Will he rise to the occasion?!
"Ravens starting undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano at QB for ‘Thursday Night Football’ -"
An unbelievable underdog story is unfolding in Baltimore as the Ravens prepare to start undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano at quarterback for Thursday Night Football against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fans and analysts are already drawing fascinating parallels to the legendary Tom Brady, wondering if we are witnessing the birth of football's next great fairytale.
From Zero-Star Recruit to NFL Starter
Joe Fagnano attended Williamsport Area High School in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, graduating in 2019. Playing for the Williamsport Millionaires, he did not secure the varsity starting quarterback job until his junior year. He enjoyed a major breakout season that year, throwing for 2,460 yards and 30 touchdowns. Despite his high school success, he was rated a zero-star recruit and mostly received attention from lower-level FCS programs.
Because of his under-the-radar recruiting profile, Fagnano chose to start his college career as a walk-on at the University of Maine. However, his walk-on status did not last long.
He impressed the coaching staff so much during his very first fall training camp that he earned a full scholarship and the backup quarterback job before his freshman season even started.
Much like his current NFL situation, an injury to the starter thrust him into action, and he threw for 445 yards and 5 touchdowns in his very first career college start against Liberty. After four years at Maine, he transferred to UConn, where he played out the remainder of his college career.
The Tryout That Shocked Baltimore
Fagnano was not selected by any team in the NFL Draft. Instead of giving up on his professional dreams, he joined the Baltimore Ravens through a post-draft tryout and free-agent signing process.
He was invited to participate in the Ravens' rookie minicamp strictly on a tryout basis. He performed exceptionally well during that camp, forcing the front office to officially sign him to the active roster as an undrafted free agent. Now, he joins Anthony Brown (2022) as only the second undrafted rookie quarterback to start a game in Ravens franchise history.
Channelling the Tom Brady Blueprint
With franchise star Lamar Jackson headed to injured reserve with a dislocated right thumb and backup Tyler Huntley sidelined with turf toe, Fagnano gets the nod tonight. The situation has prompted many football enthusiasts to note the uncanny similarities to how Tom Brady’s historic run began with the New England Patriots.
The Ultimate Underdog Status:
While Brady famously slid all the way to the 199th pick in the sixth round of the draft, Fagnano went even lower by missing out on the draft entirely, making his roster spot through sheer merit at a rookie tryout.
The Injury Catalyst:
Brady only got his historic opportunity in 2001 because franchise quarterback Drew Bledsoe suffered a severe injury. Fagnano steps into the spotlight tonight under the exact same circumstances due to Baltimore's decimated quarterback room.
The Traditional Pocket Style:
Analysts have pointed out that Fagnano has the classic build of a standard 6-foot-3 pro pocket passer. Much like Brady, he isn't known for blazing speed or breaking out of the pocket for 40-yard runs.
Instead, he relies heavily on his pocket presence, quick progression reads, and mistake-free decision-making. That poise is exactly how he threw 28 touchdowns to just 1 interception during his final year at UConn.
Fagnano made his NFL debut last Sunday in relief, completing 10-of-21 passes for 91 yards, an interception, and three sacks in a tough 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
While matching the greatest quarterback of all time is the ultimate mountain 🏔️ to climb, the foundation for an incredible career turnaround is officially set for Thursday Night Football.
🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈
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