm |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=September 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924181620/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/week_5.htm |url-status=live }} On December 26, 2010, Freeman completed 21 of 26 pass attempts for 227 yards and five touchdowns against the Seattle Seahawks, matching a franchise record for touchdowns in a game.{{Cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – December 26th, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201012260tam.htm |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226021754/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201012260tam.htm |url-status=live }} On January 1, 2011, Freeman completed 21 of 26 pass attempts for 255 yards and two touchdowns against the playoff-bound New Orleans Saints.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – January 2nd, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201101020nor.htm |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322045724/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201101020nor.htm |url-status=live }} Both performances won him the FedEx Air Player of the Week. He was awarded NFC Offensive Player of The Week for Week 17. He led the team to a winning record of 10–6, barely missing the playoffs.{{Cite web |title=2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2010.htm |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=May 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530214952/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2010.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=2010 NFL Week 17 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/week_17.htm |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328201240/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/week_17.htm |url-status=live }} He was ranked 86th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2011-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308170627/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2011-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live }}

Freeman participated in 15 out of the 16 games in the 2011 season. However, this season would prove to be disappointing for him compared to the previous season. He passed for 3,592 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions. He finished with a 74.6 quarterback rating.{{Cite web |title=Josh Freeman 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeJo00/gamelog/2011/ |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626134612/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeJo00/gamelog/2011/ |url-status=live }} The Bucs finished with a 4–12 record, losing the final 10 games of the season.{{Cite web |title=2011 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2011.htm |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602221047/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2011.htm |url-status=live }}

After the 2011 season, head coach Raheem Morris was fired and replaced by former Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2012 |title=Bucs fire coach Morris after 10-game losing skid |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7413905 |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626134729/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7413905 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |date=January 26, 2012 |title=Bucs hire Rutgers' Schiano as new coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7505668 |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626134753/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7505668 |url-status=live }} The Buccaneers also added new weapons for Freeman, signing former Indianapolis Colts tight end Dallas Clark, Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson, and upgrading the offensive line with All-Pro left guard Carl Nicks. Freeman steadily improved in 2012, throwing 11 more touchdowns, five fewer interceptions, and 500 more passing yards compared to the 2011 season. The Buccaneers finished with a 7–9 record.{{Cite web |title=Josh Freeman 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeJo00/gamelog/2012/ |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626134633/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeJo00/gamelog/2012/ |url-status=live }}

The Buccaneers started the 2013 season with an 18–17 loss to the New York Jets after leading by a score of 14–5 at the half. Freeman completed 15 of 31 passes (48.4%) and threw for one touchdown and one interception.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets – September 8th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309080nyj.htm |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120182119/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309080nyj.htm |url-status=live }} After a poor performance in a 23–3 Week 3 loss to the New England Patriots, Freeman was benched in favor of rookie quarterback Mike Glennon.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New England Patriots – September 22nd, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309220nwe.htm |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120124341/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309220nwe.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Katzowitz |first=Josh |date=September 25, 2013 |title=Josh Freeman benched, Bucs to start rookie Mike Glennon |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/josh-freeman-benched-bucs-to-start-rookie-mike-glennon/ |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119220559/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/josh-freeman-benched-bucs-to-start-rookie-mike-glennon/ |url-status=live }} The Buccaneers began the season with a disappointing 0–3 record, and Freeman was completing 46% of his passes with a near league bottom 59.3 rating (30th). Trouble was already brewing coming into this season amid rumours of a growing rift with Coach Schiano,{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=September 15, 2013 |title=Josh Freeman, Greg Schiano have 'growing disconnect' |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/josh-freeman-greg-schiano-have-growing-disconnect-0ap1000000244087 |access-date=November 25, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en |archive-date=November 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104114751/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000244087/article/josh-freeman-greg-schiano-have-growing-disconnect |url-status=live }} Freeman missed the team photo and his teammates did not select him as a team captain for the first time since his rookie campaign.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=September 25, 2013 |title=Mike Glennon takes Bucs' QB job from Josh Freeman |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/mike-glennon-takes-bucs-qb-job-from-josh-freeman-0ap2000000250435 |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=September 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907110313/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000250435/article/josh-freeman-benched-in-favor-of-rookie-mike-glennon |url-status=live }} He was released by the team on October 3, 2013, after the team tried unsuccessfully to trade him.{{Cite web |last=Gantt |first=Darin |date=October 3, 2013 |title=Buccaneers cut the cord, release Josh Freeman |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/03/buccaneers-cut-the-cord-release-josh-freeman/ |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119215828/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/03/buccaneers-cut-the-cord-release-josh-freeman/ |url-status=live }}

