History of Joe Milton in Timeline

Updated: July 28, 2025

Joe Milton is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL. He played college football at both Michigan and Tennessee. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, then was traded to the Dallas Cowboys.

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Full Timeline

March 6, 2000: Joe Milton's Birth

On March 6, 2000, Joseph Jay Milton was born. He is now a professional football quarterback in the NFL.

2003: Anquan Boldin's NFL Career Start

In 2003, Joe Milton's cousin, Anquan Boldin, started his career in the NFL.

2009: Most Touchdowns in a Game Since 2009

In 2023, Joe Milton's performance marked the most touchdowns accounted for by a Volunteer in a single game since 2009.

2016: Anquan Boldin's NFL Career End

In 2016, Joe Milton's cousin, Anquan Boldin, retired from the NFL. He played from 2003 to 2016 and won Super Bowl XLVII with the Baltimore Ravens.

2018: Backup at Michigan

In 2018, Joe Milton began his career at Michigan as a backup to Shea Patterson.

2019: Continued Backup Role at Michigan

In 2019, Joe Milton continued as a backup at Michigan. During 2018 and 2019, he played in eight games, completing 6 of 11 passes for 117 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and also had two rushing touchdowns.

2020: Michigan's Starter

In 2020, Joe Milton competed to be Michigan's starter and won the position after Dylan McCaffrey transferred. Milton started the first three games of the shortened season due to COVID-19. He passed for 1,077 yards, four passing touchdowns, and four interceptions to go along with 38 carries for 109 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown in Michigan's 2–4 season.

2021: Transfer to Tennessee and Injury

In 2021, Joe Milton transferred to Tennessee and was named the team's starter. However, during the second game against Pittsburgh, Milton suffered an injury, and Hendon Hooker replaced him. Milton played in six games in a relief role. He recorded a passing touchdown against #1 Georgia in relief in the 41–17 loss on November 13, 2021.

2022: Starter at Tennessee

In 2022, Joe Milton played backup to Hooker but became the starter after Hooker's injury. He passed for 147 yards and a touchdown against Vanderbilt. In the Orange Bowl against #7 Clemson, Milton passed for 251 yards and three touchdowns in the 31–14 victory, earning MVP honors in 2022.

2023: Starting Quarterback for the Volunteers

In 2023, Joe Milton began the season as the Volunteers' starting quarterback. Highlights included a victory over Virginia and an 81-yard rushing touchdown against UTSA. The play marked the longest rushing play by a quarterback in program history. The Tennessee Volunteers had a setback with a loss against Florida. A loss against Missouri occurred on November 11, 2023.

May 10, 2024: Signed Rookie Contract with Patriots

On May 10, 2024, Joe Milton signed his rookie contract with the New England Patriots. He was named the third-string quarterback for the 2024 season.

2024: Drafted into the NFL

In 2024, Joe Milton was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the NFL draft after playing college football for Michigan and Tennessee.

January 5, 2025: NFL Debut

On January 5, 2025, Joe Milton made his professional debut in the season finale against the Buffalo Bills, finishing with 241 yards and accounting for two touchdowns. The Patriots won 23–16.