History of Graham Mertz in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 26, 2025

Graham Mertz is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the Houston Texans in the NFL. Before turning pro, he played college football for both the Wisconsin Badgers and the Florida Gators, developing his skills and gaining experience at the collegiate level before transitioning to the professional league.

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Full Timeline

1978: Started as Freshman QB

In 1978, it was the first time since this year that a freshman quarterback started a season-opening game for the Badgers.

1989: Father Played Football

In 1989, Ron Mertz, Graham's father, played football as an offensive lineman at Minnesota.

1992: Father Played Football

In 1992, Ron Mertz, Graham's father, ended his run playing football as an offensive lineman at Minnesota since 1989.

December 6, 2000: Graham Mertz Born

On December 6, 2000, Graham Mertz was born. He would later become a professional football quarterback.

Others born on this day/year

October 9, 2017: Committed to Wisconsin

On October 9, 2017, Graham Mertz committed to play football at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

2018: All-American Bowl MVP

In 2018, Graham Mertz was a finalist for the Elite 11 quarterback competition and was named Gatorade Kansas Football Player of the Year. After his senior season, he was invited to the All-American Bowl where he set a bowl record with five touchdown passes and was named game MVP.

2019: Rated as a Four-Star Recruit

In 2019, Mertz was rated as a four-star recruit by ESPN, 247Sports.com, and Rivals.com. He was also highly ranked as a pocket passer and overall recruit.

2019: Lost Starting Job and Redshirted

In 2019, after Alex Hornibrook transferred, Mertz competed with Jack Coan for the starting quarterback position at Wisconsin. Despite being highly anticipated, Mertz lost the starting job to Coan and redshirted his freshman season, only appearing in two games.

2020: Started as Quarterback

In 2020, Mertz began the season as the starting quarterback due to Coan's injury. He had a record-breaking game against Illinois, but subsequently tested positive for COVID-19, causing game cancellations. He later returned, with mixed results. The team played in the Duke's Mayo Bowl where Mertz broke the trophy.

2021: Starting Quarterback

In 2021, Graham Mertz was the starting quarterback in all 13 games for Wisconsin, leading the team to a 9-4 record and a victory in the Las Vegas Bowl.

December 4, 2022: Entered Transfer Portal

On December 4, 2022, Graham Mertz announced he was entering the transfer portal prior to Wisconsin's bowl game.

2022: Starting Quarterback

In 2022, Mertz was the starting quarterback for Wisconsin, leading the Badgers to a 6-6 record. He set a career high in passing yards and touchdown passes in a game against Northwestern.

2023: Transferred to Florida Gators

In 2023, Mertz transferred to the Florida Gators and became their starting quarterback, leading the team to a 5-6 record.

2024: Season-Ending Injury

In 2024, Graham Mertz returned as the starting quarterback for Florida. However, his college career ended prematurely due to a season-ending ACL tear during a game against Tennessee. He finished his Gators tenure as the school's career leader in completion percentage.