Joe Milton: From College Standout to NFL Quarterback
Joe Milton III, born on March 6, 2000, is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL). His journey to the NFL was marked by significant moments in both college and the pros, showcasing his potential and unique skill set.
Early Years and Recruitment
Milton was a highly-touted recruit known for his strong arm. Before making it to the NFL, Joe Milton started his career as a pro-style quarterback under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan.
College Career
Michigan (2018-2020)
Joe Milton began his college career at the University of Michigan, playing under coach Jim Harbaugh. Despite the challenges of waiting for his opportunity, Milton remained committed to Michigan. During his time there, he participated in the quarterback battle, displaying glimpses of his potential.
Tennessee (2021-2023)
In 2021, Milton transferred to the University of Tennessee. Initially, he was named the starting quarterback for the Volunteers. However, an injury led to Hendon Hooker taking over the starting role. In the 2022 season, Hooker was the primary starter for the 11-2 Volunteers, with Milton playing the backup role. He had productive outings in relief of Hooker with multiple games going over 100 yards passing and scoring at least one passing touchdown.
A turning point came on November 19 against South Carolina when Hooker sustained a season-ending ACL injury, making Milton the starter for the rest of the season. Milton made his first start of the season against Vanderbilt.
Read also: Best Hair Salons near Rice University
In 2023, Milton began the season as the Volunteers' starting quarterback. He threw for two passing touchdowns and ran for two rushing touchdowns in a 49-13 victory over Virginia. Following three total touchdowns in a 30-13 win over Austin Peay, Milton and the Vols had their first setback against Florida on September 16, when they lost 29-16. To start Tennessee's 45-14 victory over UTSA in the following game, Milton had an 81-yard rushing touchdown on the Vols' first offensive drive. The play marked the longest rushing play by a quarterback in program history. Following conference victories over South Carolina and Texas A&M, Milton had 271 yards and two passing touchdowns in a loss to Alabama. In a critical Nov. 11 game in Columbia, Mo., between No. 13 Tennessee and No. A week later, against No. 1 Georgia, Milton and Tennessee were again defeated handily, 38-10. Milton passed for 383 yards and four touchdowns to go along with two rushing touchdowns in a 48-24 victory over Vanderbilt to end the regular season.
In his lone season as a starter in 2023, Milton threw for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions, while rushing for 299 yards and seven touchdowns.
NFL Career
New England Patriots (2024)
Milton was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round (193rd overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Patriots obtained the pick by trading quarterback Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent his rookie year playing behind Drake Maye, who established himself as the Patriots' starter after being selected No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
On January 5, 2025, Milton made his professional debut in the season finale against the Buffalo Bills after relieving Maye, who departed after the opening drive. In Week 18 he took the field and helped lead the Patriots to a 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills, going 22-of-29 passing for 241 yards with a touchdown and rushing 10 times for 16 yards with a touchdown. With the Week 18 win, the former Vol helped secure the Tennessee Titans the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, as the Patriots improved to 4-13 and the Titans closed the season 3-14. The Patriots would've secured the first overall pick with a loss to the Bills.
Dallas Cowboys (2025-Present)
In a trade, Milton was sent to the Dallas Cowboys. Milton, a former sixth-round pick, was traded alongside a seventh-round pick in exchange for a fifth rounder from Dallas, according to reports. The trade indicates Milton's upside despite his limited game time in his rookie year. With the Patriots all-in on Maye's potential as its play caller of the future, Milton was left with no clear path to the starting job in New England. His role was further diminished as the Patriots signed another former Vols quarterback in Josh Dobbs, who's started 15 games in five NFL seasons.
Read also: US Education System Performance
Milton is expected to back up Prescott in Dallas, after the Cowboys' former backup Cooper Rush left for the Baltimore Ravens in free agency. His role backing up Prescott could prove to be a pivotal one, as Prescott has struggled with injuries in recent years. The Cowboys' starter played in just eight games this past season, after suffering a season ending hamstring injury in Week 9. Prescott had surgery in November to repair his damaged right hamstring, but has showed promising signs in his recovery as he works to start Week 1 of the season, although he's expected to have limitations as he returns.
Strengths and Potential
Milton came to the NFL with the reputation of having the strongest arm in college football, which he showcased at the NFL Scouting Combine and Tennessee's Pro Day. While his college career yielded mixed results, his physical tools and potential remain evident.
Read also: Waterville's Colby College
