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 Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. He previously played college football at Ohio State, where he earned two Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year awards and led the team to the 2021 National Championship Game. Before Ohio State, Fields briefly played for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2016: Bears 0-3 Start

In 2016, the Bears had a 0-3 start, which equaled their start to the 2023 season.

October 2017: Commitment to 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: Elite 11 MVP and Season-Ending Injury

In 2017, Justin Fields was named MVP of the Elite 11 quarterback competition. Later that year during his senior season, he suffered a broken finger that required season-ending surgery.

2017: Bears 0-2 Start

In 2017, the Bears had a 0-2 start, which equaled their start to the 2023 season.

2018: Transfer Announcement to Ohio State

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

2018: Freshman Season at Georgia

In 2018, Justin Fields played his true freshman season at Georgia, serving as backup quarterback. He made his debut and had notable performances against Austin Peay, Tennessee, and UMass.

February 8, 2019: NCAA Immediate Eligibility Granted

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 Ohio State

In 2019, Justin Fields led Ohio State to a Big Ten Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff, finishing third in Heisman Trophy voting and being named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.

2020: Continued Success at Ohio State

In 2020, Justin Fields led the Buckeyes to another undefeated regular season and Big Ten Championship. He was named Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Year for the second time.

2020: Vocal Support for Playing Season

In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Justin Fields was vocal in his support of playing the college football season and started an online petition.

January 18, 2021: Declaration for 2021 NFL Draft

On January 18, 2021, Justin Fields announced he would forgo his final two years of eligibility and 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: Appearance in 2021 National Championship Game

In 2021, Justin Fields appeared in the National Championship Game as a college football player for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

2021: Drafted by Chicago Bears

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

2022: Injuries and Losing Streak in 2022

During the 2022 season, Justin Fields suffered a shoulder injury, missed a game, and later suffered a hip injury, leading to him missing the season finale. The Bears endured a long losing streak after a Week 7 victory.

2022: Beginning of 2022 Season

In 2022, Justin Field's season started with a victory over the 49ers. The Bears had a three game losing streak until their victory over the New England Patriots.

2022: Draft Compensation

In 2022, the Bears traded a first and fourth-round pick to the Giants as part of the compensation package to draft Justin Fields.

2023: Start of 2023 Season

In 2023, Justin Field's 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.

2023: 1,000 Rushing Yards

In 2023, Justin Fields finished his second year with 1,143 rushing yards, making him the third NFL quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in a season.

March 16, 2024: Traded to Pittsburgh Steelers

On March 16, 2024, Justin Fields was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a conditional draft pick.

October 15, 2024: Demotion to Backup Quarterback

On October 15, 2024, Justin Fields was demoted to backup quarterback duties for the Steelers, after a Steelers win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

2024: Traded to the Steelers

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

2024: Uncertainty About Future

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

2024: Role in Package Plays

Throughout much of the 2024 season, following his benching, Justin Fields was utilized in package plays for the Steelers, contributing to their offensive strategy.

2025: Conditional Draft Pick

In 2025, the Steelers traded a conditional sixth-round pick that would have converted to a fourth if Justin Field played 51% of the teams snaps, however, he played in less than the said threshold, failing the condition to convert it to a fourth.