Sam Ehlinger
{{Short description|American football player (born 1998)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Sam Ehlinger
| image = Sam Ehlinger Commanders-Colts 2022 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Ehlinger with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022
| current_team = Denver Broncos
| number = 4
| position = Quarterback
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1998|9|30|mf=y}}
| birth_place = Austin, Texas, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 1
| weight_lb = 222
| high_school = Westlake (Austin, Texas)
| college = Texas (2017–2020)
| draftyear = 2021
| draftround = 6
| draftpick = 218
| pastteams =
- Indianapolis Colts ({{NFL Year|2021|2024}})
- Denver Broncos ({{NFL Year|2025}}–present)
| status = Active
| highlights =
- Second-team All-Big 12 (2020)
- 2019 Sugar Bowl MVP
- 2019 Alamo Bowl Offensive MVP
| statseason = 2024
| statweek = 18
| statlabel1 = Passing attempts
| statvalue1 = 101
| statlabel2 = Passing completions
| statvalue2 = 64
| statlabel3 = Completion percentage
| statvalue3 = 63.4%
| statvalue4 = 3–3
| statlabel5 = Passing yards
| statvalue5 = 573
| statlabel6 = Passer rating
| statvalue6 = 76.1
| statlabel7 = Rushing yards
| statvalue7 = 96
| statlabel8 = Rushing touchdowns
| statvalue8 =
| pfr = EhliSa00
}}
Samuel George Ehlinger ({{IPAc-en|'|ɛ|l|ɪ|ŋ|g|ər}} {{respell|EL|in|gər}}; born September 30, 1998) is an American professional football quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns, where he led the team to the 2018 Big 12 Championship Game and two bowl games. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Early life
Ehlinger attended and played quarterback for Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, where he was coached by Todd Dodge. Ehlinger graduated as the school's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, surpassing Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Drew Brees and Nick Foles.{{cite web|url=http://www.texassports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7264|title=Sam Ehlinger – 2017 Football Roster – University of Texas Athletics|work=texassports.com}} He was named the MaxPreps National Junior of the Year after his junior season, and was rated by Rivals.com as a four-star recruit, and received offers from Florida State, Houston, McNeese State, Oklahoma State, SMU, Texas Tech, and Wyoming, as well as his hometown team of Texas.{{Cite web |title=Sam Ehlinger, 2017 Dual Threat Quarterback, Texas |url=https://rivals.com/content/athletes/sam-ehlinger-7641?view=pv |access-date=2024-06-28 |website=Rivals.com |language=en-US}}{{cite web | title=Sam Ehlinger Recruit Interests | website=247Sports | url=https://247sports.com/Recruitment/Sam-Ehlinger-68084/RecruitInterests/ | access-date=2024-11-05}} He committed to play football at the University of Texas at Austin on July 28, 2015.
{{College athlete recruit start|40=no|collapse=|year=2017}}
{{College athlete recruit entry
| recruit = Sam Ehlinger
| position = QB
| hometown = Austin, Texas
| highschool = Westlake High School
| feet = 6
| inches = 3
| weight = 222
| 40 =
| commitdate = July 28, 2015
| scout stars = 4
| rivals stars = 4
| 247 stars = 4
| espn grade = 83
| grayshirt =
}}
{{College athlete recruit end
| 40 = no
| year = 2017
| rivals ref title = 2017 Texas Football Commitment List
| scout ref title =
| 247 ref title =
| espn ref title =
| rivals school = texas
| scout s =
| 247 school =
| espn schoolid =
| scout overall =
| rivals overall =
| 247 overall =
| espn overall =
| accessdate = October 9, 2017
| archivedate =
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| espn archiveurl =
}}
College career
=2017 season=
{{see also|2017 Texas Longhorns football team}}
Ehlinger joined the Texas Longhorns under new head coach Tom Herman, who inherited an offense led by sophomore starting quarterback Shane Buechele.{{cite news |title=Remember the name: Sam Ehlinger could compete for job as Texas' quarterback |url=https://www.hookem.com/story/remember-name-sam-ehlinger-compete-job-texas-quarterback/ |access-date=January 11, 2019 |agency=Austin American-Statesman |publisher=Hook'em.com |date=February 1, 2017 |location=Austin, Texas}} Addressing competition between Ehlinger and Buechele for the starting quarterback position for the 2017 season during spring practice, offensive coordinator Tim Beck described Buechele as having quicker adaptability than Ehlinger.{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Brian |title=Shane Buechele moving ahead of Sam Ehlinger in Texas QB race |url=https://www.hookem.com/story/shane-buechele-moving-ahead-sam-ehlinger-texas-qb-race/|access-date=January 11, 2019 |agency=Austin American-Statesman |publisher=Hook'em.com |date=April 6, 2017 |location=Austin, Texas}} During the spring game on April 15, Ehlinger played on the second-team offense against the first-team defense, scoring a touchdown and passing for 148 yards.{{cite news |last1=Tijerina |first1=Rich |title=Orange-White scrimmage: How did these specific Longhorns look? |url=https://www.hookem.com/story/orange-white-scrimmage-specific-longhorns-look/ |agency=Austin American-Statesman |publisher=Hook'em.com |date=April 15, 2017 |location=Austin, Texas}} Through spring and much of summer practice, coach Herman did not explicitly declare a starting quarterback for the season, though by late August he had hinted that Buechele would be starting, citing his experience.{{cite news |last1=Moyle |first1=Nick |title=Buechele is Longhorns' starter – for now |url=https://www.expressnews.com/sports/college_sports/longhorns/article/Buechele-is-Longhorns-starter-for-now-11948537.php |access-date=January 11, 2019 |agency=San Antonio Express-News |publisher=Expressnews.com |date=August 21, 2017 |location=San Antonio, Texas}} The depth chart for Texas' opening game against Maryland on September 2, Ehlinger was listed as the second-string quarterback.{{cite web |last1=Daniel |first1=Cody |title=Texas Longhorns 2017 depth chart released |url=https://www.burntorangenation.com/football/2017/8/28/16215882/texas-longhorns-2017-depth-chart-released |website=Burnt Orange Nation |publisher=SB Nation |access-date=January 11, 2019 |location=Austin, Texas |date=August 28, 2017}} He did not see playing action in the eventual 51–41 loss to Maryland; however, Buechele injured his throwing shoulder over the course of the game, resulting in Ehlinger taking practice repetitions with first-team starters following the game.{{cite news |last1=Carlton |first1=Chuck |title=Tom Herman says Longhorns 'have not arrived yet,' and QB Shane Buechele's new injury is latest proof |url=https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/college-sports/collegesports/2017/09/04/tom-herman-says-longhorns-arrived-yet-qb-shane-buecheles-new-injury-latest-proof |access-date=January 11, 2019 |work=SportsDay |agency=The Dallas Morning News |publisher=DallasNews.com |date=September 4, 2017 |location=Dallas, Texas}}
After Buechele was ultimately sidelined due to injury, Ehlinger made his first career start for Texas on September 9, 2017, against the San Jose State Spartans,{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2017 |title=Freshman QB Sam Ehlinger impresses as Shane Buechele sits with injury |url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/20648744/texas-longhorns-qb-shane-buechele-ruled-sore-shoulder-vs-san-jose-state |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}} leading the team to a 56–0 victory with 222 passing yards and a passing touchdown alongside 48 rushing yards. This made him just the tenth freshman to start a game at quarterback for the university.{{cite web |title=Sam Ehlinger |url=https://texassports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8131 |website=Football |publisher=TexasSports.com |access-date=January 11, 2019 |location=Austin, Texas}} The starting quarterback role remained unsettled during the following week as Buechele was able to practice with the team while recovering from his shoulder injury.{{cite news |last1=Moyle |first1=Nick |title=Texas QB situation still uncertain heading into matchup with USC |url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/college_sports/longhorns/article/Texas-QB-situation-still-uncertain-heading-into-12202094.php |access-date=January 11, 2019 |agency=San Antonio Express-News |publisher=Hearst Newspapers, LLC |date=September 15, 2017 |location=San Antonio, Texas}} Ehlinger was eventually selected as the starter against #4 USC Trojans, completing 21 of 40 passes and two touchdowns in the double overtime loss. Ehlinger was able to connect with wide receiver Armanti Foreman on a 17-yard touchdown pass with 45 seconds remaining in regulation to give the Longhorns a late lead before the Trojans equalized with a field goal to send the game into overtime. However, Ehlinger fumbled the ball in the second overtime period, allowing USC to win on a second field goal.{{cite news |title=No. 4 USC rallies for double-overtime win over Texas, 27–24 |url=http://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/ncf/id/20729463|access-date=January 11, 2019 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN |date=September 17, 2017}} His 298-yard passing effort was the second-most by a true freshman in university history.
A healthy Buechele reclaimed the starting quarterback role against the Iowa State Cyclones to open Big 12 Conference play, though Ehlinger did not take any snaps despite Buechele suffering an ankle injury during the subsequent victory.{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Brian |title=Texas QB Shane Buechele suffers ankle injury but expected to practice this week |url=https://www.hookem.com/2017/09/30/texas-qb-shane-buechele-suffers-ankle-injury-but-expected-to-practice-this-week/ |access-date=January 11, 2019 |agency=Austin American-Statemsan |publisher=Hook'em.com |date=September 30, 2017 |location=Austin, Texas}} However, given the severity of Buechele's injury, Ehlinger started at quarterback for the Longhorns against the Kansas State Wildcats, leading Texas to a 40–34 double overtime victory. His 30 completions, 50 passing attempts, 380 passing yards, and 107 rushing yards marked personal highs for 2017. The 380 passing yards were the most by a true freshman at Texas and the tenth most of any quarterback at the school, while the 487 total yardage was the third most in school history. Ehlinger was named the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Player of the Week for his efforts against Kansas State. He continued to serve as Texas' starting quarterback for his first Red River Rivalry game against the 12th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners on October 14. In the rivalry matchup, the Longhorns trailed the Sooners 0–20 in the second quarter before amassing a 24–23 lead in the fourth quarter following an 8-yard rushing touchdown by Ehlinger; however, Texas was unable to secure the lead, and a final attempt to score ended when Ehlinger threw the ball out of bounds on fourth-and-13, resulting in a 29–24 loss.{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Brian |title=Oklahoma 29, Texas 24: Magical rally falls short, but the Sam Ehlinger era is underway |url=https://www.hookem.com/2017/10/14/oklahoma-29-texas-24-magical-rally-falls-short-but-the-sam-ehlinger-era-is-underway/ |access-date=January 12, 2019 |agency=Austin American-Statesman |publisher=Hook'em.com |date=October 14, 2017 |location=Austin, Texas}} Ehlinger finished the game having passed for 278 yards and rushed for 106 yards, making him the first freshman quarterback in school history to rush for over 100 yards in back-to-back games. During the fourth quarter of the game, Ehlinger briefly laid motionless following a hard tackle, sitting out a subsequent play to undergo concussion protocol before later returning to the field. Although Ehlinger stated in the post-game press conference that he "felt fine" and "wasn't ever confused where
