Chad Pennington

Pennington with theNew York Jets in 2003
No. 10
Position	Quarterback
Personal information
Born	(1976-06-26)June 26, 1976 (age 49) Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.
Height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight	225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High school	Webb School (Knoxville)
College	Marshall (1995–1999)
NFL draft	2000: 1st round, 18th overall pick
Career history
Playing
New York Jets (2000–2007) Miami Dolphins (2008–2010)
Coaching
Sayre School (2018–present) Head coach
Awards and highlights
2×NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2006, 2008) 2×NFL completion percentage leader (2002, 2008) NFL passer rating leader (2002) NCAA I-AA national champion (1996) Sammy Baugh Trophy (1999) William V. Campbell Trophy (1999) 2×NCAA passing touchdowns leader (1997, 1999) NCAAcompletion percentage leader (1999) MAC Most Valuable Player (1999) MAC Offensive Player of the Year (1999) 3× First-team All-MAC (1997, 1998, 1999)
Career NFL statistics
Passing attempts 2,471 Passing completions 1,632 Completion percentage 66.0% TD–INT 102–64 Passing yards 17,823 Passer rating 90.1 Stats atPro Football Reference

James Chadwick Pennington (born June 26, 1976) is an American former professionalfootballquarterback who played in theNational Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. He playedcollege football for theMarshall Thundering Herd, winning theSammy Baugh Trophy as a senior, and was selected by theNew York Jets in the first round of the2000 NFL draft. Pennington spent his first eight seasons with the Jets and was a member of theMiami Dolphins in his last three.

During his career, Pennington led the league twice incompletion percentage and once inpasser rating. He helped clinch a division title with the Jets in 2002 and the Dolphins in 2008, both of which are the most recent for either franchise. Pennington was also the first player to winNFL Comeback Player of the Year multiple times, receiving the award in 2006 and 2008. At the time of his retirement, he held the NFL record for completion percentage.^[1] Since 2018, he has served as the head football coach of theSayre School inLexington, Kentucky.

Pennington is a native of Tennessee. His father, Elwood, was a physical education teacher and football coach atHalls High School, and his mother, Denise, a teacher at theWebb School of Knoxville, both in Knoxville. Both of Pennington's parents are ofEnglish descent. Pennington's first sport wasbasketball, which he began playing in the third grade. He began playingfootball 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. He played basketball and football at Webb, but knew he had a better chance at getting into college via football.

Pennington was recruited by only two colleges,Middle Tennessee State University and theUniversity of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In 1995, he went to a training camp atMarshall University, his parents'alma mater, where he was noticed by head football coachJim Donnan and offered a scholarship.^[2]

Originally the Thundering Herd's fourth-string quarterback in 1995 and slated to beredshirted, Pennington led Marshall to the1995 NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship Game, which Marshall lost toMontana, 22–20. The following year, Pennington was redshirted in favor ofEric Kresser, a transfer from theFlorida Gators, who guided the Herd's return to the I-AA Championship game (a victory) in 1996. Pennington returned to play in 1997 as Marshall moved from Division I-AA to Division I-A, and led the nation in passing touchdowns with 39.^[3] He led Marshall to the school's firstbowl game victory in a 48–29 rout ofLouisville in the1998 Motor City Bowl. Pennington was named the game's MVP. In his senior year (1999), Pennington led the NCAA incompletion percentage (67.9%) and again in passing touchdowns (37).^[4] Marshall went undefeated at 13–0 as Pennington led the team to its third consecutiveMid-American Conference championship. Pennington and Marshall returned toPontiac, Michigan for the1999 Motor City Bowl, where they won, 21–3, overBYU, capping Pennington's undefeated senior season.

Pennington set school records in several passing categories. He finished fifth in1999 Heisman Trophy voting.Randy Moss was Pennington's topreceiver 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.^[5]

In addition to his success on the football field, Pennington excelled academically, graduating with a degree injournalism, a 3.83 grade point average and becoming a finalist for theRhodes Scholarship. He wrote frequently for Marshall's newspaperThe Parthenon and was a broadcaster for the school's radio stationWMUL, although he used apseudonym on air so as not to be distracting.^[6]

Marshall Thundering Herd
Season	Team	Games			Passing
		GP	GS	Record	Cmp	Att	Pct	Yards	TD	Int	Rtg
1995	Marshall	14	12	10–2	219	354	61.9	2,445	15	15	125.4
1996	Marshall	Redshirt
1997	Marshall	13	13	10–3	276	473	58.4	3,817	42	12	150.4
1998	Marshall	13	13	12–1	297	456	65.1	3,830	28	7	152.9
1999	Marshall	13	13	13–0	292	433	67.4	4,006	38	12	168.6
Total[7]		53	51	45–6	1,084	1,716	63.2	14,098	123	46	150.5

Includes statistics from 1995 when Marshall competed in Division I-AA. Includes1997 Motor City Bowl,1998 Motor City Bowl and1999 Motor City Bowl stats.^[8]

Pennington was selected by theNew York Jets in the first round of the2000 NFL draft, 18th overall and the first quarterback taken.^[12]

After making only three appearances during his first two seasons, Pennington emerged as the Jets' starting quarterback after filling in forVinny 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 anAFC East division championship. Despite starting less than a full season, Pennington threw for 3,120 yards with 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. His 104.2quarterback rating set a team record. In the Wild Card game, Pennington threw for a 142 QB rating, leading the Jets overPeyton Manning and the number four passing offense of theIndianapolis Colts.^[13]

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 theNew York Giants, Pennington endured a fracture-dislocation on his left (non-throwing) hand after suffering a hit from linebackerBrandon 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 quarterback, the Jets began the season 1–4. Despite his return, the Jets only won five more games to finish 6–10.

Into the 2004 season, the Jets signed Pennington to a team-record contract for seven years and $64.2 million and Pennington led the Jets to a 5–0 record. However, during a Week 9 game against theBuffalo Bills, Pennington injured hisrotator cuff and subsequently missed three games. Second string quarterbackQuincy Carter was 2–1 in Pennington's absence. After returning to action with a rout of theHouston Texans. Despite a scuffle with the New York media and losses to theNew England Patriots and theSt. 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 theAFC West ChampionSan Diego Chargers, as he went 23–33, for 279 yards and two touchdowns. Pennington and the Jets 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 kickerDoug Brien missing two potential game-winning field goals. The Steelers went on to win in overtime.

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'.^[14][15]

Pennington underwent surgery on his right shoulder inBirmingham, 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 theKansas City Chiefs in September and a lackluster one against theMiami Dolphins the following week led to speculation that the shoulder had yet to fully heal, but both Pennington and Jets coachHerman Edwards denied this, citing a lack of pre-season practice and Pennington's less-than-full grasp of new offensive coordinatorMike Heimerdinger's plays. On September 25, 2005, against theJacksonville 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 did not comment on contractual issues.

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 coachEric 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, andKellen 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 theTennessee Titans earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. In Week 15 inMinnesota, 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 coordinatorBrian Schottenheimer. Using a short passing game and taking advantage of the "yards after catch" ability of wide receiversLaveranues Coles,Jerricho Cotchery, and running backLeon 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 theNew England 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 theComeback 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 finisherDrew Brees.

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 theMiami Dolphins, he led the Jets to a 31–28 victory, throwing two touchdowns and running for a third. After a 17–14 loss to theBuffalo Bills in Week 4, he threw three interceptions against theNew York 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 theCincinnati Bengals. After leading the Jets to a dismal 1–7 start, coach Eric Mangini decided to bench Pennington for second-year quarterbackKellen Clemens. Clemens suffered a rib injury during a Week 15 matchup against the 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 quarterbackTom 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 theKansas City Chiefs. Pennington finished the 2007 season with 1,765 yards, 10 touchdowns, 9 interceptions 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 formerGreen Bay Packers quarterbackBrett Favre, leading to Pennington's release later that day.^[16]

Upon his release from the Jets, it was reported that at least six teams were interested in Pennington. However, only theMinnesota Vikings and theMiami Dolphins were considered as serious contenders.^[17] On August 8, Pennington signed a two-year, $11.5 million deal with the Dolphins. Dolphins head coachTony 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.^[18] His 67.4 completion percentage led the NFL and broke Miami's single-season record of 64.2 set 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 (including winning 9 of their last 10 games) and the third seed in the playoffs with anAFC 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 FamerDan 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.^[19][20] He received four votes, and finished tied for second with running backMichael Turner for the 2008 AP NFL MVP. The winner of the award, Peyton Manning, received 32 votes.^[21]

At the completion of the regular season, Pennington was awarded his secondComeback Player of the Year Award.^[22]

Pennington was the starter for the Miami Dolphins 2009 season, withPat White as the second string, andChad Henne as the third string. On September 27, 2009, against theSan 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 torncapsule 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.^[23] He was officially placed on injured reserve and the Dolphins acquiredTyler Thigpen from the Chiefs for an undisclosed 2010 draft pick.^[24][25]

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 Titans.^[26] On his first play, Pennington suffered a severe shoulder injury. The injury was considered potentially career-ending.^[27]

Pennington attempted another comeback to the NFL in 2011.^[28] However, on March 31, 2011, he tore hisACL while playing a game of pick-up basketball.^[29] Pennington announced that he would work forFox Sports as an analyst during the2011 NFL season.^[30] On February 9, 2012, he announced he would retire rather than attempt a comeback following his fourth shoulder surgery.^[31]

• 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)
• NFLPasser Rating Leader (2002)
• 47th"Perfect Game" in NFL History (on November 16, 2003, vsIndianapolis Colts)

Pennington married his college girlfriend, Robin Hampton, on March 1, 2001. He famously brought his Jets' playbook on hishoneymoon.^[32] The couple have three sons together, one of whom,Cole, spent three seasons as a quarterback on the Marshall football roster^[33][34][35] before transferring toGardner–Webb after the 2024 season.^[36] Pennington and his family currently reside inWoodford County, Kentucky.^[37]

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 throughoutWest Virginia,Tennessee, and theNew York metropolitan area. Since its inception in 2003, the foundation has given more than half a million dollars to different charitable organizations.^[38]

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.^[39]

In 2018, Pennington was hired to be the head coach atLexington, Kentucky'sSayre School, which was restarting a football program after a 40-year absence.^[40][41] In his first year of coaching, he led the team to a 3–5 record while playing a junior varsity schedule; the team was promoted to full varsity status in 2020.^[41] In 2024, Pennington led the Spartans to their first Kentucky Class 1A^[a]state championship with a 27–22 victory over theRaceland Rams,^[42] with another of his sons, Luke, as the Spartans' starting quarterback.^[41]

• List of NCAA Division I FBS quarterbacks with at least 90 career passing touchdowns
• List of NCAA major college football yearly passing leaders

• Media related toChad Pennington at Wikimedia Commons

• 1976 births
• Living people
• American football quarterbacks
• American people of English descent
• Coaches of American football from Tennessee
• High school football coaches in Kentucky
• Marshall Thundering Herd football players
• Miami Dolphins players
• New York Jets players
• NFL announcers
• NFL Comeback Player of the Year winners
• People from Woodford County, Kentucky
• Players of American football from Knoxville, Tennessee
• William V. Campbell Trophy winners

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