Charlie Whitehurst, known by the nickname "Clipboard Jesus" due to his long hair and role as a backup quarterback, spent a decade in the National Football League (NFL). His career began when he was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. Whitehurst played college football at Clemson University, where he demonstrated a strong arm and solid decision-making skills, attributes that caught the attention of NFL scouts.
During his time with the Chargers, Whitehurst primarily served as a backup to Philip Rivers. Despite limited playing time, he gained valuable experience and developed a reputation for being a reliable second-string quarterback. His tenure with the Chargers lasted until 2010, when he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks.
In Seattle, Whitehurst had the opportunity to compete for the starting quarterback position. He started two games during the 2010 season, including a crucial Week 17 victory against the St. Louis Rams that helped the Seahawks secure a playoff spot. This game was one of the few instances where Whitehurst had the chance to showcase his skills as a starter. However, the following season saw him return to a backup role behind Tarvaris Jackson.
After his stint with the Seahawks, Whitehurst returned to the Chargers in 2012, once again serving as a backup to Rivers. His second tenure with the Chargers was similar to his first, with limited playing time but continued recognition for his preparedness and understanding of the game.
In 2014, Whitehurst signed with the Tennessee Titans, where he saw more action on the field. He played in seven games and started five, achieving career highs in passing yards and touchdowns. His performance with the Titans demonstrated his capability to step in when needed, although the team struggled overall during that season.
Whitehurst's journey continued with brief periods at the Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns. In Indianapolis, he was brought in as a backup to Andrew Luck, and in Cleveland, he played in a couple of games during the 2016 season. His time with these teams was short-lived, but he remained a respected figure in the locker room for his professionalism and readiness to support the starting quarterbacks.
Throughout his NFL career, Charlie Whitehurst was known for his role as a dependable backup quarterback.
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