Former Vikings QB Calls It Quits at 33

“Heinicke was released in August by the Los Angeles Chargers and went unsigned for the rest of the season. He played four games with the Chargers in 2024, attempting five passes.”

Heinicke personally noted on his decision, “Many ups and downs throughout the years, but the ups outweigh the downs tenfold. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would’ve been able to live this life… Excited for this next chapter of my life.”

Time in MIN

The Vikings signed Heinicke as an undrafted free agent in 2015, where he eventually secured the QB3 job behind Teddy Bridgewater and Shaun Hill. He remained with Minnesota until September 2017, then played for the Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders, and Atlanta Falcons. His career also included a stint in the XFL with the St. Louis BattleHawks in 2020.

During his tenure in Minnesota, Heinicke became known for a notable off-the-field incident that severely hampered his career. He suffered a significant setback with the Vikings after he reportedly kicked through a glass door when locked out of a friend’s apartment, sustaining a serious leg injury. Consequently, he never played a regular season snap for the Vikings before the aforementioned departure to Houston in 2017.

Career Resume

Heinicke saw action in 42 career games from 2017 to 2024, with 29 starts, while his teams went 13-15-1 and his watch. He tallied 6,663 passing yards, 42 total touchdowns, and 28 interceptions. Per efficiency and according to EPA+CPOE, his best historical comparisons are Matt Cassel and Justin Fields.

Teddy Bridgewater and Taylor Heinicke share a moment after Minnesota Vikings minicamp practice on Jun. 15, 2016, in Minneapolis. The Vikings spent several years grooming young quarterbacks behind the scenes during the Mike Zimmer era, with Heinicke operating as a developmental backup alongside Bridgewater and veteran Shaun Hill throughout portions of the offseason program. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

Over a 17-start sample, Heinicke averaged this statline for context:

• 3,602 Passing Yards
• 25 Total TDs
• 16 INTs
• 62.5 Completion %

Here’s his full resume by team:

• Minnesota Vikings (2015–2017)
• New England Patriots (2017)
• Houston Texans (2017)
• Carolina Panthers (2018)
• St. Louis BattleHawks (2020)
• Washington Commanders (2020–2022)
• Atlanta Falcons (2023)
• Los Angeles Chargers (2024)

Best Memory?

Heinicke started one playoff game in his career. He led the Commanders in the postseason against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Tom Brady’s team — in the 2020 Wildcard Round, losing by a score of 31-23.

But in the contest, Heinicke looked like he belonged, delivering 306 passing yards and two touchdowns. The Commanders featured three other quarterbacks that season: Alex Smith, Dwayne Haskins, and Kyle Allen. By happenstance, Heinicke got the tap on the shoulder for the playoffs and damn near knocked off Brady’s Buccaneers.

Brady and Co. would eventually win the Super Bowl handily over the Kansas City Chiefs.

SI.com‘s Joanne Coley on Heinicke: “Heinicke’s football career was not easy. After a standout college career at Old Dominion University, he went undrafted in 2015 and spent several years bouncing around the league. He had short stints with the Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, and Minnesota Vikings, mostly as a backup quarterback.”

“Everything changed later that year when Washington called him late in the season. Heinicke was unexpectedly thrust into the starting role for a playoff game against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite the loss, Heinicke delivered one of the most memorable performances fans would remember.”

Taylor Heinicke celebrates after a Washington Commanders touchdown on Dec. 24, 2022, during a road matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Heinicke carved out one of the NFL’s more unusual quarterback journeys, eventually becoming a respected spot starter after entering the league as an undrafted player years earlier. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports.

The Vikings saw Heinicke a couple of years later when he led the Falcons — the game when Joshua Dobbs Mania took hold.

Coley added, “He threw for more than 300 yards, including a diving touchdown at the goal line that instantly became one of the franchise’s most iconic playoff moments. That game helped turn him into a fan favorite in Washington.”

“Heinicke started 15 games in 2021 and helped lead Washington to several key wins during his time with the team, including a 2022 Monday Night Football victory over the previously undefeated Philadelphia Eagles.”

Heinicke also borrowed former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins‘ chain gimmick in 2022: