Career Timeline of Justin Fields: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Justin Fields, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Justin Fields is an American football quarterback currently playing for the New York Jets in the NFL. He initially played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs before transferring to Ohio State. As a Buckeye, he garnered significant recognition, earning the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year award twice and leading the team to the 2021 National Championship Game. His college career established him as a prominent quarterback prospect, leading to his transition to the professional league.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2016: Bears started 0-3

In 2023, the bears started 0-3 for the first time since 2016.

October 2017: Committed to the University of Georgia

In October 2017, Justin Fields committed to the University of Georgia to play college football, withdrawing a previous commitment to Penn State.

2017: Bears started 0-2

In 2023, the bears started 0-2 for the first time since 2017.

2017: Elite 11 MVP

In the summer of 2017, Justin Fields attended the Elite 11 quarterback competition and was named MVP of the event.

2018: Transfer Announcement

Following Georgia's loss to Alabama in the 2018 SEC Championship Game, Justin Fields announced his intent to transfer to Ohio State.

2018: Debut for Georgia

In 2018, Justin Fields debuted for Georgia in the season opener against Austin Peay, completing seven of eight passes and throwing a touchdown. Later in the season, he had multiple rushing touchdowns against Tennessee and a strong performance against UMass.

February 8, 2019: Granted Immediate Eligibility

On February 8, 2019, Justin Fields was granted immediate eligibility for the 2019 season by the NCAA after seeking a waiver based on mitigating circumstances.

2019: First Season with Buckeyes

In 2019, Justin Fields led the Ohio State Buckeyes to a Big Ten Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. He finished third in the Heisman Trophy running and was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.

2020: Heisman Trophy Candidate and COVID-19 Season

In 2020, Justin Fields entered the season as a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy and advocated for playing the season amid the COVID-19 pandemic, gathering over 320,000 signatures on an online petition.

2020: Big Ten Championship and National Championship Appearance

In 2020, Justin Fields led the Buckeyes to another undefeated regular season and Big Ten Championship. They reached the College Football Playoff National Championship, where they lost to Alabama. He was also named Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Year.

January 18, 2021: Declared for the NFL Draft

On January 18, 2021, Justin Fields announced that he would forgo his final two years of eligibility to enter the 2021 NFL draft.

June 10, 2021: Signed Rookie Contract

On June 10, 2021, Justin Fields signed his four-year rookie contract with the Chicago Bears, worth $18.8 million fully guaranteed.

2021: National Championship Game Appearance

In 2021, Justin Fields appeared in the National Championship Game as the quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

2021: Drafted by the Chicago Bears

In 2021, Justin Fields was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Chicago Bears.

2022: Injury and Losing Streak

During a Week 11 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, Justin Fields suffered a shoulder injury that sidelined him for a week. He returned in Week 13 against the Packers and became the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for a touchdown in six consecutive games, although the Bears would continue a losing streak, ending the season at 3-14.

2022: Drafted 11th overall

Justin Fields was selected 11th overall in the 2021 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $18.8 million on June 10, 2021.

2022: 2022 Season with Bears

Justin Fields' 2022 season began with a victory over the 49ers. The Bears then lost four of their next five games before securing a win against the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football. During the season, Fields had a 56.1% pass completion rate, two touchdowns and four interceptions.

2023: 1,000 Rushing Yards

In 2023, Justin Fields finished his second year with 1,143 rushing yards, making him the third NFL quarterback after Vick and Lamar Jackson to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. He was ranked 86th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players.

2023: 2023 Season Begins

Justin Fields' 2023 season began with a loss against the Packers. The Bears started 0-2 for the first time since 2017 and 0-3 for the first time since 2016.

March 16, 2024: Traded to Pittsburgh Steelers

On March 16, 2024, Justin Fields was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers declined the fifth-year option on Fields' contract, making him a free agent after the 2024 season.

October 15, 2024: Demoted to Backup Quarterback

On October 15, 2024, Justin Fields was demoted to backup quarterback duties for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2024: Fields' 2024 Season Performance

In 2024, Justin Fields completed 65% of his passes for 1,106 yards, with 10 total touchdowns and one interception. He played in 10 games, starting in six. During the Steelers' AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens, he participated in two package plays.

2024: Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers

In 2024, Justin Fields was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers after playing three seasons with the Chicago Bears.

2024: Uncertain Future with Bears

In 2024, with the Bears holding the first overall pick in the NFL draft, Justin Fields faced uncertainty about his future as the team's starting quarterback.

March 13, 2025: Fields Signs with the New York Jets

On March 13, 2025, Justin Fields signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the New York Jets.

2025: Signed with the New York Jets

Ahead of the 2025 season, Justin Fields signed with the New York Jets.

2025: Conditional Pick in 2025 NFL Draft

In 2024, Justin Fields was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft that would have converted to a fourth if he played 51% of the team's snaps, however, he played in less than the said threshold, failing the condition to convert it to a fourth.