Scott Tolzien

Scott Tolzien
refer to caption
Tolzien with the Indianapolis Colts in 2016
Dallas Cowboys
Position:Quarterbacks coach
Personal information
Born: (1987-09-04) September 4, 1987 (age 37)
Rolling Meadows, Illinois, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:215 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High school:William Fremd (Palatine, Illinois)
College:Wisconsin (2006–2010)
Undrafted:2011
Career history
As a player:
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
As a coach:
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Passing attempts:146
Passing completions:88
Completion percentage:60.3
TD–INT:2–9
Passing yards:1,065
Passer rating:61.6
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Scott Jeffery Tolzien (born September 4, 1987) is an American former professional football quarterback and coach who is the quarterbacks coach for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Wisconsin. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He was also a member of the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, and Indianapolis Colts.

Early life

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Tolzien was a two-star recruit out of William Fremd High School, located in Palatine, Illinois, a suburb northwest of Chicago.[1] He made official visits to the University of Kentucky and the University of Toledo, but he did not attract many offers from major universities. He chose to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison.[2]

College career

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Tolzien attended and played college football for the University of Wisconsin from 2006–2010.[3]

2006 season

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As a true freshman at Wisconsin in 2006, Tolzien was redshirted and did not play.[4]

2007 season

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Tolzien (center) listens to the offensive coordinator with fellow Wisconsin quarterback Dustin Sherer (#18) in 2007

Tolzien did not play in any games for Wisconsin in 2007, as Wisconsin had Tyler Donovan, Allan Evridge, and Dustin Sherer at quarterback.[5]

2008 season

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After Allan Evridge was benched following his performances against Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State, Tolzien saw his first major action for Wisconsin against Iowa in Kinnick Stadium. He completed 5 passes on 8 attempts, but threw an interception in the red zone.[6] Dustin Sherer eventually took charge of the Badgers, who finished the season 7–6.[7]

2009 season

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Tolzien huddles in 2009

The winner of a spring quarterback competition, Tolzien beat out starter Sherer in 2009. He set the Wisconsin record for completions in a single season, with 211, and passed for 2,705 yards.[8] Under Tolzien's leadership, Wisconsin finished the season at 9–3.[9] He threw a pair of interceptions that were returned for touchdowns in a loss at Ohio State and threw three interceptions against Iowa the following week.[10][11] Despite this, Tolzien played well in games against Michigan, Minnesota, and Michigan State, and was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts against Michigan State.[12][13][14]

Tolzien finished the 2009 season in a 20–14 win over Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl, completing 19 passes on 26 attempts as the Badgers knocked off the higher-ranked Hurricanes.[15]

2010 season

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After a disappointing effort against Michigan State, Tolzien improved week after week as the Badgers won their next 7 games, to finish the year 11–1.[16][17] Against a top 5 Ohio State defense, Tolzien completed 13 of 16 passes. His efforts led the Badgers to an eventual upset of then top-ranked Ohio State.[18] The next week against Iowa, Tolzien again had a solid game, completing 20 passes on 26 attempts for 205 yards and a touchdown. Most impressively, Tolzien led the Badgers down the field for the game-winning touchdown with Wisconsin's running game stifled by Iowa's defense.[19] In his final home start, against the Northwestern Wildcats, Tolzien completed 15 passes on 19 attempts for 230 yards with four touchdown passes.[20]

Tolzien made his final collegiate start at Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl against one of the top defenses in the nation, TCU. He finished the game with 12 completions out of 21 attempts for 159 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions and a rating of 120.7 for the game, and the Horned Frogs won, 21–19. Tolzein completed his college career at the East-West Shrine Game on January 22, 2011.[21]

Tolzien won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in 2010, edging out finalists Andy Dalton of TCU, Colin Kaepernick of Nevada, Christian Ponder of Florida State, and Ricky Stanzi of Iowa,[22][23] In 2010, he set a new Wisconsin record for completion percentage in a single season, completing 74.3% of his passes in 12 regular season games. Tolzien ranked 4th nationally in passer rating, and led the nation in completion percentage.

