Zack Wilson’s near-perfect college career catapulted him to early stardom. From a barely known (and scouted) player to the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft.
The unique-styled QB earned a lucrative 4-year contract with the New York Jets on July 29, 2021, just a few days before his 22nd birthday.
Despite a glittering start, the Utah-born quarterback's career didn’t go as planned. After a hugely disappointing three seasons, the Jets traded him to the Denver Broncos.
His Broncos career hasn’t taken off as well, as the once instrumental player has had to settle for the emergency QB role in the 2024 season.
Does the slowly fading QB have what it takes to re-establish himself as one of the game’s most promising QBs? Only time will tell.
This article examines Wilson’s rise from an average player to one of the country’s most promising college quarterbacks. It also sheds more light on his private life and assesses its role in his professional career.
Who is Zach Wilson? Early Life and Career Beginnings
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Birth and family:
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Born on August 3, 1999, in Draper, Utah.
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Son of Mike Wilson, a former University of Utah defensive lineman, and Lisa Wilson, an influencer.
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Football roots:
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Started playing flag football at age 5 under his father's coaching.
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Starred as quarterback at Corner Canyon High School, earning the 5A MVP title.
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College success:
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Became BYU’s youngest starting quarterback.
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Overcame injuries to lead BYU to an elite 2020 season:
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Finalist for the Manning Award.
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Co-winner of Polynesian College Player of the Year.
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Achieved a 73.5% completion rate and 196.4 passing efficiency.
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Overview
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Family and beginnings: Born on August 3, 1999, in Draper, Utah, to Mike and Lisa Wilson. His father, a former University of Utah defensive lineman, coached Zach’s flag football team and nurtured his skills as a quarterback.
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High school and college: Excelled at Corner Canyon High School, earning 5A MVP and leading his team to a regional championship. At BYU, he became the youngest starting quarterback, overcoming injuries to deliver a standout 2020 season.
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Key achievements:
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Finalist for the Manning Award and semifinalist for Maxwell and Walter Camp awards.
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Co-won Polynesian College Player of the Year with a 73.5% completion rate and 196.4 passing efficiency.
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Ranked among the nation’s top quarterbacks in multiple statistical categories.
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Path to the NFL: Drafted second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the New York Jets after a record-breaking college career.
Professional Career Challenges
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New York Jets:
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Showed promise during his rookie season, securing his first win in Week 4 against the Tennessee Titans.
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Struggled with consistency, ending with more interceptions than touchdowns and losing his starting position.
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Denver Broncos:
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Traded in 2024, now serving as the third-choice quarterback behind Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham.
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Faces challenges in reclaiming a prominent role in the NFL.
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Zach Wilson’s Stats with the Denver Broncos
Since joining the Broncos in 2024, Wilson has yet to feature competitively despite making Sean Payton’s 53-man roster. The faltering quarterback is already the third-choice option behind Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham, and his work is cut out if he is to force his way back to the coach’s plans.
Zach Wilson’s Age and Physical Profile
Zach Wilson was born on August 3 in Draper, Utah. The right-handed Denver Broncos quarterback weighs 214 lb (97 kg) and is 1.88m tall (6’2). Although Wilson compares to his direct competitor's pound for pound, his passing accuracy keeps him down. He’s also not the fastest QB, as he managed a 4.84 40-yard time.
Zack Wilson’s 40-Yard Dash Time
The 25-year-old QB recorded an ordinary 4.84 forty-yard time on a pro day but made up for his lack of pace with his movement and accuracy. A big part of Wilson’s game is his throws, which he is tipped to improve on once he secures a consistent starting position.
Wilson managed an elite 4.71 40-yard time, instrumental in his pocket movements in his prime career game as a BYU junior. It will be interesting to see how Wilson adapts his game to the high demands of the NFL.
Zach Wilson’s Contract with the Denver Broncos
Wilson was initially drafted by the Jets (2nd overall pick) in the 2021 NFL Draft, signing a 4-year contract with the option of a fifth. The Jets ultimately elected against invoking the 5th year option and instead traded the faltering quarterback with the Broncos.
As per the initial deal, Wilson is set to earn $35.15 million, including a $22.92 million signing bonus, as per Sportskeeda. The annual salary for the fully guaranteed contract is around $8.78 million.
