“John Wolford: The Underdog Quarterback Who’s Treating Every Day Like the Super Bowl – And He’s Not Stopping”

When most quarterbacks are lounging at home enjoying the offseason, John Wolford is out there grinding, treating every practice like it’s the Super Bowl. You might be wondering, “Who is this guy?” and, trust me, you’re not alone. Wolford’s journey has been one of the ultimate underdog tales—he’s the guy who never got drafted, played for multiple teams, and even found himself released and nearly forgotten by the NFL… but he’s not going down without a fight. Let’s dive into the saga of this QB who’s determined to make a splash, even if he’s swimming against the current.

From Undrafted Free Agent to Potential Backup: Wolford’s Unlikely Path

Wolford’s football story didn’t start in the glamorous world of top picks. In fact, he didn’t hear his name called on draft day. Not a big deal, right? I mean, who needs the NFL draft when you can have a history-making college career? Wolford’s time at Wake Forest was nothing short of stellar—he became the eighth ACC quarterback ever to pass for over 8,000 yards and rush for over 1,000. But even with impressive stats like that, the NFL didn’t come knocking. So, what did he do? Did he sulk in his dorm room eating pizza and binge-watching Netflix? Heck no. Wolford went out and earned his spot.

In 2018, he went undrafted but somehow found himself with the New York Jets—because let’s face it, everyone’s got to start somewhere. After a few stops with the Jets, Los Angeles Rams, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wolford’s career had its share of highs and lows. But here’s the kicker: despite having limited playing time in the NFL—he’s only had three career starts—he made sure to stay ready. And that brings us to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Enter the Jags: The Second Chance Nobody Expected

In December 2024, Wolford’s football life took a new turn. After being cut by the Bucs, he was picked up by the Jaguars in the most unexpected twist of fate. But here’s the catch: He wasn’t exactly a lock for the starting quarterback role. In fact, he wasn’t even the first backup. He’s got Trevor Lawrence as the golden boy and Nick Mullens as a solid backup to compete with. But Wolford wasn’t fazed. He’s used to being the underdog, and this was just another opportunity to prove people wrong.

The Practice Squad King:

Wolford’s time on the Jaguars’ practice squad wasn’t the end—it was just the beginning. He spent a few months there before being promoted to third-string quarterback. But here’s the real kicker: He’s making a splash, and it’s not the kind of splash you’d expect from a third-stringer. No, Wolford has been the most accurate quarterback during training camp so far, completing 69.1% of his passes—yep, you heard that right—even more accurate than Trevor Lawrence (who’s sitting at 59.9%). It’s like he’s quietly showing the world that maybe, just maybe, he deserves a chance to shine.

But don’t get it twisted. Wolford knows this is a business, and he’s competing for one of those coveted 53 roster spots. And according to him, you don’t get to the NFL by being complacent. Every practice, every drill—he’s treating it like it’s the most important thing he’ll ever do in his career. “You never know when your opportunity is called,” he said. “Every opportunity, you have to treat it like the Super Bowl.”

The Secret Sauce: Wolford’s Chemistry with Coach Coen

One of the reasons Wolford is quietly building momentum with the Jaguars is his history with offensive coordinator Liam Coen. The two have worked together before, both with the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so there’s a familiarity there. Wolford has already talked about how much he trusts Coen’s playbook, and for good reason: the system is built for success.

Coen’s offensive system isn’t your typical, run-of-the-mill scheme. It’s designed to optimize every single snap, constantly adjusting to the defense’s weaknesses. Wolford sees it as a big advantage—especially considering how he’s had to adapt to different systems throughout his career. “We never really do that here,” he said, referring to traditional mid-zone running plays that can easily be stuffed by a nickel defense. Instead, Coen’s system is all about flexibility, making sure the offense is always ready to respond to whatever the defense throws their way. For Wolford, this flexibility is the magic formula that can help him succeed.

Plus, Coen’s got a knack for knowing when to throw in a play-action shot or call for a screen pass, which makes the offense much harder to predict. “I think that’s the beauty of the system,” Wolford added. And let’s face it—who doesn’t love a good surprise play?

The Battle for Backup QB: Wolford vs. Mullens

So what does Wolford need to do to make sure he gets that coveted backup quarterback spot? Simple: keep doing what he’s been doing. Yes, it sounds cliché, but the man has been impressing coaches and fans alike. He’s been consistent in practice, rarely turning the ball over and even making some big plays with his legs. Sure, Nick Mullens has the upper hand with more starting experience—he’s played 13 games and started three for the Minnesota Vikings over the last few years—but Wolford is pushing hard to prove that he’s more than just a practice squad guy.

Mullens has been steady, but Wolford is pushing him to earn his spot. Wolford’s ability to be precise and efficient in practice is making it harder for the coaching staff to ignore him. The third-string QB who once didn’t even get drafted is now making his case to be the backup, and it’s a storyline worth watching.

Wolford’s Mindset: Keep Grinding, Keep Fighting

Throughout all of this, Wolford’s mentality has remained sharp. He’s never been the most talented or the most highly touted player, but he’s always been the hardest-working guy in the room. “What have you done for me lately?” he jokes, acknowledging that past performance doesn’t guarantee anything in the NFL. “I have to continue to do well.”

And that’s exactly what Wolford is focused on: staying consistent. He knows that one bad practice could cost him everything. So while he’s out there making throws and running drills, he’s always aware that each rep could be his last—if he doesn’t keep performing.

The Final Question: Will He Make the Roster?

As of right now, it’s unclear whether Wolford will make the final 53-man roster. But what’s clear is that he’s earned the respect of his coaches and teammates. His accuracy, decision-making, and ability to perform under pressure have made him a legit contender for that backup role. Whether he becomes the number two QB or ends up on the practice squad again, one thing is for sure: John Wolford is not giving up. He’s out here making the most of every moment, and that’s the kind of player you want on your team.

So, whether you’re a diehard Jaguars fan or just someone who loves a good underdog story, keep an eye on Wolford. This guy isn’t going to stop pushing until he gets what he deserves. And who knows? Maybe in a few months, he’ll be the one leading the Jaguars’ offense when it matters most. After all, if you treat every day like the Super Bowl, anything’s possible.