On October 6, 2013, Freeman signed with the Minnesota Vikings.{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=October 6, 2013 |title=Josh Freeman, Minnesota Vikings agree to contract |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/josh-freeman-minnesota-vikings-agree-to-contract-0ap2000000257771 |access-date=October 9, 2013 |publisher=National Football League |archive-date=October 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008122045/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000257771/article/josh-freeman-minnesota-vikings-agree-to-contract |url-status=live }} He would begin to compete for the starting job with incumbent Christian Ponder and Matt Cassel. He changed his number to 12 after swapping with punter Jeff Locke, as Freeman had worn the number in high school.{{Cite web |last=Mizutani |first=Dane |date=October 9, 2013 |title=Vikings: Josh Freeman gets No. 12 jersey from Jeff Locke |url=http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_24273621/vikings-josh-freeman-gets-no-12-jersey-from?source=rss |access-date=October 9, 2013 |website=St. Paul Pioneer Press |archive-date=January 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123130325/http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_24273621/vikings-josh-freeman-gets-no-12-jersey-from?source=rss |url-status=live }} On October 16, 2013, he had been named starting quarterback for the Week 7 game against the New York Giants and for all future games.{{Cite web |last=Pelissero |first=Tom |date=October 16, 2013 |title=Vikings turn to Josh Freeman as new starting quarterback |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/vikings/2013/10/16/josh-freeman-practice-christian-ponder-matt-cassel/2994365/ |access-date=October 17, 2013 |publisher=USA Today |archive-date=October 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017065730/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/vikings/2013/10/16/josh-freeman-practice-christian-ponder-matt-cassel/2994365/ |url-status=live }} However, his start for the Vikings did not go well; Freeman completed only 20 of 53 passes and threw for only 190 yards and one interception. The Vikings ended up losing to the Giants 23–7, their only score being a punt return by Marcus Sherels.{{Cite web |title=Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants – October 21st, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310210nyg.htm |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626133239/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201310210nyg.htm |url-status=live }} He was originally planned to start against the Green Bay Packers. However, he was having concussion-like symptoms during and following the game against the Giants and was therefore benched in favor of Ponder.{{Cite web |last=Katzowitz |first=Josh |date=October 23, 2013 |title=Josh Freeman suffers concussion, Ponder likely to start for Vikings |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24128393/josh-freeman-suffers-concussion-ponder-likely-to-start-for-vikings |access-date=November 15, 2013 |website=CBS Sports |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203012634/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24128393/josh-freeman-suffers-concussion-ponder-likely-to-start-for-vikings |url-status=live }} Freeman finished the rest of the season as the third-string quarterback behind Ponder and Cassel.{{Cite web |title=2013 Minnesota Vikings Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/2013.htm |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126070703/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/2013.htm |url-status=live }}

On April 16, 2014, Freeman was rumored to have signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants. The deal was not officially signed until April 21, 2014, when Freeman attended the Quest Diagnostics Training Center to sign the contract and participate.{{Cite web |last=Benton |first=Dan |title=New York Giants Officially Sign QB Josh Freeman |url=http://www.sportsmedia101.com/newyorkgiants/2014/04/21/new-york-giants-officially-sign-qb-josh-freeman/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423052904/http://www.sportsmedia101.com/newyorkgiants/2014/04/21/new-york-giants-officially-sign-qb-josh-freeman/ |archive-date=April 23, 2014 |website=SportsMedia101}} On May 30, 2014, Freeman was released by the Giants.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |title=Giants release QB Josh Freeman |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000354806/article/giants-release-qb-josh-freeman/ |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=February 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015719/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000354806/article/giants-release-qb-josh-freeman |url-status=dead }}

On April 2, 2015, Freeman signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=April 2, 2015 |title=Josh Freeman signing with Miami Dolphins. |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/josh-freeman-signing-with-miami-dolphins-0ap3000000483283 |access-date=April 3, 2015 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=April 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403194240/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000483283/article/josh-freeman-signing-with-miami-dolphins |url-status=live }} On July 24, 2015, Freeman was released, but re-signed with the team four days later.{{Cite web |last=Hanzus |first=Dan |date=July 24, 2015 |title=Miami Dolphins release QB Josh Freeman |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/miami-dolphins-release-qb-josh-freeman-0ap3000000503489 |access-date=July 24, 2015 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725015345/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000503489/article/miami-dolphins-release-qb-josh-freeman |url-status=live }} Freeman played in Miami's preseason finale against his former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 3, 2015. Freeman completed 13 out of 22 passes for 165 yards and two interceptions.{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2015 |title=Josh Freeman Cut Day After Dolphins Final Preseason Game |url=https://miami.cbslocal.com/2015/09/05/josh-freeman-cut-day-after-dolphins-final-preseason-game/ |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=CBS – Miami |archive-date=January 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115144502/https://miami.cbslocal.com/2015/09/05/josh-freeman-cut-day-after-dolphins-final-preseason-game/ |url-status=live }} He was released by the Dolphins on September 4, 2015.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=September 4, 2015 |title=Dolphins cut veteran QB Josh Freeman |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/dolphins-cut-veteran-qb-josh-freeman-0ap3000000522083 |access-date=September 4, 2015 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905103755/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000522083/article/dolphins-cut-veteran-qb-josh-freeman |url-status=live }}

On September 22, 2015, Freeman signed to play with the Brooklyn Bolts in the FXFL.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=September 22, 2015 |title=Josh Freeman to play for FXFL's Brooklyn Bolts |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/josh-freeman-to-play-for-fxfl-s-brooklyn-bolts-0ap3000000536490 |access-date=January 1, 2016 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222062623/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000536490/article/josh-freeman-to-play-for-fxfls-brooklyn-bolts |url-status=live }} In his first game with the Bolts, which took place during typhoons created by the oncoming Hurricane Joaquin, Freeman fumbled five times in the wet conditions, losing three of them, and threw an interception.{{Cite web |last=Bien |first=Louis |date=November 5, 2015 |title=Josh Freeman vs. a hurricane |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/11/5/9617104/josh-freeman-nfl-comeback-fxfl-brooklyn-bolts-profile |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=SBNation.com |archive-date=October 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006075650/https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/11/5/9617104/josh-freeman-nfl-comeback-fxfl-brooklyn-bolts-profile |url-status=live }}

On December 29, 2015, Freeman signed with the Indianapolis Colts.{{Cite web |date=December 29, 2015 |title=Indianapolis Colts sign QBs Josh Freeman, Ryan Lindley |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000612018/article/indianapolis-colts-sign-qbs-josh-freeman-ryan-lindley |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626132653/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000612018/article/indianapolis-colts-sign-qbs-josh-freeman-ryan-lindley |url-status=dead }} He started the final game of the regular season against the Tennessee Titans on January 3, 2016, due to injuries to starter Andrew Luck and reserve Matt Hasselbeck. Freeman split time with fellow recent signee Ryan Lindley and went 15 of 28 for 149 yards, one touchdown and one interception, as well as eight rushes for 24 yards. The Colts won the game by a score of 30–24.{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts – January 3rd, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601030clt.htm |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214003638/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601030clt.htm |url-status=live }} He was released on March 7, 2016.{{Cite magazine |date=March 7, 2016 |title=Colts release QB Josh Freeman |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/03/07/colts-release-qb-josh-freeman-free-agency |access-date=November 19, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119215344/https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/03/07/colts-release-qb-josh-freeman-free-agency |url-status=live }}

