Drew Stanton
refer to caption
Stanton with the Cleveland Browns in 2018
No. 5
Position:Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (1984-05-07) May 7, 1984 (age 39)
Okemos, Michigan, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:226 lb (103 kg)
Career information
High school:Harrison (Farmington Hills, Michigan)
College:Michigan State (2002–2006)
NFL draft:2007 / Round: 2 / Pick: 43
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Passing completions:345
Passing attempts:659
Completion average:52.4
TD–INT:20–24
Passing yards:4,059
Passer rating:66.3
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Drew Emeric Stanton (born May 7, 1984) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback for 14 seasons in the National Football League (NFL).[1] He was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft, after playing college football for the Michigan State Spartans. Stanton was a journeyman quarterback who was a member of the New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and for a short stint the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, coming out of retirement.[1]

Early years

Stanton grew up in Okemos, Michigan, a large suburb of Lansing which borders the campus of Michigan State. His family moved to Lake Oswego, Oregon, a suburb south of Portland, where he played peewee-football and continued to play until his sophomore year at Lake Oswego High School.[2] Eventually, the Stanton family moved to Farmington Hills, Michigan, northwest of Detroit, where he graduated from Harrison High School.[3]

Stanton was ranked as a four-star prospect coming out of high school by Rivals.com, and was also ranked the #6 Pro-Style Quarterback in the country.[4]

College career

Stanton redshirted through Michigan State's 2002 campaign before serving as the #2 quarterback behind Jeff Smoker in 2003.[5] In 2003, he also played on special teams where he made several impressive open field tackles. On November 15, against Wisconsin, he scored his first collegiate touchdown, a 13-yard rush.[6] However, Stanton injured his knee in the Alamo Bowl against Nebraska while covering a punt and had to undergo reconstructive surgery.[7]

After becoming the starter in 2004, Stanton received regional and national praise for his play on the field and was also named an Academic All-American. On September 25, against Indiana, he threw for 172 yards and two interceptions but rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns.[8] On October 9, against Illinois, he recorded his first collegiate receiving touchdown on an 18-yard reception.[9] On October 16, against Minnesota, he threw for 308 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and two interceptions.[10] In the 2004 season, he finished with 1,601 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and six interceptions.[11]

Stanton continued his role of starting quarterback in the 2005 season. On September 17, against Notre Dame, he had 327 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, one interception, 48 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown.[12] In the next game, against Illinois, he had 259 passing yards and five touchdowns.[13] Overall, in the 2005 season, he finished with 3,077 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 338 rushing yards, and four rushing touchdowns.[14]

Going into his senior season (2006), Stanton had been mentioned as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate and visited New York twice for the presentation. He had been listed as high as the #2 QB in the 2007 NFL draft by ESPN.[citation needed] Despite not having any substantial injuries in his high school and early college years, Stanton suffered at least one significant injury in each of 2005, 2006 and 2007.

In 2006, Stanton led the Spartans to the largest point margin comeback in NCAA Division I-A history. Against conference foe Northwestern, he accounted for 331 total yards and three touchdowns, coming back from a 35-point third quarter deficit. He began his prime time performance with an 18-yard touchdown pass, and he later ran for a 12-yard score. In the fourth quarter, Stanton completed six straight passes before capping the game-tying march with a 9-yard strike with 3:43 remaining. He eventually directed the drive that resulted in a game-winning field goal to complete a 41–38 victory.[15]

For his career at Michigan State, Stanton completed 64% of his passes throwing for 6,524 yards, with 42 touchdowns and 28 interceptions while also rushing for another 1,512 yards and 15 touchdowns.[16]

Stanton participated as a quarterback in the 2007 Senior Bowl, where he helped lead the North to victory. He was named the Offensive MVP for the North.[17]

Statistics

NCAA collegiate career statistics
Michigan State Spartans
Season Passing Rushing
Cmp Att Yds Pct TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
2003 2 3 39 66.7 0 0 175.9 5 42 8.4 1
2004 141 220 1,601 64.1 8 6 131.8 96 687 7.2 5
2005 236 354 3,077 66.7 22 12 153.4 121 338 2.8 4
2006 164 269 1,807 61.0 12 10 124.7 110 445 4.0 5
Career 543 846 6,524 64.2 42 28 138.7 332 1,512 4.6 15

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Wonderlic
6 ft 3+1⁄4 in
(1.91 m) 		226 lb
(103 kg) 		32 in
(0.81 m) 		9+5⁄8 in
(0.24 m)		 4.79 s 1.67 s 2.75 s 4.41 s 6.77 s 30.5 in
(0.77 m)		 9 ft 0 in
(2.74 m)		 35
All values from NFL Combine[18][19][20]

Detroit Lions

Stanton was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round with the 43rd overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft.[21] He was placed on season-ending injured reserve during training camp on August 3, 2007, after having knee surgery.[22]

In 2008, Stanton sprained his thumb on his throwing arm during preseason, keeping him out the remainder of the preseason.[23] After Jon Kitna was placed on injured reserve, he moved up to second string quarterback, behind Dan Orlovsky.

