Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Justin Herbert

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 23, 2025

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

Justin Herbert is a professional American football quarterback currently playing for the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL. He previously played college football at the University of Oregon, leading the Ducks to victory in the 2019 Pac-12 Championship. Herbert was drafted by the Chargers as the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and has quickly become a prominent figure in the league.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 8, 2016: First Start as a True Freshman

On October 8, 2016, Justin Herbert made his first start as a true freshman quarterback for the Oregon Ducks against the Washington Huskies. He was the first true freshman to start at quarterback since 1983.

2019: Pac-12 Championship

In 2019, Justin Herbert won the Pac-12 Championship while playing college football for the Oregon Ducks.

July 25, 2020: Signed Rookie Contract

On July 25, 2020, Justin Herbert signed a four-year rookie contract with the Los Angeles Chargers worth a fully guaranteed $26.6 million.

September 20, 2020: First NFL Start

On September 20, 2020, Justin Herbert made his first NFL start in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs after Tyrod Taylor was ruled inactive. He passed for 311 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and had one rushing touchdown.

October 8, 2020: Named Starting Quarterback

On October 8, 2020, Justin Herbert was named the starting quarterback for the Chargers, taking over from Tyrod Taylor.

December 27, 2020: Breaks Rookie Passing Touchdown Record

On December 27, 2020, Justin Herbert threw his 28th passing touchdown of the season against the Denver Broncos, breaking the NFL record for most passing touchdowns by a rookie. He also reached 4,000 passing yards for the season.

2020: Drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers

In 2020, Justin Herbert was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers as the sixth overall pick in the NFL draft.

2021: First 5,000-Yard Season and Pro Bowl Selection

In 2021, Justin Herbert became the first quarterback in Chargers history to throw for over 5,000 yards and was named to his first Pro Bowl.

2021: Franchise Records and Pro Bowl Selection

In the 2021 season, Justin Herbert set franchise records with 5,014 passing yards and 38 passing touchdowns, leading to his first Pro Bowl selection.

2022: 2022 Season Performance

In the 2022 season, Justin Herbert passed for 4,739 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also set single-season franchise records for pass attempts and completions, leading the Chargers to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth.