Chad Pennington

James Chadwick "Chad" Pennington (born June 26, 1976) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for eleven seasons. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round, as the eighteenth overall selection in the 2000 NFL Draft.

He played college football at Marshall University. Pennington won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award twice, in 2006 and 2008. In 2008, he finished second in MVP voting to Peyton Manning. At the time of his retirement, Pennington was the NFL's all-time leader in career completion percentage at 66.0% among quarterbacks with at least 1,500 pass attempts, being surpassed by Drew Brees during the 2014 season.

Pennington's father, Elwood, was a physical education teacher and football coach at Halls High School, and his mother, Denise, a teacher at the Webb School of Knoxville. Pennington's first sport was basketball, which he began playing in the third grade. Both of Pennington's parents are of English descent. He began playing football in his freshman year in high school. His parents decided to have him repeat the eighth grade when he was enrolled at the Webb School of Knoxville due to the school's intense academic program. Pennington played baseball, basketball, and football at Webb but knew he had a better chance at getting into college via football.

He was recruited by only two colleges, Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, both NCAA Division I-AA schools. In 1995, he went to a training camp at Marshall University, his parents' alma mater, where he was noticed by head football coach Jim Donnan and offered a scholarship.

Originally the Thundering Herd's fourth-string quarterback in 1995 and slated to be redshirted, Pennington led Marshall to the NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship game which Marshall lost to Montana, 22–20. The following year, Pennington was redshirted in favor of Eric Kresser, a transfer from the Florida Gators, who guided the Herd's return to the I-AA Championship game in 1996. Pennington returned to play in 1997 as Marshall moved from Division I-AA to Division I-A. Pennington led Marshall to the school's first bowl game victory in a 48–29 rout of Louisville in the 1998 Motor City Bowl. Pennington was named the game's MVP. In his senior year (1999), Marshall went undefeated at 13–0 as Pennington led the team to its third consecutive Mid-American Conference championship. Pennington and Marshall returned to Pontiac, Michigan for the 1999 Motor City Bowl, where they won, 21–3, over BYU, capping Pennington's undefeated senior season.

Pennington set school records in several passing categories. He finished fifth in 1999 Heisman Trophy voting. Randy Moss was Pennington's top receiver at Marshall. Pennington finished his career at Marshall with 1,026 of 1,619 completions for 13,423 yards and 115 touchdowns with only 45 interceptions.

In addition to his success on the football field, Pennington excelled academically, graduating with a degree in journalism, a 3.83 grade point average and becoming a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship. He wrote frequently for Marshall's newspaper The Parthenon and was a broadcaster for the school's radio station WMUL, although he used a pseudonym on air so as not to be distracting.

College statistics

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2000 NFL Draft

Pennington was selected by the New York Jets in the first round and was the 18th overall pick of the 2000 NFL draft. He was the first quarterback taken. ESPN created a film about the 2000 NFL Draft, notably the six quarterbacks, of which Pennington was one, selected ahead of Tom Brady, called the Brady 6.

New York Jets

2000–2003

After making only three appearances during his first two seasons, Chad emerged as the Jets' starting quarterback after filling in for Vinny Testaverde, during the fifth game of the 2002 season. Pennington helped reverse the Jets' fortunes by leading the 1–4 team to an eventual 9–7 record and an AFC East division championship. Despite playing less than a full season, Pennington threw for 3,120 yards with 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. His 104.2 quarterback rating set a team record. Pennington led the Jets to a first round 41–0 decision over the Indianapolis Colts in that season's playoffs.

After their 2002 performance, Pennington and the Jets were given lofty expectations entering the 2003 pre-season; however, in the fourth pre-season game against the New York Giants, Pennington endured a fracture-dislocation on his left (non-throwing) hand after suffering a hit from linebacker Brandon Short. The injury forced him to miss the first six games of the season. Due to the severity of the injury, and a rushed rehab process, Pennington's wrist would never be the same, and his once outstanding play-fake became thoroughly ordinary. Without their starting QB, the Jets began the season 1-4. Despite his return, the Jets only won five more games to finish 6-10.

2004 season

Into the 2004 season, the Jets signed Pennington to a team-record contract for seven years and $64.2 million, which seemed to pay immediate dividends, as Pennington led the Jets to a 5–0 record. However, during a Week 9 game against the Buffalo Bills, Pennington injured his rotator cuff and subsequently missed three games. Second string quarterback Quincy Carter was 2-1 in Pennington's absence. After returning to action with a rout of the Houston Texans Pennington struggled the rest of the season, giving rise to speculation that Pennington's shoulder was not fully healed. Even after a scuffle with the New York media and losses to the New England Patriots and the St. Louis Rams, the Jets earned a wild card berth with a 10–6 record. Pennington then led the Jets to a first-round, 20–17 overtime win against the AFC West Champion San Diego Chargers, as he went 23–33, for 279 yards and two touchdowns. Pennington then faced the 15–1 Steelers at Pittsburgh. Despite the Jets' offensive struggles and facing a 10–0 deficit, the Jets defense and special teams rallied to score 17 unanswered points. However, Pennington and the Jets would see their season end with kicker Doug Brien missing two potential game-winning field goals. The Steelers went on to win in overtime, the third overtime in a row for the Jets.

Pennington feuded with the local New York media throughout the season. During a news conference on December 20, 2004, Pennington scolded the assembled media, telling them it was 'not (their) right' but a 'privilege' of theirs to cover the Jets, 'to be around a bunch of professional athletes every day and do your job'.

2005 season

Pennington underwent surgery on his right shoulder in Birmingham, Alabama on February 4, 2005. It was later revealed that he had suffered a substantial tear in the right rotator cuff, as well as a large bone spur on that shoulder. A dismal performance against the Kansas City Chiefs in September and a lackluster one against the Miami Dolphins the following week led to speculation that the shoulder had yet to fully heal, but both Pennington and Jets coach Herman Edwards denied this, citing a lack of pre-season practice and Pennington's less-than-full grasp of new offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger's plays. On September 25, 2005, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Pennington once again suffered an injury, although he re-entered the game later and almost led the Jets to victory despite not throwing well. However, tests later showed another tear in his rotator cuff.

On October 6, 2005, Pennington once again underwent surgery to repair his right shoulder. Pennington and the Jets expected that with more rehabilitation time than his first surgery, he would have better strength and control with his throws entering the 2006 season. In the midst of the eventually-resolved labor talks of February–March 2006, Pennington restructured his contract with the New York Jets to ensure he remained with the team for at least the 2006 season. Pennington was reported to have taken a significant cut in pay, with the amounts lost recoverable by way of achievable incentives; however, the Jets organization does not comment on contractual issues.

2006 season

Chad Pennington on the sideline during a November 26, 2006 home game

Entering the 2006 season, Pennington trained with new throwing coaches, and worked significantly on the strength of his torso and throwing mechanics. During training camp, new head coach Eric Mangini told players and the press that the quarterback position was still uncertain, and that all four Jets quarterbacks (Chad Pennington, Patrick Ramsey, Brooks Bollinger, and Kellen Clemens) had a chance to be the starter. The Jets medical staff limited Pennington's throws to ensure the safety of his shoulder.

Pennington won the Jets pre-season quarterback competition, and started the 2006 season in pre-injury form. In the first two weeks of the season, and for the first time in his career, Pennington posted back-to-back 300-yard passing games. Pennington's Week One performance against Tennessee earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. In Week 15 in Minnesota, Pennington passed for a career high 339 yards.

Pennington reached career highs for completions, passing attempts, and passing yardage with 3,352 yards, starting all sixteen games.

Although his lack of arm strength was often criticized, Pennington's abilities fit well with the new offense instituted by offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Using a short passing game and taking advantage of the "yards after catch" ability of wide receivers Laveranues Coles, Jerricho Cotchery, and running back Leon Washington, Pennington led the Jets to a 10–6 record and a playoff berth as a wild card team, a significant improvement over their 4-12 mark in 2005.

The Jets took on the Patriots in their lone playoff game. The Jets lost 37–16, with Pennington passing for 300 yards and a touchdown. With the start, Pennington also became the Jets' all-time leader in postseason starts by a quarterback with five.

For his stellar season, Pennington was awarded the Comeback Player of the Year Award, just one year after tearing his rotator cuff. He received 27 of the 50 votes cast, finishing far ahead of the 8.5 votes received by second-place finisher Drew Brees.

2007 season

The 2007 season was a tumultuous one for Pennington. In the first game of the season, against the Patriots, Pennington suffered a high ankle sprain that kept him out of game two. In the third game, against the Miami Dolphins, he led the Jets to a 31–28 victory, throwing two touchdowns and running for a third. After a 17–14 loss to the Bills in Week 4, he threw three interceptions against the Giants in Week 5, giving him five interceptions in two games. Two weeks later, he threw a costly interception late in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals. After leading the Jets to a dismal 1–7 start, coach Eric Mangini decided to bench Pennington for second-year quarterback Kellen Clemens. Clemens suffered a rib injury during a Week 15 matchup against the New England Patriots, resulting in Pennington's return to game action. Pennington finished the game completing 25 of 38 pass attempts for 184 yards. He also threw for more yards and fewer interceptions than opposing quarterback Tom Brady, who was on his way to an MVP season, but that day was 14–27 for 140 yards with one interception. Pennington started the next week at Tennessee, where the Jets lost 6–10. Clemens replaced Pennington for the final game of the season against the Chiefs. Pennington finished the 2007 season with 1765 yards, 10 TDs, 9 INTs and a passer rating of 86.1.

