History of Trey Lance in Timeline

"Trey Lance is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. He rose to prominence playing college football for the North Dakota State Bison, earning accolades like the Walter Payton and Jerry Rice Awards. Drafted third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, his time there was marked by limited playtime and injuries. The emergence of fellow quarterback Brock Purdy ultimately led to Lance's trade to the Cowboys after two seasons."

May 9, 2000: Birth

Trey Lance was born on May 9, 2000.

2005: First First-Round Quarterback Since Alex Smith

The San Francisco 49ers selected Trey Lance in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, making him their first first-round quarterback since Alex Smith in 2005.

February 2017: Recruiting Event at University of Minnesota

In February 2017, Trey Lance attended a recruiting event at the University of Minnesota, where he was considered a wide receiver or defensive back prospect.

December 2017: Commitment to North Dakota State

Trey Lance committed to North Dakota State in December 2017.

2018: Redshirt Season and Two Games Played

Trey Lance redshirted his first year at North Dakota State in 2018 but played in two games and scored two rushing touchdowns.

2019: Starting Quarterback and Championship Run

In 2019, Trey Lance became the starting quarterback for North Dakota State and led the team to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Game in 2020.

October 2020: Single Game Appearance and College Career Interception

Trey Lance played in only one game in October 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He threw two touchdowns and ran for two more but also threw his only interception of his college career in that game against Central Arkansas.

2020: NCAA Division I Football Championship Game Victory and Awards

In 2020, Trey Lance led the North Dakota State Bison to victory in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Game and was named the game's MVP. He also won the Walter Payton Award and the Jerry Rice Award that year.

July 28, 2021: Signing with the San Francisco 49ers

On July 28, 2021, Trey Lance signed his four-year rookie contract with the San Francisco 49ers, who drafted him third overall.

2021: First Start, First Win, and Season-Ending Injury

In 2021, Trey Lance became the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers after Jimmy Garoppolo suffered an injury. He won his first game as a starter but suffered a finger injury that he played through for the rest of the season.

2021: NFL Debut and Early Appearances

Trey Lance made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2021 season with the San Francisco 49ers, coming in as the second-string quarterback behind Jimmy Garoppolo. He scored his first touchdown in Week 1 and another in Week 3.

2021: Opt-Out and Preparation for NFL Draft

Trey Lance opted out of the rest of the 2020 college football season to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

2021: NFL Draft

Trey Lance was selected third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2021 NFL Draft.

2022: Brock Purdy's Success and NFC Championship Game Appearance

Brock Purdy, a second-year quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, helped lead the team to the 2022 NFC Championship Game, contributing to the uncertainty surrounding Trey Lance's future with the team.

2022: Trade with Miami Dolphins

The San Francisco 49ers traded their first-round picks in 2021, 2022, and 2023, along with their third-round pick in 2022, to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for the third overall pick in the 2021 draft, which they used to select Trey Lance.

2022: Season-Ending Injury

Trey Lance was named the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers in 2022 but suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 2.

August 26, 2023: Trade to the Dallas Cowboys

On August 26, 2023, Trey Lance was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick.

2023: Trade with Miami Dolphins

2023: Uncertain Future and Third-String Role

Trey Lance entered the 2023 training camp with the San Francisco 49ers with an uncertain future after limited play and the success of Brock Purdy. He was named the third-string quarterback behind Purdy and Sam Darnold.