In the world of NFL backup quarterbacks, most names don’t make headlines-unless they’re called into action. But Joe Milton is already drawing attention in Dallas, and not just for what he might become on the field. He’s drawing it for what he already is: a rare physical specimen with a rocket arm, deceptive agility, and a flair for the dramatic.
The 6-foot-5, 246-pound Milton recently went viral when a clip showed him doing a standing backflip in full uniform-pads, helmet, cleats, and all. It’s not just athletic; it’s shocking. And for the Dallas Cowboys, it’s yet another reminder that their new QB2 isn’t your standard developmental project.
Milton, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has just one NFL start to his name. It came in Week 18 last year for the New England Patriots, a game that on paper meant little. But for Milton, it meant everything. Facing the Buffalo Bills‘ reserves, he completed 22-of-29 passes for 241 yards and accounted for two total touchdowns. The Patriots, with their season winding down, moved on quickly-trading him to Dallas for a fifth-round pick.
It might’ve seemed like a minor transaction at the time. Now, it feels like a calculated investment.
From Long Shot to Legitimate Depth
Sports Illustrated recently ranked Milton the 17th-best backup quarterback in the NFL. That’s significant-not just because he cracked the top 20, but because a couple of weeks earlier, he wasn’t even considered the Cowboys‘ official QB2. In that context, being named 17th is more than respectable. It’s a validation.
“Some might argue that this ranking is too low… Milton dazzled in his Week 18 start… but it came against backups. Still, Dallas saw enough to trade for him, and that says plenty,” Sports Illustrated printed.
More than his ranking, though, the list of names behind him speaks volumes. Milton is ranked ahead of players drafted in earlier rounds, including Spencer Rattler (2024 5th round), Josh Dobbs, Jarrett Stidham, and even former first-rounders Kenny Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky. For a late-round rookie, that kind of leap over more “proven” players isn’t common-it’s impressive.
In early OTAs, Milton has only added to the buzz. Coaches have praised his poise and mobility, and the locker room has taken note of his raw tools and open attitude. He now has the chance to learn behind one of the league’s most accomplished starters in Dak Prescott-a situation that could accelerate his development significantly.
There’s no rush to crown him anything more than a backup. But the Cowboys believe they may have something real in Joe Milton. At the very least, they have a quarterback who can move, throw, and entertain. At most? They may have found a future starter disguised as a sixth-round flyer.
For now, “Bazooka Joe” is just getting started-and all signs suggest the launch is coming soon.
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