History of Bailey Zappe in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: January 5, 2025

Bailey Zappe is an American football quarterback who plays for the Cleveland Browns. He began his college football career with the Houston Baptist Huskies for three seasons. He then transferred to Western Kentucky University where he played his final season. He set records in the FBS for both passing touchdowns and yards in a single season. In 2022, he was drafted by the New England Patriots, serving as a backup quarterback and eventually the primary starter by the end of the 2023 season.

April 26, 1999: Birth of Bailey Zappe

Bailey Michael Zappe was born on April 26, 1999.

2003: Previous FBS Passing Yards Record

In 2003, B. J. Symons set the FBS record for passing yards, a record later broken by Bailey Zappe in 2021.

2019: Previous FBS Passing Touchdowns Record

In 2019, Joe Burrow set the FBS record for passing touchdowns, a record later broken by Bailey Zappe in 2021.

2021: Record-Breaking Season at Western Kentucky

During the 2021 season, Bailey Zappe set FBS records for passing yards (5,967) and touchdowns (62) playing for Western Kentucky University.

2021: Transfer to Western Kentucky and First Start

In 2021, Bailey Zappe transferred to Western Kentucky University and became their starting quarterback. In his first game for the Hilltoppers, he threw for 424 yards and seven touchdowns in a victory against Tennessee-Martin.

2022: Third-String Quarterback for the Patriots

In 2022, Bailey Zappe was named the third-string quarterback for the New England Patriots.

2022: Drafted by the New England Patriots

In 2022, Bailey Zappe was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the NFL draft.

August 29, 2023: Waived by the Patriots, Re-signed to Practice Squad

On August 29, 2023, Bailey Zappe was waived by the New England Patriots, but was re-signed to their practice squad the next day.

2023: Backup Quarterback and Jersey Retirement

During 2023, Bailey Zappe served primarily as a backup quarterback for the Patriots. His high school, Victoria East, also retired his number 4 jersey this year.