Case Keenum: A Statistical Overview of a Record-Breaking Quarterback

Casey Austin Keenum, born on February 17, 1988, is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). Keenum's career is marked by record-breaking college performances and a resilient journey through the NFL. This article delves into the statistical highlights and key moments of Keenum's career, from his college days with the Houston Cougars to his various stints in the NFL.

Early Life and College Recruitment

Born in Brownwood, Texas, Keenum spent his childhood in Alpine before moving to Abilene. His father, Steve, had a background as an offensive lineman and later became a head football coach and athletic director at McMurry University.

Keenum's college recruitment saw him receive walk-on offers from Baylor, Missouri, North Texas, and UTEP. However, the University of Houston was the only Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) university to offer him a scholarship, alongside FCS offers from Sam Houston State and Stephen F. Austin.

College Career at the University of Houston

Keenum began his college career with the Houston Cougars in 2006. Before the 2007 season, he participated in a quarterback competition to succeed Kevin Kolb, a four-year starter.

2007 Season

Keenum made his first collegiate appearance on September 1, 2007, against Oregon, throwing for 179 yards and a touchdown on 14-of-27 passing, along with 47 rushing yards on nine carries. In the second game against Tulane, he passed for 185 yards and a touchdown on 13-of-21 passing, contributing to a 34-10 victory. Against Colorado State, Keenum came in as a relief quarterback and accounted for four touchdowns, earning him CollegeSportsReport.com's Division I FBS National Performer of the Week. Later in the season, Keenum was chosen as the regular starting quarterback due to his efficient passing and pocket presence.

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2008 Season

During the 2008 season, Keenum became the second player in school history to complete over 5,000 passing yards in a single season.

2009 Season

Keenum led the Houston Cougars to a 10-4 record in 2009, amassing 48 total touchdowns and over 5,800 total offensive yards. Key victories included upsets against #5-ranked Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, and Mississippi State. Houston played East Carolina in the Conference USA Championship but lost in the final minute. They also faced Air Force in a rematch of the previous year's Armed Forces Bowl, where Air Force emerged victorious.

2010 Season

Entering the 2010 season, Keenum was in a position to challenge several major NCAA passing records, including career passing yards and touchdowns.

2011 Season

The NCAA granted Keenum a sixth year of eligibility on January 14, 2011. He was named the 2011 Conference USA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year for the third consecutive year. On November 5, 2011, Keenum surpassed Timmy Chang's record for the most career passing yards in NCAA history. Two weeks later, he set the record for career completions in a 37-7 win over SMU.

The Cougars entered the Conference USA Championship with a 12-0 record but were defeated by Southern Miss 49-28, where Keenum completed 41 of 67 pass attempts for 373 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Following the loss, Houston won the TicketCity Bowl against Penn State with a score of 30-14.

College Statistics and Records

Throughout his college career, Keenum achieved remarkable statistics and broke numerous records. By the end of his college career, Keenum became the NCAA's all-time leader in total passing yards, touchdowns, and completions. During the 2011 season, he also became the Football Bowl Subdivision's all-time leader in total offense.

Professional Career

Houston Texans (2012-2014)

After going undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft, Keenum was signed by the Houston Texans as a free agent. In 2013, he was named the starting quarterback for the Week 7 game against the Kansas City Chiefs after Matt Schaub was injured. In his debut, Keenum threw his first NFL touchdown, a 29-yard pass to DeAndre Hopkins.

In 2013, Keenum threw for 1,760 yards and nine touchdowns in the eight games he started for the Texans. On August 31, 2014, he was waived by the Texans but was later signed to the St. Louis Rams' practice squad.

St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams (2014-2016)

Keenum was signed off the Rams' practice squad back to the Texans on December 15, 2014, after Ryan Fitzpatrick broke his leg. Near the end of a Week 11 game against the Baltimore Ravens, Keenum suffered a concussion but was not removed from the game for evaluation.

In 2015, after starter Sam Bradford was injured, Keenum had a career year, setting highs in starts, passing yards, completions, and touchdowns. He led the Rams to consecutive victories against the Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Seattle Seahawks. Notably, he recorded a franchise record near-"perfect game" against the Buccaneers, achieving a 158.0 passer rating.

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In 2016, the Rams moved back to Los Angeles, and Keenum was named the starting quarterback heading into training camp. He signed a one-year restricted free-agent tender with the Rams on April 18.

Minnesota Vikings (2017)

Keenum signed with the Minnesota Vikings and experienced a successful season, leading the Vikings to a 13-3 record and a first-round bye in the playoffs. In the Divisional Round against the New Orleans Saints, Keenum threw for 318 yards and a touchdown. With 10 seconds left in the fourth quarter, he threw a pass to Stefon Diggs, resulting in the "Minneapolis Miracle," a 61-yard game-winning touchdown.

Denver Broncos (2018)

Keenum played for the Denver Broncos in 2018.

Washington Redskins (2019)

On March 7, 2019, Keenum was traded to the Washington Redskins. During a Week 8 game against his former team, the Minnesota Vikings, Keenum threw for 130 yards before being knocked out with a concussion.

Cleveland Browns (2020-2021)

On March 24, 2020, Keenum signed a three-year contract with the Cleveland Browns, serving as the backup quarterback to Baker Mayfield. In 2021, he started a Week 7 game against his former team, the Denver Broncos, due to a shoulder injury from Mayfield.

Buffalo Bills (2022)

Keenum was traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2022.

Houston Texans (2023)

Keenum returned to the Houston Texans in 2023.

Chicago Bears (2024-Present)

Keenum signed with the Chicago Bears in 2024.

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