College statistics

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Wisconsin Badgers
Season Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Record Cmp Att Yds Pct TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
2006 0 0 — Redshirted
2007 0 0 — DNP
2008 3 0 — 5 8 107 62.5 0 1 149.9 4 13 3.3 1
2009 13 13 10–3 211 328 2,705 64.3 16 11 143.0 54 8 0.1 2
2010 13 13 11–2 194 266 2,459 72.9 16 6 165.9 30 −30 −1.0 0
Total 29 26 21–5 410 602 5,271 68.1 32 18 153.2 88 -9 -0.1 3

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Wonderlic
6 ft 2 in
(1.88 m) 		212 lb
(96 kg) 		30+1⁄2 in
(0.77 m) 		10 in
(0.25 m)		 5.06 s 1.79 s 2.96 s 4.12 s 6.84 s 29.5 in
(0.75 m)		 9 ft 8 in
(2.95 m)		 38[24]
All values are from NFL Combine[25][26]

San Diego Chargers

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After going undrafted in the 2011 NFL draft, Tolzien signed with the San Diego Chargers on July 26, 2011.[27] He threw for 302 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the preseason.[28] On September 3, 2011, Tolzien was released by the Chargers during final team cuts.[29]

San Francisco 49ers

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Tolzien with the 49ers in 2012
See also: 2012 San Francisco 49ers season

On September 4, 2011, Tolzien was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco 49ers.[30] He became the 49ers third-string quarterback behind starter Alex Smith and backup Colin Kaepernick. He remained with San Francisco after the conclusion of the 2012 preseason, still slotted as the team's third-string quarterback. He was on the roster for the 49ers appearance in Super Bowl XLVII. On August 26, 2013, Tolzien was waived by the 49ers.[31]

Green Bay Packers

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Tolzien was signed to the Green Bay Packers practice squad on September 1, 2013.[32] After Aaron Rodgers suffered a clavicle injury, the Packers brought him up from the practice squad to the active roster. On November 10, 2013, Tolzien entered a game after an early injury to Rodgers's backup Seneca Wallace.[33]

Tolzien with the Packers in 2014

In his regular season debut, Tolzien completed 24-of-39 attempts for 280 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in a 27–13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, earning him the start in the Packers' next game against the New York Giants.[34] Against the Giants, Tolzien was 24 of 34 and threw for 339 yards, but also threw 3 interceptions in a 27–13 loss.[35] The next week against the Vikings, Tolzien performed a spin move during a touchdown run before being relieved by quarterback Matt Flynn who led the Packers to a 26–26 tie against their divisional rival.[36][37][38]

In the 2015 season, he appeared in three games for the Packers and had very limited roles.[39]

Indianapolis Colts

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On March 11, 2016, Tolzien signed a two-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts worth $3.50 million with $500,000 guaranteed.[40][41] Due to a concussion to Andrew Luck, Tolzien made his first start for the Colts on Thanksgiving on November 24, 2016, throwing for 205 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in a 28–7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.[42]

With Luck being inactive due to a shoulder injury, Tolzien was named the starting quarterback to begin the 2017 season.[43] On September 10, 2017, he started the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Tolzien had 128 passing yards with two interceptions returned for touchdowns, until being benched in favor for Jacoby Brissett. The Colts lost by a score of 46–9.[44] Brissett started the next game against the Arizona Cardinals with Tolzien as the backup. After being benched, Tolzien had no more action in 2017. At the end of the year the Colts elected not to renew his contract, and he became a free agent.[45]

Birmingham Iron

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On November 27, 2018, Tolzien was selected by the Birmingham Iron of the Alliance of American Football in the third round of the 2019 AAF QB Draft.[46]

Tolzien never played a down for the Iron as he retired before training camp began; the league would shut down abruptly eight weeks into its season.[47]

NFL career statistics

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Year Team Games Passing Rushing Fumbles
GP GS Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD Fum Lost
2011 SF 0 0 DNP
2012 SF 0 0 DNP
2013 GB 3 2 55 90 61.1 717 8.0 1 5 66.8 5 55 11.0 1 0 0
2014 GB 0 0 DNP
2015 GB 3 0 1 1 100.0 4 4.0 0 0 83.3 3 −3 −1.0 0 1 0
2016 IND 3 1 23 37 62.2 216 5.8 1 2 64.7 6 3 0.5 0 1 0
2017 IND 1 1 9 18 50 128 7.1 0 2 33.8 2 2 1.0 0 1 0
Total 10 4 88 146 60.3 1,065 7.3 2 9 61.6 16 57 3.6 1 3 0

Coaching career

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The Wisconsin Badgers hired Tolzien as an analyst to work on scouting opponents in 2019.[48]

After the hiring of new Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy, Tolzien joined their coaching staff under his former head coach as a coaching assistant. On February 24, 2023, Tolzien was promoted to quarterbacks coach.[49]