In 2008, upon entering training camp, Eric Mangini announced a competition for the starting quarterback position between Pennington and Clemens. However, on August 7, 2008, the Jets acquired veteran and former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, leading to Pennington's release later that day.

Miami Dolphins

2008 season

Pennington (right) with Miami Dolphins quarterbacks coach David Lee in 2009.

Upon his release from the Jets, it was reported that at least six teams were interested in Pennington. However, only the Minnesota Vikings and the Miami Dolphins were considered as serious contenders. On August 8, Pennington signed a two-year, $11.5 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano said that Pennington would have to compete for the starting job. He was later announced as the starting quarterback as the Dolphins moved into the regular season. His 67.4 completion percentage lead the NFL and broke the Miami single-season 64.2 by Dan Marino in 1984. He finished the season with a passer rating of 97.4, started all sixteen games for the Dolphins, and led them to an 11–5 record and the third seed in the playoffs with an AFC East Championship. The Dolphins went on to lose to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the playoffs, 27–9. He was the first Dolphins quarterback since Hall of Famer Dan Marino to throw for 3,500 yards. For his role in the Dolphins' ten-win turnaround, Pennington received notable MVP consideration from several major media outlets. He received four votes, and finished tied for second with running back Michael Turner for the 2008 AP NFL MVP. The winner of the award, Peyton Manning, received 32 votes.

At the completion of the regular season, Pennington was awarded his second Comeback Player of the Year Award.

2009 season

Pennington (#10) with fellow 2009 Dolphins team captains Jason Taylor, Joey Porter and Jason Ferguson.

Pennington was the starter for the Miami Dolphins 2009 season, with Pat White as the second string, and Chad Henne as the third string. On September 27, 2009 against the San Diego Chargers, during the third quarter Pennington injured the same shoulder on which he had two previous surgeries. Chad Henne served as his replacement in the 23–13 loss.

On September 28, Pennington went in for an MRI amidst speculation of a season-ending injury. On September 29, 2009 it was announced that initial results show a torn capsule in his throwing shoulder. After seeking a second opinion, Pennington decided to go with a third surgery on the shoulder. Pennington later said that although he was not sure if he would play again, he would try and rehabilitate the shoulder and work on getting back to the NFL. He was officially placed on the IR and the Dolphins acquired Tyler Thigpen from the Kansas City Chiefs for an undisclosed 2010 draft pick.

2010 season

On March 5, 2010, Pennington was re-signed by the Dolphins to a one-year deal. The deal would pay him $5.75 million if he had started, $4.2 million if he had been traded by the team, or $2.5 million as a back-up, to Chad Henne.

On November 10, 2010, Pennington was named the starting quarterback for the November 14 game against the Tennessee Titans. On his first play, Pennington suffered a severe shoulder injury. The injury was potentially career-ending.

2011 season

Pennington attempted another comeback to the NFL in 2011. However, on March 31, 2011, he tore his ACL while playing a game of pick-up basketball. Pennington announced that he would work for Fox Sports as an analyst during the 2011 NFL football season. On February 9, 2012, he announced he would retire rather than attempt a comeback following his fourth shoulder surgery.

Career statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

• 2× AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2006, 2008)
• 2× PFWA NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2006, 2008)
• PFWA Most Improved Player of the Year (2002)
• 2× NFL Pass Completion Percentage Leader (2002, 2008)
• NFL Passer Rating Leader (2002)
• 47th "Perfect Game" in NFL History (on November 16, 2003 vs Indianapolis Colts)

Pennington married his college girlfriend, Robin Hampton, on March 1, 2001. He famously brought his Jets' playbook on his honeymoon. The couple have three sons together. Pennington and his family currently reside in Woodford County, Kentucky.

1st and 10 Foundation

Chad and Robin Pennington created the 1st and 10 Foundation in 2003 with the mission to build stronger communities by funding programs and institutions that seek to improve quality of life throughout West Virginia, Tennessee, and the New York metropolitan area. Since its inception in 2003, the foundation has given more than half a million dollars to different charitable organizations.

Stock contractor

Pennington created #10 Bucking Bulls with partner JW Hart. He hauled bulls to the PBR Finals several times, with the most famous being #121, Cat Man Do.