Stanton made his NFL debut in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars (entering in relief of Daunte Culpepper, whom the Lions had signed only days earlier after Orlovsky suffered a thumb injury). He threw a one-yard touchdown on his first career passing attempt and finished the game having completed 6 of 8 pass attempts for 94 yards.[24]

The 2009 season began with Stanton as third string quarterback behind 2009 NFL draft first-overall choice Matthew Stafford and previous starter Culpepper. With Stafford injured for the Week 6 game against the Green Bay Packers, he relieved Culpepper who was also injured during the game. He threw two interceptions in a 0–26 loss for the Lions.[25] Stanton appeared again in relief of Culpepper in Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals. He was 10/19 passing with one interception, however he scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown on a draw play – with Arizona winning 24–31.[26] Stanton made his first career start Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers. In the 20–6 loss, he finished with 130 passing yards and three interceptions.[27]

During the 2010 season, Stanton saw action again as Matthew Stafford and Shaun Hill went down with injuries. He came in as relief for Hill against the New York Giants and went 19/34 passing for 222 yards, with a touchdown and an interception.[28] He made his second career start against the Bears in Week 13 and went 16/24 passing for 178 yards and one touchdown.[29] He started the next game against the Green Bay Packers and led the Detroit Lions to a victory with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Will Heller.[30] Drew also helped the Lions achieve their first road win in over three years, leading them to a 23–20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[31]

New York Jets

Stanton was signed by the New York Jets on March 16, 2012.[32] After the Jets acquired Tim Tebow from the Denver Broncos on March 21, he requested a release or trade.[33]

Indianapolis Colts

On March 23, 2012, the Jets traded Stanton to the Indianapolis Colts and a seventh round pick in the 2012 draft for a sixth round pick in the 2012 NFL draft. The Indianapolis Colts chose first overall draft pick Andrew Luck over him for the starting position.[34]

Arizona Cardinals

Stanton in 2016

On March 13, 2013, Stanton signed a three-year, $8.2 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. He served as backup quarterback to Carson Palmer whom the Cardinals acquired from the Oakland Raiders on April 2, 2013.[35] After Palmer's shoulder injury in Week 1 of 2014, Stanton became the starter for Week 2 against the New York Giants, making his first start since 2010.[36] On October 5, 2014, he sustained a concussion on a hit from Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller.[37] After Carson Palmer suffered a season-ending injury in Week 10, Stanton stepped in and led the Cardinals to their eighth and ninth wins of the season.[38] In December, he suffered an MCL sprain and then subsequent infection, missing the rest of the season.[39] In the 2015 Week 17 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, Drew Stanton was brought in for the second half of the game after Head Coach Bruce Arians pulled Palmer due to the Cardinals already having locked up the division and 2nd seed in the NFC.[40][41][42]

On March 8, 2016, Stanton signed a two-year deal with the Cardinals worth $6.5 million with 4.5 million guaranteed that goes to 2018.[43][44] Stanton primarily served as Palmer's backup again in 2016. He came in relief of Palmer after he suffered a concussion in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams, completing 4 of 11 passes for 37 yards and two interceptions in a 13–17 loss.[45] He made his only start of the season the following week completing 11 of 28 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns in a 33–21 win over the San Francisco 49ers.[46]

In Week 7 of the 2017 season, Palmer suffered a broken arm during the game against the Los Angeles Rams, making Stanton the new starter.[47] He then started the team's next two games. He did not start the team's Week 11 game due to a sprained right knee. However, he was still active as the backup to Blaine Gabbert.[48] On December 18, 2017, Stanton was renamed the starter for Week 16 after struggles from Gabbert.[49] Stanton started the final two games of the regular season and helped lead the team to victories over the New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks.[50][51]

Cleveland Browns

On March 25, 2018, Stanton signed a two-year contract with the Cleveland Browns.[52]

