The New York Jets have signed Northwestern QB Ben Bryant as their 4th QB heading into the 2024 season. This addition is a boost to the Jets’ QB bench comprising Aaron Rodgers, Tyrod Taylor, and Andrew Peasley. Though the Jets have not shared details of the young QB’s contract, his hard work has finally paid off.

Following in his father’s footsteps, a brilliant footballer during his college days, Bryant started playing football when he attended Lyons Township High School in North Spring, Illinois, and his family supported him throughout the ups and downs of his football journey.

Ben Bryant’s family background

Benjamin Sean Bryant was born to Sean and Laura Bryant on September 17, 1999, in La Grange, Illinois. Ben’s father played as a walk-on long snapper on the EMU Football team. You can assume his talent based on the fact that he won the Harold E. Sponberg Award and was co-winner of the Outstanding Teams Special Award in 1990. Little did Sean know that he was collecting inspirational memorabilia for the future. Topping up his excellent sportsmanship with academics, Sean completed college with a major in Business Administration. While studying at EMU, he met Laura, the love of his life. The two formed a lifelong relationship there and had 3 children. Details about Laura’s life are unknown, but in raising Ben, Laura played an equal role by being a pillar of support.

Inspired by his father’s achievements and encouragement from his mother, Ben played football with his brother, Jordan, and sister, Abby, during childhood. While Jordan is serving his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps, Abby plays sports like her brother and is a qualified swimmer. Having disciplined siblings pushed Ben to do his best way on the football field. Congratulating his younger brother when he became a Marine, the QB called him one of the hardest workers he had ever seen in his life.

Speaking of hard work, Ben’s passion and sheer grit shone through when he passed out of school as a 3-star recruit. His impressive football exploits got him a scholarship to study at Madison University. Another university offered a spot. When he tweeted about dual options, Madison pulled back its offer. And he ultimately signed up with the University of Cincinnati.

Ben Bryant comes to the NFL with vast experience in college football

From 2018 to 2020, Desmond Ridder started most games for the Cincinnati team, whereas Ben’s role was limited to being a side watcher. In 2021, after moving to EMU, he climbed the achievement ranks just like his father. He stood out with a 68.4% pass completion rate for 3,121 yards and 14 TDs. A proud achievement for the boy.

He returned to the Bearcats for 1 year before moving to the Northwestern University team. Named as Las Vegas Bowl MVP in 2023, his gameplay acumen was on full display in the season’s last collegiate game. He went 222 yards and made 2 TDs. His game-winning touchdown in the 4th quarter with 6:19 to play was a delight to spectators. No NFL team signed him in the 2024 NFL draft. Yet he persevered and has signed up with the Jets now.

Dreams do become reality if you don’t give up. 2024 is a big year for the athlete. And a culmination of the efforts of his parents as their son is now in the world’s biggest football league.