Ehlinger was available to play against the TCU Horned Frogs, with coach Herman indicating that "
Although Ehlinger received the starting nod against Texas Tech over a healthy Buechele, their performances were not sufficiently separable to declare a longer-term starting quarterback, resulting in the two evenly splitting practices in the lead-up to the 2017 Texas Bowl against the Missouri Tigers.{{cite web |last1=Eberts |first1=Wescott |title=Texas QB battle unresolved as team prepares for Texas Bowl |url=https://www.burntorangenation.com/2017/12/8/16746666/texas-longhorns-quarterbacks-sam-ehlinger-shane-buechele |website=Burnt Orange Nation |publisher=Vox Media, Inc. |access-date=January 13, 2019 |location=Austin, Texas |date=December 8, 2017}} Buechele would eventually be prioritized for the bowl game, with Herman and Beck citing concerns over Ehlinger's protection of the football as a deciding factor.{{cite news |last1=Moyle |first1=Nick |title=Texas Bowl notebook: Shane Buechele in line to start, Malik Jefferson still doubtful|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/longhorns/article/Texas-Bowl-notebook-Buechele-in-line-to-start-12452836.php? |access-date=January 13, 2019 |agency=Houston Chronicle |publisher=Hearst Newspapers, LLC |date=December 28, 2017 |location=Houston, Texas}} During the Texas Bowl, Ehlinger saw play as quarterback for part of the first half and much of the second half due to Buechele suffering a groin injury, leading the Longhorns to a 33–16 victory completing 11 of 15 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown.{{cite web |last1=Eberts |first1=Wescott |title=Sam Ehlinger takes slight edge in Texas QB battle heading into the spring |url=https://www.burntorangenation.com/2017/12/28/16827852/sam-ehlinger-shane-buechele-texas-longhorns-quarterback-competition |website=Burnt Orange Nation |publisher=Vox Media, Inc. |access-date=January 13, 2019 |location=Austin, Texas |date=December 28, 2017}} With the win, Ehlinger finished the season with a 2–4 record as a starter with playing time in nine total games; he was also the team's leading passer and rusher by yardage.{{cite web |title=2017 Texas Longhorns Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/texas/2017.html |website=Sports Reference |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |access-date=January 12, 2019}}
=2018 season=
{{see also|2018 Texas Longhorns football team}}
At the start of spring practice in 2018, the starting quarterback role for the Texas Longhorns remained unclear. Both Ehlinger and Buechele remained the primary candidates for the position, alongside newly recruited quarterbacks Cameron Rising and Casey Thompson.{{cite news |last1=Shapiro |first1=Michael |title=Texas key spring issue No. 1: Will anyone snag the quarterback job? |url=https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/college-sports/collegesports/2018/04/01/texas-key-spring-issue-no-1-will-anyone-snag-quarterback-job |access-date=January 14, 2019 |agency=Dallas Morning News |publisher=DallasNews.com |date=April 1, 2018 |location=Dallas, Texas}} During the spring game, Ehlinger served as quarterback for the White team, throwing for 151 yards and a touchdown and leading both squads with 29 rushing yards on four carries.{{cite web |last1=Eberts |first1=Wescott |title=White defeats Orange 23–13 in the Texas Longhorns spring game |url=https://www.burntorangenation.com/2018/4/21/17267028/white-23-orange-13-texas-longhorns-spring-game-sam-ehlinger-breckiyn-hager |website=Burnt Orange Nation |publisher=Vox Media, Inc. |access-date=January 14, 2019 |location=Austin, Texas |date=April 21, 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Brian |title=Longhorns running game still needs work, but defensive front smothers just about everyone and piles up six sacks to end spring practice |url=https://www.hookem.com/story/white-23-orange-13-texas-spring-game-highlights-solid-defense-offense-still-retooling/ |access-date=January 14, 2019 |agency=Austin American-Statesman |publisher=Hook'em.com |date=April 21, 2018 |location=Austin, Texas}} Despite not being officially named as the starting quarterback, Ehlinger appeared to edge out the other quarterbacks following spring practice, having improved substantially in the speed of his throws.{{cite news |last1=Stevenson |first1=Stefan |title=Longhorns' starting QB? Undetermined, but Tom Herman excited with progress |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-texas/article209704894.html |access-date=January 14, 2019 |agency=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |publisher=Star-Telegram.com |date=April 24, 2018 |location=Fort Worth, Texas}} In May, Athlon Sports named him as the fourth best quarterback in the Big 12 Conference.