As part of the pick-swap deal with the Jets, the Broncos agreed to pay half of Wilson's salary. This means both teams will fork out $2.72 million during the 2024 season to pay $5.45 million.
According to Spotrac, Wilson’s total career earnings as of August 2024 are $29.69 million. Overthecap ranked Wilson’s contract as 27/108 at QB, making him one of the top-earning rookie QBs from the 2021 class.
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Zach Wilson’s Personal Life: Wife and Family
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Engagement with Nicolette Dellano:
- Zach Wilson proposed to Nicolette Dellano during a trip to the Amalfi Coast, Italy.
- The couple has been together since June 2022.
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Romantic History and Drama:
- Previously dated high school sweetheart Abbey Gile, but they split in 2022 amid rumors and accusations.
- Gile is now engaged to Wilson’s former BYU teammate, Dax Milne, shortly after Wilson’s engagement.
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Supportive Family:
- Son of influencer Lisa Wilson and coach Mike Wilson, with five siblings.
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Charitable Efforts:
- Actively supports charities and attended a GSM charity auction in 2022.
Latest News on Zach Wilson and the Denver Broncos
Zach Wilson has had a relatively uneventful 2024 season. The biggest news was his trade from the New York Jets to the Broncos, which hasn’t entirely gone according to plan. While Wilson wasn’t expected to walk straight into the Broncos' first team, no one saw him filling in as an emergency quarterback either.
Broncos coach Sean Payton remains adamant that Wilson has the potential to challenge for the starting role. Unfortunately for the ex-Jet’s QB, no game time has come his way since joining the Broncos.
Zach Wilson’s Future in the NFL
Zach’s rookie contract hasn’t gone according to plan, which explains Jet’s decision not to activate the one-year extension. The Broncos drafted Bo Nix with their first-round selection before naming him the starter. This left Wilson competing for QB2 duties with Jarrett Stidham.
While Wilson has had to settle for the emergency QB role, it’s much better than being relegated to the practice squad or waiver wire. As long as Wilson keeps training well, he’ll get his chance sooner or later.
Once his chance comes, Wilson’s on-field influence will determine whether or not he can revive his otherwise fading career. However, as coach Payton defined him during pre-season, the quarterback has a strong arm and enormous potential, evident from his first career game. Whether his full potential will be unlocked as a Broncos quarterback remains to be seen.
FAQs on Zach Wilson, Denver Broncos Quarterback
Is Zack Wilson in a Relationship?
Zack Wilson is in a severe relationship with Nicolette Dellano, who he proposed to in June 2023. Nicolette is one of the top designers at Morgan & Co. in NYC and has been spotted multiple times enjoying quality time with her fiance. The two are yet to announce when they plan to tie the knot.
Are Isaac Wilson and Zack Wilson Brothers?
Isaac Wilson, Utah’s fill-in QB, is Zack Wilson’s younger brother. Although not expected to get much playing time, Isaac Wilson has stepped in to cover for Utah’s injured first-choice QB Cam Rising.
How Many Career Starts Does Zach Wilson Have?
Despite being selected second overall in the 2021 NFL draft by the New York Jets, Zach Wilson has only managed 33 career starts. His starts came during his three-year stint with the Jets before being traded to the Denver Broncos in 2024. Wilson only threw for eight touchdowns in his final season with the Jets.
Final Thoughts on Zach Wilson, Denver Broncos Quarterback
Once a guaranteed starting QB for the BYU Cougars and Jets, Wilson has endured one of the trickiest seasons of his career. But if history is anything to go by, the faltering QB has all it takes to re-establish himself as one of the fiercest QBs in the country.
For now, Wilson has to keep training and wait for his opportunity. The good thing with Wilson is his 'will' to prove doubters wrong. From overcoming shoulder surgery and a fractured finger to becoming one of the deadliest college quarterbacks, there is no denying the 25-year-old's enormous potential. But whether the quarterback rediscovers his old form and cements his status as a generational talent remains to be seen.
That’s everything you need to know about Broncos QB Zach Wilson for now; we’ll keep you updated on any new developments in his career. Check out our other stories and articles to follow upcoming games and stay in the know.
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