Brian Hoyer is an American football quarterback who has played in the NFL since 2009. Despite being undrafted, he has remarkably started for eight different teams, the second most in league history. He's spent the majority of his career with the New England Patriots across eight non-consecutive seasons, serving primarily as a backup. During his time with the Patriots, he earned a Super Bowl ring in Super Bowl LIII. His most statistically successful season was in 2015 with the Houston Texans, leading them to a division title. Though often a backup, Hoyer's career reflects resilience and adaptability, showcasing his value in the NFL.
October 13, 1985: Brian Hoyer Born
Brian Hoyer was born on October 13, 1985.
2002: High School Football Season
During his 2002 football season at Saint Ignatius High School, Brian Hoyer passed for 2,130 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
2003: Successful High School Football Season
In 2003, Brian Hoyer led his high school football team to a 9–3 record, throwing for 5,570 yards, 45 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, earning him USA Today Prep Player of the Week and an all-state selection.
2004: Redshirted at Michigan State
Brian Hoyer was redshirted by Michigan State University in 2004.
2004: All-Star Game Participation
In 2004, Brian Hoyer participated in the Ohio All-Star Classic and the Ohio-Pennsylvania Big 33 All-Star Game.
2006: Continued College Play
In 2006, Hoyer saw more playing time at Michigan State, participating in eight games and throwing for 863 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions.
2007: All-Big Ten Honorable Mention
In 2007, Brian Hoyer received an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection after throwing for 2,725 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 13 games for Michigan State.
2008: Unitas Award Candidate
In 2008, Hoyer was a preseason candidate for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He played in 13 games, amassing 2,404 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
2009: Hoyer Joins the NFL
In 2009, Brian Hoyer entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the New England Patriots.
2009: Signs with Patriots After Draft
Despite not being drafted in the 2009 NFL Draft, Brian Hoyer signed with the New England Patriots shortly after.
2010: First NFL Touchdown Pass
During the 2010 preseason, Brian Hoyer started as the backup quarterback and threw for 471 yards and three touchdowns. He threw his first NFL regular season touchdown pass, a 42-yarder to Brandon Tate, in Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins.
2011: Contributes to Gronkowski's Record and Super Bowl Appearance
In 2011, Hoyer's single pass attempt of the regular season resulted in a 22-yard completion to Rob Gronkowski, setting the NFL record for receiving yards in a season by a tight end. Hoyer was also part of the Patriots team that reached Super Bowl XLVI, where they lost to the New York Giants.
August 31, 2012: Released by Patriots
Brian Hoyer was released by the New England Patriots on August 31, 2012.
November 20, 2012: Signs with Steelers
On November 20, 2012, Brian Hoyer signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers due to injuries to their quarterbacks.
December 8, 2012: Released by Steelers
The Steelers released Brian Hoyer on December 8, 2012.
May 12, 2013: Released by Cardinals
Brian Hoyer was released by the Arizona Cardinals on May 12, 2013.
2013: Starts for Browns, Suffers Injury
In 2013, Brian Hoyer became the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns due to an injury to Brandon Weeden. He led the team to two wins before suffering an ACL tear, ending his season.
August 20, 2014: Named Browns Starting Quarterback
On August 20, 2014, Brian Hoyer was named the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns for the beginning of the 2014 NFL season.
December 9, 2014: Benched by Browns
On December 9, 2014, the Cleveland Browns announced that Johnny Manziel would replace Hoyer as the starting quarterback for their game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
2014: Competition with Manziel
In 2014, Brian Hoyer faced competition for the starting quarterback position with the Browns after they drafted Johnny Manziel.
March 11, 2015: Signs with Houston Texans
Brian Hoyer signed a two-year, $10.5 million contract with the Houston Texans on March 11, 2015.
2015: Hoyer Leads Texans to Division Title
In 2015, Brian Hoyer had his most successful season as a starting quarterback, leading the Houston Texans to a division title.
January 3, 2016: Leads Texans to Playoffs
On January 3, 2016, Hoyer led the Houston Texans to a 30-6 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, securing a playoff berth and the AFC South title.
April 17, 2016: Released by Texans
On April 17, 2016, Brian Hoyer was released by the Houston Texans.
April 30, 2016: Signs with Chicago Bears
On April 30, 2016, Brian Hoyer signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Chicago Bears.
October 20, 2016: Breaks Arm, Season Ends
Brian Hoyer broke his left arm during a game against the Green Bay Packers on October 20, 2016, ending his season.
October 24, 2016: Placed on Injured Reserve
Following surgery for a broken arm, Brian Hoyer was placed on injured reserve by the Chicago Bears on October 24, 2016.
March 9, 2017: Signs with San Francisco 49ers
On March 9, 2017, Brian Hoyer signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers.
October 30, 2017: Released by 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers released Brian Hoyer on October 30, 2017, after acquiring Jimmy Garoppolo from the New England Patriots.
January 13, 2018: Playoff Appearance with Patriots
Brian Hoyer appeared briefly in the Patriots' Divisional Round playoff victory against the Tennessee Titans on January 13, 2018.
2018: Super Bowl LIII Champion
Brian Hoyer was part of the New England Patriots team that won Super Bowl LIII in 2018 against the Los Angeles Rams. Though he didn't play in the game, he played a significant role in helping prepare the defense, given his familiarity with the Rams' offensive system.
August 31, 2019: Released by Patriots
On August 31, 2019, the New England Patriots released Brian Hoyer.
September 2, 2019: Signs with Indianapolis Colts
Brian Hoyer signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts on September 2, 2019.
2019: Relief Appearances and First Touchdown Since 2019
In 2019, Hoyer made several relief appearances for the Patriots. He threw his first touchdown pass since 2019, which was also Jakobi Meyers' first career touchdown reception.
March 21, 2020: Released by Colts
The Indianapolis Colts released Brian Hoyer on March 21, 2020.
March 25, 2020: Re-signs with Patriots
On March 25, 2020, Brian Hoyer signed a one-year contract to return to the New England Patriots.
May 18, 2021: Re-signs with Patriots
On May 18, 2021, Brian Hoyer re-signed with the New England Patriots on a one-year contract.
August 31, 2021: Released and Signed to Practice Squad
On August 31, 2021, Brian Hoyer was released by the Patriots during final roster cuts, but was signed to the practice squad the next day.
March 14, 2022: Contract Extension and Injury
On March 14, 2022, Brian Hoyer signed a two-year contract extension with the Patriots. He started in Week 4 against the Packers, but suffered a concussion and was later placed on injured reserve.
March 16, 2023: Released by Patriots
The Patriots released Brian Hoyer on March 16, 2023.
April 4, 2023: Signs with Raiders
Brian Hoyer signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on April 4, 2023.
2023: Steelers Remain Only Team Hoyer Didn't Start For
As of 2023, the Pittsburgh Steelers are the only team Brian Hoyer has been a member of without starting a game for them.