{{cite web |last1=Lassan |first1=Steven |title=Ranking the Big 12's Quarterbacks for 2018 |url=https://athlonsports.com/college-football/ranking-big-12s-quarterbacks-2018 |website=AthlonSports |publisher=AthlonSports.com |access-date=January 14, 2019 |date=May 4, 2018}} On August 20, coach Herman announced that Ehlinger would be the starting quarterback for the season opener against the Maryland Terrapins, lauding his improvements in throwing the football and his pocket presence.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/24426436/texas-longhorns-name-sam-ehlinger-starting-quarterback-season-opener|title=Texas Longhorns name Sam Ehlinger starting quarterback for season opener|last=Trotter|first=Jake|date=August 20, 2018|work=espn.com}}{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Brian |title=QB Sam Ehlinger gets Texas' starting nod as Longhorns begin finalizing the starting lineup |url=https://www.hookem.com/story/qb-sam-ehlinger-gets-texas-starting-nod-longhorns-begin-finalizing-starting-lineup/ |access-date=January 14, 2019 |agency=Austin American-Statesman |publisher=Hook'em.com |date=August 20, 2018 |location=Austin, Texas}} The Longhorns would lose to the Terrapins for the second straight year in a 29–34 loss on September 1. Ehlinger completed 21 of 39 passes for 263 yards and 2 touchdowns but threw two costly interceptions late in the fourth quarter, ensuring a Terrapins victory.{{cite news |last1=Tijerina |first1=Rich |title=It's over: Late turnovers doom Texas in 34–29 opening loss at Maryland |url=https://www.hookem.com/2018/09/01/late-turnovers-doom-texas-34-29-opening-loss-maryland/ |access-date=January 14, 2019 |agency=Austin American-Statesman |publisher=Hook'em.com |date=September 1, 2018 |location=Austin, Texas}} Coach Herman expressed continued confidence in Ehlinger in the starting role despite the disappointing performance to close out the loss to Maryland, iterating that he did not doubt the quarterback's skills.{{cite web |last1=Daniel |first1=Cody |title=Tom Herman doesn't have any doubt Sam Ehlinger has what it takes at QB |url=https://www.burntorangenation.com/football/2018/9/1/17556904/sam-ehlinger-tom-herman-texas-longhorns-quarterback-maryland-loss-34-29-interceptions |website=Burnt Orange Nation |publisher=Vox Media, Inc. |access-date=January 14, 2019 |location=Austin, Texas |date=September 1, 2018}} Against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane the following week, Ehlinger threw for 237 yards and 2 touchdowns with an additional rushing touchdown, helping to stave off a resurgent performance from the Golden Hurricane to win 28–21.{{cite news |title=Ehlinger leads Texas to grinding win over Tulsa 28–21 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2018/09/08/ehlinger-leads-texas-to-grinding-win-over-tulsa-28-21/37761929/ |access-date=January 14, 2019 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=USA Today |date=September 9, 2018 |location=Austin, Texas}} He led the Longhorns to a 37–14 win over the #24 USC Trojans to close out out-of-conference play, throwing for 223 yards and 2 touchdowns in addition to rushing for 35 yards and a touchdown.{{cite web |last1=Daniel |first1=Cody |title=Texas overcomes slow start, dismantles No. 22 USC, 37–14 |url=https://www.burntorangenation.com/football/2018/9/16/17865426/texas-longhorns-37-usc-trojans-14-tom-herman-sam-ehlinger-final-jr-daniels-amon-ra-st-brown |website=Burnt Orange Nation |publisher=Vox Media, Inc. |access-date=January 14, 2019 |location=Austin, Texas |date=September 16, 2018}}
Ehlinger put up similar numbers against the 17th-ranked TCU Horned Frogs to open conference play on September 22 as he did against USC, going 22–32 for 255 yards and 2 touchdowns in the air with an additional rushing touchdown to propel the Longhorns to a 31–16 victory.{{cite web |last1=Eberts |first1=Wescott |title=Late surge pushes Texas past TCU for monumental win |url=https://www.burntorangenation.com/2018/9/22/17890960/texas-longhorns-31-tcu-horned-frogs-16-tom-herman-sam-ehlinger-collin-johnson |website=Burnt Orange Nation |publisher=Vox Media, Inc. |access-date=January 14, 2019 |location=Austin, Texas |date=September 22, 2018}} His passing numbers moved him past his high school coach Todd Dodge in terms of career passing yardage for the Texas Longhorns, and Ehlinger became the first Longhorns quarterback since Colt McCoy's 2008 season to post three consecutive games with at least two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown.{{cite web |title=Texas Football 2018 Postgame Notes: Texas Longhorns vs TCU Horned Frogs |url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/texassports_com/documents/2018/9/22/2018_Texas_Postgame_Notes_04_TCU.pdf |website=TexasSports.com |publisher=University of Texas at Austin |access-date=January 14, 2019 |location=Austin, Texas |date=September 22, 2018}} Ehlinger also became the first quarterback in school history to start a season with at least four consecutive games with over 200 yards passing and multiple touchdowns per game. His performance against TCU was also recognized in the Davey O'Brien Award's "Great 8" for the week.{{cite news |last1=Moyle |first1=Nick |title=Texas' Caden Sterns, Sam Ehlinger honored after win over TCU |url=https://www.chron.com/sports/longhorns/article/Texas-Caden-Sterns-Sam-Ehlinger-honored-after-13253810.php |access-date=January 14, 2019 |agency=Houston Chronicle |publisher=Hearst Newspapers, LLC |date=September 24, 2018 |location=Houston, Texas}} On October 7, Ehlinger completed a career-high 80.6 percent of his passes on a 207-yard passing effort and one touchdown, as well as making two receptions for 24 receiving yards in a 19–14 win at Kansas State.
