John Wolford is a name that might not be as well-known as some of the NFL’s biggest stars, but his journey through football has been nothing short of intriguing. From his days as a standout quarterback at Wake Forest to his journey in the NFL, Wolford’s story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the unpredictable nature of professional football. This article will explore John Wolford’s career, his impact on the NFL, his achievements, and his personal journey from college football to the professional leagues.

Early Life and College Career

John Wolford was born on January 15, 1996, in Jacksonville, Florida. Growing up in a sports-centric family, it’s no surprise that Wolford developed a passion for football at an early age. His talent on the field became apparent during his high school years at Bishop Kenny High School in Jacksonville, where he was known for his strong arm, accuracy, and leadership.

Attending Wake Forest

After high school, Wolford made the decision to attend Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It was here that he began to make a name for himself in college football. As a freshman, he played in several games but didn’t take over the starting quarterback role right away. However, his ability to read defenses, his leadership on and off the field, and his strong work ethic eventually helped him secure the starting position.

Stats and Achievements at Wake Forest

Wolford’s college statistics are impressive, with over 8,000 passing yards and 40 touchdowns during his tenure at Wake Forest. His passing accuracy, ability to read opposing defenses, and strong decision-making ability were key factors that made him stand out in college football. Despite being in a highly competitive conference, Wolford’s play earned him recognition and solidified his position as one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC during his time at Wake Forest.

Entering the NFL: Draft and Undrafted Journey

After finishing his college career in 2017, Wolford was eligible for the NFL Draft. However, despite his impressive college career, he was not selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. This is a familiar story for many players who go on to have successful NFL careers but face initial setbacks during the draft process.

Joining the Arizona Hotshots

After going undrafted, Wolford continued to pursue his professional football dreams by signing with the Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) in 2018. The AAF was a short-lived professional league, but it provided Wolford with a chance to showcase his skills on a national stage. Playing for the Hotshots, he showed promise, gaining attention for his strong arm, mobility, and leadership.

In his time with the AAF, Wolford’s performance was solid. He threw for over 1,600 yards and accounted for 14 touchdowns, leading the Hotshots to several victories. His time in the AAF proved valuable as he was able to continue developing his skills and getting real game experience that would prepare him for the NFL.

Signing with the Los Angeles Rams

Following the collapse of the AAF, Wolford was given another opportunity to pursue his NFL dreams. In 2019, the Los Angeles Rams signed him as an undrafted free agent, a move that would lead to a pivotal chapter in his football career.

The Los Angeles Rams Era: Backup Quarterback to Key Contributor

Wolford’s journey with the Los Angeles Rams began as a backup quarterback. Behind starter Jared Goff, Wolford initially had a limited role but made a name for himself with his work ethic and strong performance in practice. His ability to step into various situations and learn from one of the most innovative coaches in the NFL, Sean McVay, made him a valuable asset to the team.

Stepping In for Jared Goff: The Playoff Run

The true test of John Wolford’s abilities came during the 2020 NFL season. During the wild-card round of the playoffs, starting quarterback Jared Goff was injured and unable to play. Wolford, who had been serving as the backup to Goff, was thrust into the starting role for the Rams’ game against the Seattle Seahawks. Despite the pressure, Wolford showed composure in his first-ever NFL start.

In the game, Wolford managed to throw for 231 yards and help the Rams secure a 30-20 victory. Though the performance wasn’t flawless, it showed that Wolford was capable of stepping into a high-pressure situation and holding his own. Unfortunately, he was injured during the game, and Goff had to step in for the remainder of the game. However, the experience was invaluable for Wolford, as it gave him a taste of the NFL’s intensity and showcased his potential to play at the highest level.

Playing in the 2021 Season

After his injury in the 2020 playoffs, Wolford’s role with the Rams continued to evolve. He remained as a backup quarterback to Jared Goff and later Matthew Stafford, providing support and depth to the team’s quarterback room. Though he didn’t get many starts, he remained an important part of the team and continued to develop his skills as a professional quarterback. The Rams, known for their high-powered offense under McVay, provided a solid environment for Wolford to grow and improve as a player.

FAQs

Who is John Wolford?

John Wolford is an NFL quarterback who currently plays for the Los Angeles Rams. Born on January 15, 1996, in Jacksonville, Florida, Wolford played college football at Wake Forest University. After going undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, he played for the Arizona Hotshots in the Alliance of American Football (AAF) before joining the Rams in 2019 as an undrafted free agent. Wolford has served as a backup quarterback and has occasionally stepped in as a starter due to injuries to the team’s primary quarterbacks.

What team does John Wolford play for?

John Wolford plays for the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL. He joined the Rams as a backup quarterback after being signed in 2019. Wolford’s role has primarily been that of a backup, although he has had the opportunity to start in a few games, especially during the 2020 NFL season when Jared Goff was injured.

When did John Wolford play his first NFL game?

Wolford made his first NFL start during the 2020 playoffs. In the Wild Card round, the Rams faced off against the Seattle Seahawks. Wolford was named the starter after Jared Goff was unable to play due to a thumb injury. Despite the pressure of his first game in the NFL, Wolford threw for 231 yards and helped the Rams secure a 30-20 victory. Unfortunately, Wolford suffered an injury during the game, and Goff had to finish the contest.

Why is John Wolford famous?

John Wolford is best known for his unexpected journey to the NFL and his performance in the 2020 playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks. Despite going undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, Wolford’s persistence paid off, as he played for the Arizona Hotshots in the AAF before being signed by the Los Angeles Rams. His resilience and ability to step in during critical moments made him a notable figure in the league.

What college did John Wolford attend?

John Wolford played college football at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was a key player for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and put up impressive stats during his college career, including over 8,000 passing yards and 40 touchdowns. His college performance earned him recognition as one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC during his time there.

In Summary

John Wolford’s journey through the world of professional football may not follow the traditional path that most NFL quarterbacks take, but it’s a story filled with perseverance, growth, and dedication. From his early days at Wake Forest to his time with the Arizona Hotshots, and ultimately his tenure with the Los Angeles Rams, Wolford’s career continues to evolve. Though his role has largely been that of a backup quarterback, he has proven that he has the ability to step in when needed and perform under pressure.

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