Josh Freeman, American football player
Joshua Tyler Freeman, born on January 13, 1988, is a former American football quarterback whose professional career, though marked by early promise and record-breaking achievements, ultimately proved to be a compelling study in the transient nature of athletic success at the highest level. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing around 248 pounds, Freeman possessed the prototypical size and arm strength often sought after in an NFL signal-caller, exhibiting the physical attributes deemed essential for leading a professional offense.
Collegiate Career and NFL Draft Ascent
Freeman honed his skills at Kansas State University, where he was a prominent figure in their college football program. As the starting quarterback for the Wildcats, he showcased a dual-threat capability, demonstrating both his passing prowess and his ability to extend plays with his legs. His collegiate performance positioned him as one of the top quarterback prospects in his draft class. Consequently, he was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the 17th overall pick in the first round of the highly anticipated 2009 NFL Draft. This high draft position underscored the significant expectations placed upon him to become the franchise quarterback for the Buccaneers, a role critical for any team aiming for sustained success in the competitive National Football League.
Impact and Departure from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Upon joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Freeman quickly ascended to the starting role, taking over as the team's primary quarterback during Week 10 of his rookie season in 2009. His tenure with the Buccaneers was initially characterized by several impressive performances and the establishment of new franchise milestones. Notably, he went on to break numerous team passing records, particularly during his early years. In the 2010 season, Freeman guided the Buccaneers to a surprising 10-6 record, barely missing the playoffs, and set a new franchise record for the most single-season passing touchdowns with 25. He also holds records such as the most passing yards in a game by a rookie quarterback (321 yards against the New Orleans Saints). However, despite these flashes of brilliance and statistical achievements, his performance began to decline in subsequent seasons. By his fifth year with the team, issues including inconsistent play, a perceived lack of leadership, and widely reported disagreements with the coaching staff, particularly head coach Greg Schiano, led to his eventual release partway through the 2013 season. This abrupt departure marked a significant turning point in his professional journey, ending what had once promised to be a long and successful career in Tampa Bay.
Post-Bucs Journey: A Nomadic Career
Following his release from the Buccaneers, Joshua Freeman embarked on a more itinerant phase of his professional football career, experiencing brief stints with several other teams across different leagues. His subsequent memberships included:
- Minnesota Vikings: He signed with the Vikings shortly after leaving Tampa Bay but made only one start, which proved to be a difficult outing.
- New York Giants: Freeman joined the Giants in 2014, primarily serving as a backup and a member of their practice squad.
- Miami Dolphins: Another brief stop in 2015, where he was part of the training camp roster.
- Indianapolis Colts: His last NFL team, also in 2015, where he was on the practice squad.
- Montreal Alouettes (CFL): In 2017, Freeman ventured north to the Canadian Football League (CFL), joining the Montreal Alouettes. The CFL, with its larger field, different down rules (three downs instead of four), and motion before the snap, offers a distinct style of play. While this move represented an opportunity for Freeman to revitalize his career, his time in the CFL was also short-lived, with no regular-season appearances.
His post-Buccaneers career largely involved attempting to re-establish himself as a viable NFL quarterback, often signing as a depth or practice squad player, but he was unable to secure a consistent starting role or replicate his earlier success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Josh Freeman's Career
- When was Josh Freeman drafted into the NFL?
- Josh Freeman was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round (17th overall pick) of the 2009 NFL Draft.
- What college did Josh Freeman play for?
- He played college football for Kansas State University.
- What franchise passing records did Josh Freeman break with the Buccaneers?
- During his tenure with the Buccaneers, Josh Freeman broke several franchise passing records, most notably setting a new team record for most single-season passing touchdowns with 25 in the 2010 season. He also holds records such as the most passing yards in a game by a rookie quarterback.
- Why was Josh Freeman released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
- Josh Freeman was released by the Buccaneers partway through his fifth season (2013) due to a combination of declining on-field performance, inconsistencies in his play, and reported disciplinary issues and disagreements with the coaching staff, particularly head coach Greg Schiano.
- Did Josh Freeman play in the Canadian Football League (CFL)?
- Yes, after his NFL career, Josh Freeman was a member of the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2017, though he did not make any regular-season appearances.