On October 6, Ehlinger led the Longhorns to a 48–45 upset victory against the #7 Oklahoma Sooners and accounted for 386 total yards and five touchdowns.{{cite web |title=Texas vs. Oklahoma RECAP, SCORE and STATS (10/6/18) College Football Week 6 |url=https://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2018/10/texas_vs_oklahoma_live_score_updates_and_stats_106.html |website=nj.com |access-date=October 10, 2018 |date=October 6, 2018}} Of those five touchdowns, three were rushing touchdowns—both statistics were career highs for Ehlinger and the five total touchdowns were the most by a Texas quarterback in the history of the Red River Rivalry.{{cite news |title=Texas QB Sam Ehlinger, K Cameron Dicker honored with Big 12 weekly awards |url=https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/college-sports/texaslonghorns/2018/10/08/texas-qb-sam-ehlinger-k-cameron-dicker-honored-big-12-weekly-awards |access-date=January 14, 2019 |agency=Dallas Morning News |publisher=DallasNews.com |date=October 8, 2017 |location=Dallas, Texas}} He also broke the school record set by Major Applewhite for consecutive passes without an interception.{{cite web |title=Texas Football 2018 Postgame Notes: Texas Longhorns vs Oklahoma Sooners |url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/texassports_com/documents/2018/10/6/2018_Texas_Postgame_Notes_06_Oklahoma.pdf|website=TexasSports.com |publisher=University of Texas at Austin |access-date=January 14, 2019 |location=Austin, Texas |date=October 6, 2018}} Ehlinger's efficient performance in the pivotal rivalry game attracted widespread praise. Following the game, FOX analyst and former quarterback Matt Leinart stated that Ehlinger "became
The Longhorns ended the two-game losing skid with a 41–34 win against rivals Texas Tech on November 10 with Ehlinger throwing for a career-high 4 touchdowns with 312 passing yards, including a 29-yard go-ahead touchdown pass to Lil'Jordan Humphrey with 21 seconds remaining.{{cite web |title=No. 19/15 Football wins thriller at Texas Tech, 41–34 |url=https://texassports.com/news/2018/11/10/no-19-15-football-wins-thriller-at-texas-tech-41-34.aspx |website=TexasSports |publisher=TexasSports.com |access-date=January 15, 2019 |location=Austin, Texas}} By the end of the game, Ehlinger had attempted 280 passes without an interception, breaking former West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith's Big 12 record streak of 273 passes set in 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.apnews.com/f468751605c74686a09f21777ccd8bc7|title=Ehlinger's 4th TD lifts No. 15 Texas to 41–34 win at Tech|last=Hawkins|first=Stephen|date=November 10, 2018|work=apnews.com}} For his performance, Ehlinger was named as one of eight Manning Award Stars of the Week,{{cite web |title=Ehlinger named Manning Award Star of the Week |url=https://texassports.com/news/2018/11/12/football-ehlinger-named-manning-award-star-of-the-week.aspx |website=TexasSports |publisher=TexasSports.com |access-date=January 15, 2019 |location=Austin, Texas |date=November 12, 2018}} while his overall performance in the season named him a semifinalist for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award.{{cite web |title=Ehlinger, Humphrey named semifinalists for The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award |url=https://texassports.com/news/2018/11/16/football-ehlinger-humphrey-named-semifinalists-for-the-earl-campbell-tyler-rose-award.aspx |website=TexasSports |publisher=TexasSports.com |access-date=January 15, 2019 |location=Austin, Texas |date=November 16, 2018}} He completed 12 passes for 137 yards with a passing touchdown and rushing touchdown in the first half of the game against the Iowa State Cyclones before a tackle late in the second quarter aggravated the AC sprain suffered against Baylor, sidelining him for the rest of the game.{{cite web |last1=Khan Jr. |first1=Sam |title=Texas QB Sam Ehlinger aggravates AC joint sprain |url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/25320968/texas-longhorns-qb-sam-ehlinger-aggravates-shoulder-sprain |website=ESPN |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures |access-date=January 15, 2019 |date=November 19, 2018}} However, he was cleared shortly after to play in the final regular season game against the Kansas Jayhawks where he threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in a 24–17 victory.{{cite web |title=Texas QB Sam Ehlinger practices, likely to play in regular-season finale |url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/25347546/sam-ehlinger-texas-longhorns-expected-play-shoulder-injury |website=ESPN |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures |access-date=January 14, 2019 |date=November 22, 2018}} Ehlinger threw two interceptions during the game, ending his streak of pass attempts without an interception at 308.{{cite web |title=Texas Football 2018 Postgame Notes: Texas Longhorns vs Kansas Jayhawks |url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/texassports_com/documents/2018/11/23/2018_Texas_Postgame_Notes_12_Kansas.pdf|website=TexasSports.com |publisher=University of Texas at Austin |access-date=January 15, 2019 |location=Austin, Texas |date=November 23, 2018}} Despite being cleared for injury, Ehlinger noted that the shoulder injury "was bothering him" in the game against Kansas, though coach Herman predicted that Ehlinger would recover in time for the 2018 Big 12 Championship Game.{{cite news |title=Ehlinger's shoulder still "bothering" him |url=https://www.kxan.com/sports/herman-ehlinger-s-shoulder-still-bothering-him/1620350258 |access-date=January 15, 2019 |agency=KXAN Sports |publisher=Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. |date=November 27, 2018 |location=Austin, Texas}}
In the conference title game against the Oklahoma Sooners on December 1, Ehlinger threw for 349 yards, passed for two touchdowns, and rushed for two touchdowns in a 39–27 loss. In the post-game press conference, Ehlinger asserted that he "would make it my mission to never let
=2019 season=
{{see also|2019 Texas Longhorns football team}}
On the heels of a strong sophomore campaign, Ehlinger was named one of the early favorites to win the 2019 Heisman Trophy in December 2018 and was a preseason candidate for the Walter Camp Player of the Year and Manning Award.{{cite news |last1=Dawson |first1=Peter |title=Is Sam Ehlinger a legit 2019 Heisman contender? Oddsmakers release first list of favorites |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-texas/article222858375.html |access-date=January 15, 2019 |agency=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |publisher=Star-Telegram.com |date=December 8, 2018 |location=Fort Worth, Texas}} The Dallas Morning News considered him the best quarterback in the Big 12 Conference entering the season and he made numerous Preseason All-Big 12 and All-American lists.{{Cite news |last=Davis |first=Spencer |date=January 14, 2019 |title=The top 5 Big 12 QBs for 2019: Can anyone challenge Texas' Sam Ehlinger? |url=https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/college-sports/collegesports/2019/01/14/5-best-big-12-qbs-2019-can-anyone-challenge-texas-sam-ehlinger |access-date=January 15, 2019 |publisher=DallasNews.com |location=Dallas, Texas |agency=Dallas Morning News}}
Ehlinger was the starter for all 13 games in what was a somewhat disappointing season. Despite high hopes for the team – the Longhorns started out ranked #10 and were expected to compete for the Big 12 Title – the Longhorns went 8–5, did not make it to the Big 12 Title game and found themselves in the Alamo Bowl.{{Cite web |title=2019 Texas Longhorns Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/texas/2019-schedule.html |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{cite web | title=Ehlinger leads Texas' Alamo Bowl romp over No. 12 Utah 38-10 | website=AP News | date=2020-01-01 | url=https://apnews.com/ap-top-25-college-football-poll-2a80e60446914befb6a0033d0363e081 | access-date=2024-11-05}} Ehlinger, however, did not have a bad season. He had his first game with 400+ passing yards and had a record breaking start, setting school records for passing yards (2,378) passing touchdowns (23) and total offense (2,738) through the first eight games, and set similar records for three, four and five game starts. He also became the only player in Texas history to throw for at least 200 yards and two touchdowns in the first five games of a season, set the school record for four passing touchdown games in a season (4) and 3 touchdown games (6). He tied Colt McCoy for the school record with his twelfth 200-yard passing game this season and became the only quarterback in UT history to throw for 200 yards in 12 straight games during a single season. He became a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award, Wuerffel Trophy and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award and finished the season with a win in the Alamo Bowl and being named the game's Offensive MVP. It was the team's, and Ehlinger's, third straight bowl win. He was again named an All Big 12 Team Honorable Mention.
=2020 season=
{{see also|2020 Texas Longhorns football team}}
Ehlinger came into his senior season with high expectations. He was a preseason All-American and preseason All-Big 12 quarterback named to the watch lists for the Davey O'Brien Award, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Manning Award, Maxwell Award, William V. Campbell Trophy and Wuerffel Trophy. The Longhorns started the season ranked 14th and were expected to finish third in the Big 12 behind the Oklahoma Sooners and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. But the COVID-shortened season was another disappointment, if only a small one, as the Longhorns finished fourth in Conference and ranked 19th. Ehlinger was named second team Big 12 and left off the major award circuit.
Ehlinger started all nine games for the Longhorns and the team went 7–3 and won the Alamo Bowl. They lost a quadruple overtime game to Oklahoma following an interception by Ehlinger in the last OT and came back to beat #6 Oklahoma State in overtime on the road.{{cite web | last=Brunt | first=Cliff | title=Oklahoma and Texas, one of college football's most storied rivalries, open a new chapter in the SEC | website=AP News | date=2024-10-11 | url=https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-texas-sec-07df2908609d2108c0bfafcbc054ab45 | access-date=2024-11-05}}{{Cite web |title=Texas at Oklahoma State Box Score, October 31, 2020 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2020-10-31-oklahoma-state.html |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
Though he did not meet his preseason expectations, Ehlinger had a good season. He finished ranked first or second among Big 12 quarterbacks in passing efficiency (150.7), passing touchdowns (26), passing yards per completion (13.23), points responsible for (208), points responsible for per game (20.8) and total offense (294.3). He was named the Player of the Week by the Walter Camp Football Foundation, Big 12 Conference and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award and was a Davey O'Brien Award's "Great 8" and a Manning Award Star of the Week following the UTEP game. He was Big 12 Player of the Week again against LSU. He set school records for most games with at least one rushing and one passing touchdown (15), most game winning drives (7) and tied the school quarterback record of four rushing touchdowns in a game and tied the records for most games with 350+ yards of total offense (11) and 400+ yards of total offense (5).
His accolades at the end of the season included winning the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award, being named a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, Wuerffel Trophy and Bobby Bowden Trophy, being selected to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and was named the Co-Big 12 Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He was a semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien Award and Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award and also a Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Top-10 Candidate. He was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team.
