History of Zach Wilson in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 16, 2026

Zach Wilson is an American professional football player who serves as a quarterback in the NFL. After a standout collegiate career at Brigham Young University, where he gained national attention for his mobility and arm talent, he was selected second overall by the New York Jets in the 2021 NFL Draft. His tenure with the Jets was marked by significant inconsistency, leading to persistent challenges in establishing himself as a consistent starter. Following three seasons in New York, he was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2024. Wilson's career trajectory remains a prominent topic of discussion regarding the transition of high-draft-pick quarterbacks to the professional level. While he has demonstrated flashes of elite potential, his development has been hindered by struggles with accuracy, decision-making, and adjusting to the speed of the professional game.

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Full Timeline

August 3, 1999: Birth of Zachary Kapono Wilson

On August 3, 1999, Zachary Kapono Wilson was born, marking the beginning of the life of the future professional football quarterback.

Others born on this day/year

2018: Zach Wilson's Freshman Season at BYU

During the 2018 college football season, Zach Wilson debuted as a true freshman for Brigham Young University, playing in nine games and securing seven starts. Throughout the season, he threw for 1,578 yards, 12 touchdowns, and three interceptions. His standout performance occurred at the 2018 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, where he earned MVP honors after a perfect passing performance in a victory over Western Michigan.

2019: Sophomore Season and Hawaii Bowl MVP

During the 2019 season, Zach Wilson served as the starting quarterback for the BYU Cougars, playing in nine games and accumulating 2,382 passing yards and 11 touchdowns. Despite the Cougars' 38–34 loss to the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in the 2019 Hawaii Bowl, Wilson was recognized for his performance by being named the team's MVP.

2020: Zach Wilson's Breakout Junior Season at BYU

During the 2020 season, Zach Wilson had a standout junior year at BYU, passing for 3,692 yards and 33 touchdowns while setting a school record with a 73.5% completion percentage. He led the team to a 10-1 regular-season record, earned offensive MVP honors at the 2020 Boca Raton Bowl, and was named a co-recipient of the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award.

July 29, 2021: Signing of NFL Rookie Contract

On July 29, 2021, Zach Wilson officially signed a four-year contract with the New York Jets, valued at $35.15 million fully guaranteed, which included a $22.9 million signing bonus and an option for a fifth year.

2021: 2021 NFL Draft Selection

In 2021, Zach Wilson achieved a major career milestone when he was selected second overall in the NFL draft by the New York Jets.

2022: Zach Wilson's 2022 Season Highlights and Challenges

During the 2022 season, Zach Wilson faced early adversity after suffering a bone bruise and meniscus tear against the Philadelphia Eagles, causing him to miss the first three games. Upon his return in Week 4, he led a comeback victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Throughout the season, he experienced a mix of performances, including a career-high 355 passing yards in a loss to the Patriots and an important upset victory over the Buffalo Bills.

2023: 2023 Jets Quarterback Transition and Performance

During the 2023 season, Zach Wilson transitioned from a backup to the starting quarterback for the New York Jets following Aaron Rodgers' season-ending injury in Week 1. Throughout the year, Wilson experienced a mix of results, including a Week 1 victory over the Buffalo Bills, struggles in subsequent starts, and a notable performance against the Kansas City Chiefs where he nearly led a comeback before losing a fumble in the fourth quarter.

April 23, 2024: Zach Wilson Traded to Denver Broncos

On April 23, 2024, the Denver Broncos officially acquired quarterback Zach Wilson and a seventh-round draft pick from the New York Jets in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Following the trade, the team declined Wilson's fifth-year option, slated him as the third-string quarterback behind Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham, and he subsequently did not make an appearance in any games throughout the 2024 season.