Gardner Minshew

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Gardner Flint Minshew II (born May 16, 1996) is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. He grew up in Brandon, Mississippi, and played college football at Northwest Mississippi Community College, East Carolina, and Washington State, where he thrived in Mike Leach’s air‑raid system.

In college, Minshew set Pac-12 single‑season records for passing yards and completions with Washington State and won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He was also named Pac‑12 Offensive Player of the Year and earned a top five finish in Heisman voting.

The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Minshew in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL draft (178th overall). He became the starter during his rookie season after Nick Foles was hurt, and he quickly made an impression with a strong debut and several record-setting moments. In 2019 he helped the Jaguars win several games and finished his rookie year with solid passing and rushing numbers.

In 2020, Minshew remained with the Jaguars as the starting quarterback but dealt with injuries and a team that struggled at times. He appeared in nine games that season before the Jaguars rebuilt at the position.

The Philadelphia Eagles acquired Minshew in 2021. He started one game in the 2021 season and then served as a backup in 2022. In 2023, he joined the Indianapolis Colts and started 13 games, posting career highs and earning a Pro Bowl nod as an alternate.

Minshew signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024. He started a few games but dealt with ups and downs and injuries, and he was released in March 2025.

On March 17, 2025, Minshew signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as a backup behind Patrick Mahomes. He started in Week 16 after Mahomes was sidelined by injury, but a season‑ending tibial plateau fracture ended his year.

Personal note: He is known as Minshew II because his father is Gardner Minshew Sr. He is a devout Christian and is famous for his distinctive look, including a mustache and sometimes a mullet. He goes by the nickname Uncle Rico from fans and pop culture, and is sometimes remembered for his Top Gun–style aviator image and his entertaining off‑field personality.