He finished his career as second in school history in career passing yards, attempts, completions, total touchdowns, total offense and touchdown passes behind Colt McCoy, second in rushing touchdowns for a quarterback behind Vince Young and third in rushing yards for a quarterback.{{cite web |title=Texas Football Record Book |url=https://texassports.com/documents/2013/8/30/FB-individual-rushing-passing-receiving.pdf?id=2412 |access-date=8 December 2022}}
He finished his career ranked fourth in Big 12 history in total touchdowns, sixth in total offense and interception percentage, seventh in passing touchdowns, eighth in total yards and attempts, ninth in passing yards and completions.{{cite web |title=Big 12 Record Book |url=https://big12sports.com/documents/2022/7/11/22_FB_Record_Book_reduced_size_.pdf |access-date=8 December 2022}}
=Records=
- University of Texas – Most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, season (16, 2018)
- University of Texas – Fewest games to reach 2000 yards passing, season (7, 1999) tied with Colt McCoy
- University of Texas – Fewest games to reach 1000 yards passing, season (4, 2017, 2019 and 2020) tied with seven others
- University of Texas – Lowest interception rate, career (minimum 300 attempts) (1.83%)
- University of Texas – Most consecutive pass attempts without an interception (308, 2018)
- University of Texas – Most 400 yard passing games, season (1, 2019 and 2020) tied with 3 others
- University of Texas – Most 400 yard passing games, career (2) tied with 2 others
- University of Texas – Most 200 yard passing games, season (13, 2019)
- University of Texas – Most consecutive 200 yard passing games (as a starter), season (13, 2019)
- University of Texas – Most passing yards ever against Kansas, TCU, Kansas State and West Virginia
- University of Texas – Most passing yards by a true freshman, game (380, Kansas State, 2017)
- University of Texas – Most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, game (4, Oklahoma, 2020) tied with 4 others
- Big 12 – Most consecutive pass attempts without an interception, season and career (308, 2018)
=College statistics=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||||||||||
| colspan="13" style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Texas Longhorns}};"| Texas Longhorns | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="2"| Season
! rowspan="2"| {{abbr|GP|Games played}} ! colspan="7"| Passing ! colspan="4"| Rushing | ||||||||||
| {{abbr|Cmp|Passes completed}} | {{abbr|Att|Passes attempted}} | {{abbr|Pct|Completion percentage}} | {{abbr|Yds|Passing yards}} | {{abbr|TD|Passing touchdowns}} | {{abbr|Int|Interceptions}} | {{abbr|QBR|Quarterback rating}} | {{abbr|Att|Rushing attempts}} | {{abbr|Yds|Rushing yards}} | {{abbr|Avg|Yards per rushing attempt}} | {{abbr|TD|Rushing touchdowns}} |
| 2017
| 9 || 158 || 275 || 57.5 || 1,915 || 11 || 7 || 124.1 || 114 || 381 || 3.3 || 2 | ||||||||||
| 2018
| 14 || 275 || 425 || 64.7 || 3,292 || 25 || 5 || 146.8 || 164 || 482 || 2.9 || 16 | ||||||||||
| 2019
| 13 || 296 || 454 || 65.2 || 3,663 || 32 || 10 || 151.8 || 163 || 663 || 4.1 || 7 | ||||||||||
| 2020
| 10 || 194 || 322 || 60.2 || 2,566 || 26 || 5 || 150.7 || 113 || 377 || 3.3 || 8 | ||||||||||
| Career{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/player/stats/_/id/4241820/sam-ehlinger|title=Sam Ehlinger College Stats|work=espn.com|access-date=December 29, 2020}} || 46 ||923 || 1,476 || 62.5 || 11,436 || 94|| 27 || 145.0 || 554 || 1,907 || 3.4|| 33 |
Professional career
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 1 1/8
| weight = 220
| dash = 4.84
| ten split = 1.71
| twenty split = 2.68
| shuttle = 4.44
| cone drill = 7.15
| vertical = 36.5
| broad ft = 9
| broad in = 6
| arm span = 30 3/8
| hand span = 9 3/4
| wonderlic =
| note = All values from Pro Day{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1021851&DraftYear=2021 |title=Sam Ehlinger, Texas, QB, 2021 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |website=draftscout.com |access-date=June 23, 2021}}
}}
= Indianapolis Colts =
Ehlinger was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round, 218th overall, of the 2021 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Andrew |date=May 1, 2021 |title=Colts Add To Quarterback Depth With Texas Dual-Threat Standout Sam Ehlinger |url=https://www.colts.com/news/sam-ehlinger-nfl-draft-quarterback-texas-profile-sixth-round |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=Colts.com}} On May 19, 2021, he signed his four-year rookie contract with the Colts.{{cite web | last=Griffin | first=Cami | title=Former Texas QB Sam Ehlinger signs rookie contract with the Colts | website=Longhorns Wire |publisher=USA Today| date=2021-05-19 | url=https://longhornswire.usatoday.com/2021/05/19/sam-ehlinger-texas-longhorns-indianpolis-colts-rookie-nfl-draft-contract-2021/ | access-date=2024-11-05}} Ehlinger came into his rookie season competing for the backup position against Jacob Eason.