Freeman attended minicamp in Florida with the Calgary Stampeders from April 29, 2017, to May 1, 2017.{{Cite web |last=Dunk |first=Justin |date=May 2, 2017 |title=Former NFL quarterback Josh Freeman attends mini-camp with Stamps |url=http://3downnation.com/2017/05/02/former-nfl-quarterback-josh-freeman-attends-mini-camp-stamps/ |access-date=October 28, 2017 |website=3downnation.com |archive-date=October 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029172932/http://3downnation.com/2017/05/02/former-nfl-quarterback-josh-freeman-attends-mini-camp-stamps/ |url-status=live }} In May 2017, he attended an open tryout camp for the Montreal Alouettes in Dallas. On June 13, 2017, Freeman had a workout with the Alouettes at Bishop's University. The Alouettes' general manager, Kavis Reed, said that "Josh had a very good workout. He showed tremendous arm strength, an excellent touch on the deep balls, and excellent footwork".{{Cite web |last=Zurkowsy |first=Herb |date=June 13, 2017 |title=Former NFL QB Josh Freeman works out for Alouettes |url=http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/former-nfl-qb-josh-freeman-works-out-for-alouettes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028215616/http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/former-nfl-qb-josh-freeman-works-out-for-alouettes |archive-date=October 28, 2017 |access-date=October 28, 2017 |website=Montreal Gazette}} On January 9, 2018, the Alouettes added Freeman to their negotiation list.{{Cite web |date=January 9, 2018 |title=Report: Als add QB Freeman to neg. list |url=https://www.tsn.ca/report-als-add-qb-freeman-to-neg-list-1.963287 |access-date=January 13, 2018 |website=TSN |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111014802/https://www.tsn.ca/report-als-add-qb-freeman-to-neg-list-1.963287 |url-status=live }} On January 12, 2018, the day before his 30th birthday, he signed a two-year contract with the Alouettes.{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2018 |title=Les Alouettes s'entendent avec Josh Freeman |url=https://www.rds.ca/football/alouettes/lcf-les-alouettes-ont-mis-sous-contrat-le-quart-josh-freeman-1.5908754 |access-date=January 13, 2018 |website=RDS.ca |language=fr |archive-date=January 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113093507/https://www.rds.ca/football/alouettes/lcf-les-alouettes-ont-mis-sous-contrat-le-quart-josh-freeman-1.5908754 |url-status=live }}

On May 26, 2018, Freeman retired from professional football.{{Cite web |last=Laine |first=Jenna |date=May 26, 2018 |title=Buried on Alouettes' depth chart, Josh Freeman announces retirement |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23614235/josh-freeman-retires-cfl-leaving-montreal-alouettes |access-date=May 26, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=May 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527023226/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23614235/josh-freeman-retires-cfl-leaving-montreal-alouettes |url-status=live }}

• Most fourth quarter comeback wins in a single season- 5 (2010) (tied with Doug Williams)
• Most game winning drives in a single season- 5 (2010) (tied with Brad Johnson)
• Most touchdown passes thrown in consecutive games – 15 (2010–2011)
• Fewest interceptions in a single season: 6 (2010) (in 16 starts){{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team Encyclopedia |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/ |access-date=November 7, 2012 |publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316042248/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/ |url-status=live }}
• Longest pass completion: 95 (vs New Orleans Saints) (2012){{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers Career Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/career-passing.htm |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205135943/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/career-passing.htm |url-status=live }}
• Most consecutive seasons, 3,000 yards passing – 3 (2010–2012) (tied with Brad Johnson and Jameis Winston)
• Most passing touchdowns in a game – 5 (tied) (December 26, 2010, vs. Seattle Seahawks) (tied with Jameis Winston and Tom Brady){{Cite web |title=Most passing touchdowns in a single game, Tampa Bay Buccaneers |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask?q=player+with+the+most+touchdown+passes+in+one+game%252c+tampa+bay+buccaneers+franchise+history |access-date=November 19, 2022 |website=StatMuse |language=en |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119215134/https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask?q=player+with+the+most+touchdown+passes+in+one+game%252c+tampa+bay+buccaneers+franchise+history |url-status=live }}

His father, Ron, was inducted into the Pittsburg State University Athletics Hall of Fame{{Cite web |title=Pittsburg State Gorillas Hall of Fame list |url=http://www.pittstategorillas.com/sports/2012/1/26/BB_0126125930.aspx?id=60 |access-date=June 26, 2019 |website=PittStateGorillas.com |archive-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620005746/https://pittstategorillas.com/sports/2012/1/26/BB_0126125930.aspx?id=60 |url-status=live }} and also played in the United States Football League with the Pittsburgh Maulers and Orlando Renegades.{{Cite web |last=Stroud |first=Rick |date=September 12, 2010 |title=For Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman, time to lead is now |url=http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/for-tampa-bay-buccaneers-qb-josh-freeman-time-to-lead-is-now/1120753 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100914124919/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/for-tampa-bay-buccaneers-qb-josh-freeman-time-to-lead-is-now/1120753 |archive-date=September 14, 2010 |website=TampaBay.com}} Freeman's brother, Caleb, played football for Missouri in 2008.{{Cite web |title=Caleb Freeman |url=http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/freeman_caleb00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030092916/http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/freeman_caleb00.html |archive-date=October 30, 2014 |website=MUTigers.com}}

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Category:1988 births

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