The Browns placed Stanton on injured reserve with a knee injury on September 16, 2019.[53]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On December 24, 2020, Stanton signed with the practice squad of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after spending most of the season as a free agent.[54] He was elevated to the active roster on February 6, 2021, for Super Bowl LV against the Kansas City Chiefs, and reverted to the practice squad after the game.[55] His practice squad contract with the team expired after the season on February 16, 2021.[56]

NFL career statistics

Year Team Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
2008 DET 3 0 9 17 52.9 119 7.0 1 0 95.0 3 20 6.7 0
2009 DET 3 1 26 51 51.0 259 5.1 0 6 26.1 9 33 3.7 1
2010 DET 6 3 69 119 58.0 780 6.6 4 3 78.4 18 113 6.3 1
2011 DET 0 0 DNP
2012 IND 0 0
2013 ARI 0 0
2014 ARI 9 8 132 240 55.0 1,711 7.1 7 5 78.7 25 63 2.5 0
2015 ARI 7 0 11 25 44.0 104 4.2 0 2 22.8 13 -13 -1.0 0
2016 ARI 5 1 19 48 39.6 192 4.0 2 3 39.6 3 -3 -1.0 0
2017 ARI 5 4 79 159 49.7 894 5.6 6 5 66.4 9 7 0.8 0
2018 CLE 0 0 DNP
2019 CLE 0 0
2020 TB 0 0
Career 38 17 345 659 52.4 4,059 6.2 20 24 66.3 80 220 2.8 2

Personal life

Stanton is committed to charity work and created the High 5ive Foundation in support of the Special Olympics and the Children's Miracle Network, his two favorite charities, among others.[57] He is a member of the national fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Michigan State University.[58] He married Kristin Schrock on June 27, 2009.[59] He graduated with a major in kinesiology.[60] He is a Christian.[61] Stanton is also well known throughout the NFL for an extravagant touchdown dance.[62]