In his first preseason game, he led the Colts to a 21–18 comeback win over the Carolina Panthers. He was placed on injured reserve on September 2, 2021, to start the season, after suffering an ACL sprain,{{Cite web |date=September 2, 2021 |title=Colts Activate Ryan Kelly, Zach Pascal, Carson Wentz Off Reserve/COVID-19 List; Place T.Y. Hilton, Sam Ehlinger, Dezmon Patmon On Injured Reserve |url=https://www.colts.com/news/ty-hilton-sam-ehlinger-injured-reserve-carson-wentz- |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=Colts.com}} before being activated on October 19.{{Cite web |last=Stankevitz |first=JJ |date=October 19, 2021 |title=Colts Activate Sam Ehlinger From Injured Reserve, Place Parris Campbell On Injured Reserve, Elevate Michael Badgley To 53-Man Roster From Practice Squad, Waive Jacob Eason |url=https://www.colts.com/news/sam-ehlinger-parris-campbell-injured-reserve-jacob-eason-released |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=Colts.com}}
On October 15, 2022, Ehlinger was promoted to the backup quarterback role, with incumbent Nick Foles sliding down to third–string.{{cite web | last=Walker | first=Andrew | title=Frank Reich: Sam Ehlinger ‘Earned’ Promotion to Backup Quarterback | website=Colts.com | date=2022-10-16 | url=https://www.colts.com/news/sam-ehlinger-nick-foles-matt-ryan-backup-quarterback-colts-frank-reich | access-date=2024-11-05}} On October 24, Ehlinger was named the Colts starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2022 season, replacing Matt Ryan.{{cite web | last=Stankevitz | first=JJ | title=Colts To Start Sam Ehlinger At Quarterback vs. Washington Commanders | website=Colts.com | date=2022-10-24 | url=https://www.colts.com/news/sam-ehlinger-starting-quarterback-matt-ryan-frank-reich-commanders-2022-season | access-date=2024-11-05}} In his first start against the Washington Commanders, Ehlinger completed 17 of 23 pass attempts for 201 yards, but also lost a fumble in the red zone in a 17–16 home loss.{{cite web|date=October 31, 2022|last=Patra|first=Kevin|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/sam-ehlinger-s-first-start-doesn-t-change-issues-for-colts-we-had-a-lot-of-oppor|title=Sam Ehlinger's first start doesn't change issues for Colts|website=NFL|access-date=November 3, 2022}} After a 26–3 loss to the New England Patriots, where Ehlinger threw for just 103 yards and an interception, head coach Frank Reich was fired, and interim Jeff Saturday announced that Ryan would return to the starting role against the Las Vegas Raiders.{{Cite web |date=November 13, 2022 |title=Matt Ryan, Interim Coach Saturday Rally Colts Past Raiders |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2022-11-13/matt-ryan-interim-coach-saturday-rally-colts-past-raiders |access-date=November 14, 2022 |website=U.S. News & World Report |agency=Associated Press}}
On January 2, 2023, Ehlinger was announced as the Colts' starting quarterback for Week 18, with Ryan set to serve as the backup for the contest.{{cite web | last=Stankevitz | first=JJ | title=Colts Release Unofficial Depth Chart For Week 18 Game vs. Houston Texans | website=Colts.com | date=2023-01-03 | url=https://www.colts.com/news/unofficial-depth-chart-week-18-sam-ehlinger-matt-ryan-quarterback | access-date=2024-10-04}}
= Denver Broncos =
On March 31, 2025, Ehlinger signed a one-year contract with the Denver Broncos.{{Cite web |last=Koch |first=Jared |date=2025-03-31 |title=Broncos Sign Colts QB to 1-Year Deal |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/denver-broncos-sign-indianapolis-colts-sam-ehlinger |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=Indianapolis Colts On SI |language=}}
NFL career statistics
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | |||||||||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="3"| Games ! colspan="9"| Passing ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="2"| Sacks ! colspan="2"| Fumbles | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| {{abbr|GP|Games played}} | {{abbr|GS|Games started}} | {{abbr|Record|Record as a starter}} | {{abbr|Cmp|Passes completed}} | {{abbr|Att|Passes attempted}} | {{abbr|Pct|Completion percentage}} | {{abbr|Yds|Passing yards}} | {{abbr|Y/A|Yards per passing attempt}} | {{abbr|Lng|Longest pass completion}} | {{abbr|TD|Passing touchdowns}} | {{abbr|Int|Interceptions}} | {{abbr|Rtg|Passer rating}} | {{abbr|Att|Rushing attempts}} | {{abbr|Yds|Rushing yards}} | {{abbr|Avg|Yards per rushing attempt}} | {{abbr|Lng|Longest rushing attempt}} | {{abbr|TD|Rushing touchdowns}} | {{abbr|Sck|Times sacked}} | {{abbr|SckY|Yards lost due to sacks}} | {{abbr|Fum|Fumbles}} | {{abbr|Lost|Fumbles lost}} | |
| 2021 | IND
| 3 || 0 || — || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 3 || 9 || 3.0 || 9 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | IND
| 4 || 3 || 0−3 || 64 || 101 || 63.4 || 573 || 5.7 || 47 || 3 || 3 || 76.1 || 17 || 87 || 5.1 || 19 || 0 || 14 || 87 || 2 || 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | IND
| 1 || 0 || — || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EhliSa00.htm Career] | 8 | 3 | 0−3 | 64 | 101 | 63.4 | 573 | 5.7 | 47 | 3 | 3 | 76.1 | 20 | 96 | 4.8 | 19 | 0 | 14 | 87 | 2 | 1 |
Personal life
Ehlinger is a Christian.{{cite web |last1=Doering |first1=Joshua |title=New Colts starting QB Sam Ehlinger finds peace, hope by putting God first |url=https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/football/2022/10/27/colts-starting-qb-sam-ehlinger-peace-hope-god-first/ |website=Sports Spectrum |date=27 October 2022 |access-date=30 October 2022}} He is married to Cami Jo Ehlinger.{{cite web |title=sehlinger |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CfIONL-DYFW/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY= |website=Instagram |access-date=30 October 2022}}
Ehlinger's father, Ross, died from a heart attack in 2013 during a triathlon at age 46, and his younger brother Jake, who played linebacker for the Texas Longhorns, died from an accidental overdose of Xanax and fentanyl at the age of 20 on May 6, 2021.{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Dave |date=October 21, 2021 |title=Texas linebacker Jake Ehlinger died of accidental overdose, family says |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32447879/texas-linebacker-jake-ehlinger-died-accidental-overdose-family-says |access-date=October 21, 2021 |work=ESPN.com}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Twitter}}
{{footballstats|yahoo=33606|espn=4241820|nfl=sam-ehlinger}}
- [https://texassports.com/sports/football/roster/sam-ehlinger/9765 Texas Longhorns bio]
- [https://www.denverbroncos.com/team/players-roster/sam-ehlinger/ Denver Broncos bio]
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Category:Players of American football from Austin, Texas
Category:American football quarterbacks
Category:Texas Longhorns football players
Category:Westlake High School (Texas) alumni
Category:Christians from Texas
Category:American people of German descent