References

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  1. ^ LeGere, Bob (March 11, 2016). "Fremd product Scott Tolzien signs with Indianapolis Colts". Daily Herald. Archived from the original on January 28, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  2. ^ Chase, Chris (November 10, 2013). "9 things you need to know about new Packers quarterback Scott Tolzien". USA Today. Archived from the original on June 6, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  3. ^ "Scott Tolzien College Stats". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on January 28, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  4. ^ "Scott Tolzien". Wisconsin Badgers Athletics. Archived from the original on January 4, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  5. ^ "2007 Wisconsin Badgers Stats". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on January 28, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  6. ^ "Wisconsin at Iowa Box Score, October 18, 2008". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on January 28, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  7. ^ "2008 Wisconsin Badgers Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  8. ^ "Scott Tolzien 2009 Game Log". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on January 28, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  9. ^ "2009 Wisconsin Badgers Schedule and Results". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 10, 2023. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  10. ^ "Wisconsin at Ohio State Box Score, October 10, 2009". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on January 28, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  11. ^ "Iowa at Wisconsin Box Score, October 17, 2009". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on January 28, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  12. ^ "Michigan at Wisconsin Box Score, November 14, 2009". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on January 28, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  13. ^ "Wisconsin at Minnesota Box Score, October 3, 2009". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on April 11, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
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  16. ^ "Wisconsin at Michigan State Box Score, October 2, 2010". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on January 28, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
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  20. ^ "Northwestern at Wisconsin Box Score, November 27, 2010". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on January 28, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
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  22. ^ "Tolzien named finalist for Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award". Wisconsin Badgers Athletics. November 22, 2010. Archived from the original on November 10, 2013. Retrieved November 30, 2010.
  23. ^ "Scott Tolzien wins Unitas Golden Arm Award". Wisconsin Badgers Athletics. December 6, 2010. Archived from the original on September 7, 2015. Retrieved December 7, 2010.
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  25. ^ "Scott Tolzien Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  26. ^ "2011 Draft Scout Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". draftscout.com. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  27. ^ "Chargers reach agreement with college FAs". Chargers.com. July 26, 2011. Retrieved November 4, 2016.[permanent dead link‍]
  28. ^ "Scott Tolzien: 2011 Game Logs". NFL.com. Archived from the original on November 5, 2016. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  29. ^ "Chargers cut roster to 53". Chargers.com. September 3, 2011. Archived from the original on November 5, 2016. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  30. ^ Inman, Cam (September 4, 2011). "San Francisco 49ers notebook: 49ers claim Scott Tolzien off waivers". The Mercury News. Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  31. ^ Price, Taylor (August 23, 2013). "49ers waive five players". 49ers.com. Archived from the original on November 5, 2016. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  32. ^ Wesseling, Chris (September 1, 2013). "Practice squad roundup: Greg McElroy Bengal-bound". NFL.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2013.
  33. ^ Hanzus, Dan (November 5, 2013). "Scott Tolzien activated to Packers' 53-man roster". NFL.com. Archived from the original on September 8, 2015. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  34. ^ Breech, John (November 10, 2013). "Packers QB Scott Tolzien will start in Week 11 vs. Giants". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on June 10, 2015. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  35. ^ "Green Bay Packers at New York Giants – November 17th, 2013". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on August 29, 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  36. ^ Wesseling, Chris (November 18, 2013). "Scott Tolzien will start for Packers in Week 12 vs. Vikes". NFL.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  37. ^ Pelissero, Tom (November 24, 2013). "Matt Flynn helps Packers salvage 26–26 tie with Vikings". USA Today. Archived from the original on May 15, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  38. ^ "Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – November 24th, 2013". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 28, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  39. ^ "Scott Tolzien 2015 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 28, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  40. ^ Wesseling, Chris (March 11, 2016). "Indianapolis Colts sign former Packers QB Scott Tolzien". NFL.com. Archived from the original on March 12, 2016. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
  41. ^ "Scott Tolzien". Spotrac.com. Archived from the original on April 9, 2016. Retrieved March 26, 2016.
  42. ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts – November 24th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 10, 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  43. ^ Seligman, Noah (September 4, 2017). "Scott Tolzien gets Starting QB Job for Indianapolis Colts". Badger of Honor. Archived from the original on July 15, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  44. ^ Bergman, Jeremy (September 10, 2017). "Scott Tolzien has lousy start as Colts fall to Rams". NFL.com. Archived from the original on September 12, 2017. Retrieved September 10, 2017.
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  46. ^ Crabtree, Curtis (November 27, 2018). "Christian Hackenberg, Scott Tolzien, Zach Mettenberger selected in AAF quarterback draft". Profootballtalk.com. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  47. ^ @aafiron (February 10, 2019). "Scott Tolzien retired prior to training camp" (Tweet). Retrieved February 10, 2019 – via Twitter.
  48. ^ Galloway, Jason (June 26, 2019). "Badgers to hire former Wisconsin and NFL quarterback Scott Tolzien as analyst". Wisconsin State Journal. Archived from the original on August 29, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  49. ^ Williams, Madison (February 22, 2023). "Report: Cowboys Make Decision on New Quarterbacks Coach". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
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