Sitting in Indianapolis, Quinn Ewers had plenty of lucrative offers to keep playing college football, but none of them were ever on his radar.
“I wanted to create a lasting legacy at Texas,” Ewers stated Friday, firm in his decision. “I didn’t want anything I accomplished there to be changed or flipped. My goal was to be remembered for my time at Texas.”
In his final two seasons as the Longhorns’ quarterback, Ewers guided the team to back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff semifinals. By the end of his college career, he had become the school’s third all-time leader in passing yards, totaling 9,128, and touchdown passes, racking up 68.
Unfortunately, Ewers’ 2024 season was marred by injuries, including an oblique tear and a high ankle sprain. He noted he managed only three healthy games that year. The oblique trouble began after playing Michigan in September, resulting in him sitting out two games. Later, in November, an ankle sprain during the game against Kentucky hampered him further.
“It started as a minor tweak,” Ewers recalled, “but as practice went on, it got progressively worse, eventually reaching a breaking point against UTSA. I might have been completely healthy for just a couple of games. The medical team called it a sprain, but it felt like much more than that.”
Since the season concluded, Ewers has focused on rebuilding his physical form, adding approximately 15 pounds of muscle and improving his throwing ability as his ankle recovered.
Naturally, Ewers’ history with injuries was a topic of interest during his interviews at the combine. He had formal discussions with several NFL teams, including the Jaguars, Saints, Jets, Titans, Raiders, Colts, and Steelers.
“Teams want to make a significant investment, and they need to understand the person they’re investing in,” Ewers explained. “I’m transparent about it all, and I believe these challenges have shaped my character, mental toughness, and resilience. They are integral to who I am.”
Throughout his college career, Ewers also faced pressures from fans eager to see his backup, Arch Manning, in action. He believes the mental toughness honed during his time at Texas will serve him well in the NFL.
“Many underestimate the mental aspect of the game, yet it’s critical,” Ewers said. “I’ve faced a lot at Texas, from injuries to external pressures, but each experience shaped me. I wouldn’t change any of it because it’s built the character I have today. I’m prepared for any future challenges.”
Ewers shared that he and Manning maintained a solid relationship, which allowed them to motivate each other.
“That’s just the reality of the position,” he reflected. “There’s always going to be another big name to contend with, and I’m grateful Arch was part of our team.”
When discussing Manning, Ewers emphasized his confidence in him as a player.
“He’s an extremely dedicated young man,” Ewers noted. “He possesses many qualities that I had. He’s got poise, composure, and he’s observant. Watching him will be exciting, and without a doubt, he’s poised to be a great player for Texas.”