References

  1. ^ a b "Watch: Former Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton talks retirement, dance moves and more". 12news.com. August 23, 2021. Archived from the original on January 18, 2022. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
  2. ^ Eggers, Kerry (November 23, 2014). "Lake Oswego roots still mean a lot to Arizona Cardinals' Drew Stanton". Pamplin Media Group. Archived from the original on January 22, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  3. ^ Murphy, Austin (October 3, 2005). "A Spartan's Revenge". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2009.
  4. ^ "Drew Stanton Profile – Football Recruiting". Rivals.com. August 28, 2001. Archived from the original on March 26, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
  5. ^ "MSU coach Smith: Smoker could start this season". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 24, 2003. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  6. ^ "Michigan State at Wisconsin Box Score, November 15, 2003". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  7. ^ "NFL.com - Prospect Profiles". NFL.com. Archived from the original on May 27, 2007.
  8. ^ "Michigan State at Indiana Box Score, September 25, 2004". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  9. ^ "Illinois at Michigan State Box Score, October 9, 2004". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  10. ^ "Minnesota at Michigan State Box Score, October 16, 2004". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  11. ^ "Drew Stanton 2004 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  12. ^ "Michigan State at Notre Dame Box Score, September 17, 2005". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  13. ^ "Michigan State at Illinois Box Score, September 24, 2005". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 21, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  14. ^ "Drew Stanton 2005 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  15. ^ "Michigan State at Northwestern Box Score, October 21, 2006". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  16. ^ "Drew Stanton College Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 11, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  17. ^ Balas, Chris (January 28, 2007). "Notes: Hall MVP at Senior Bowl, Legion shines". Rivals.com. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  18. ^ "Drew Stanton, Michigan State, QB, 2007 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football". draftscout.com. Archived from the original on May 21, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  19. ^ "Drew Stanton 2007 NFL Draft Profile". insider.espn.com. Archived from the original on May 21, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  20. ^ "Drew Stanton, Combine Results, QB - Michigan State". nflcombineresults.com. Archived from the original on September 30, 2021. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
  21. ^ "2007 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 3, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  22. ^ "Detroit Lions: Drew Stanton". Detroit Lions. Archived from the original on January 22, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  23. ^ Yuille, Sean (August 22, 2008). "Drew Stanton Out for a Month or More". Pride Of Detroit. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  24. ^ "Jacksonville Jaguars at Detroit Lions - November 9th, 2008". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 12, 2019. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  25. ^ "Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers - October 18th, 2009". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  26. ^ "Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions - December 20th, 2009". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 31, 2018. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  27. ^ "Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers - December 27th, 2009". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  28. ^ "Detroit Lions at New York Giants - October 17th, 2010". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  29. ^ "Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions - December 5th, 2010". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 20, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  30. ^ "Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions - December 12th, 2010". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 1, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  31. ^ "Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - December 19th, 2010". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  32. ^ Mehta, Manish (March 16, 2012). "Jets sign free agent quarterback Drew Stanton and wide receiver Chaz Schilens". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on March 19, 2012. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  33. ^ Cimini, Rich (March 23, 2012). "Jets QB Drew Stanton wants out". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 23, 2012. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
  34. ^ Vrentas, Jenny (March 23, 2012). "Jets trade QB Drew Stanton to the Colts". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on March 25, 2012. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
  35. ^ "Stanton wants to be Cardinals' 'answer' at QB". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 14, 2013. Archived from the original on September 19, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  36. ^ Katzowitz, Josh (September 14, 2014). "Carson Palmer (shoulder) out for Cards; Drew Stanton to start". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  37. ^ Schwab, Frank (October 5, 2014). "Cardinals, already without Carson Palmer, see Drew Stanton go down too". Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
  38. ^ Patra, Kevin (November 10, 2014). "Arians: 'We can win the Super Bowl with Drew Stanton'". NFL.com. Archived from the original on November 11, 2014. Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  39. ^ Gantt, Darin (December 26, 2014). "Report: Drew Stanton being treated for infection". ProFootballTalk. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  40. ^ "Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals - January 3rd, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2017. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  41. ^ "2015 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 31, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  42. ^ "2015 Arizona Cardinals Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 6, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  43. ^ Somers, Kent (March 8, 2016). "Arizona Cardinals, Drew Stanton agree on 2-year deal". AZCentral.com. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  44. ^ "Drew Stanton". Spotrac.com. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  45. ^ "Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals - October 2nd, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 20, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  46. ^ "Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers - October 6th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 1, 2017. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  47. ^ Baum, Bob (November 2, 2017). "Cardinals believe offense is in capable hands with Stanton at QB". FOX Sports. Archived from the original on November 2, 2017. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  48. ^ Grialou, Craig (November 19, 2017). "Drew Stanton active as the Arizona Cardinals' backup QB at Houston". Arizona Sports. Archived from the original on November 20, 2017. Retrieved November 19, 2017.
  49. ^ Patra, Kevin (December 18, 2017). "Drew Stanton to start for Arizona Cardinals vs. Giants". NFL.com. Archived from the original on December 21, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  50. ^ "New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals - December 24th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2018. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  51. ^ "Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks - December 31st, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
  52. ^ Alper, Josh (March 25, 2018). "Drew Stanton agrees to two-year deal with Browns". ProFootballTalk. Archived from the original on September 24, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  53. ^ "Browns elevate RB Elijah McGuire from practice squad, place QB Drew Stanton on IR". ClevelandBrowns.com. September 16, 2019. Archived from the original on August 18, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  54. ^ "Bucs Sign QB Drew Stanton to Practice Squad". Buccaneers.com. December 25, 2020. Archived from the original on June 30, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  55. ^ Simmons, Myles (February 6, 2021). "Buccaneers elevate Drew Stanton, Ted Larsen for Super Bowl LV". ProFootballTalk. Archived from the original on February 7, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  56. ^ "Five Bucs reserves hit free agency". FantasyGuru.com. February 16, 2021. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
  57. ^ "High 5ive - The Drew Stanton Foundation". High 5ive - The Drew Stanton Foundation. Archived from the original on December 3, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  58. ^ "The Phoenix - The Manual of Sigma Alpha Epsilon" (PDF). SAEUSF.com. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 15, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  59. ^ "Drew Stanton Official Website". Drew Stanton. February 18, 2010. Archived from the original on February 21, 2012. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
  60. ^ "Stanton Selected 2007 Michigan College Male Athlete Of The Year". Michigan State University Athletics. May 14, 2007. Archived from the original on February 25, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  61. ^ Kelton, Katie (June 23, 2022). "Former QB Drew Stanton lives generously by serving with Water Mission". Sports Spectrum. Archived from the original on November 28, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  62. ^ "Drew Stanton touchdown celebration is an ode to joy". NFL.com. November 16, 2015. Archived from the original on November 26, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2023.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Drew Stanton.
Michigan State Spartans starting quarterbacks
Detroit Lions 2007 NFL Draft selections
Detroit Lions starting quarterbacks
Arizona Cardinals starting quarterbacks
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl LV champions
Categories