Damon Huard's journey in professional football began after a successful college career at the University of Washington, where he played as a quarterback. Undrafted in 1996, Huard signed with the Cincinnati Bengals but was released before the season started. He then joined the Miami Dolphins, where he spent several years as a backup quarterback. During his time with the Dolphins, Huard had the opportunity to learn from veteran quarterbacks and gradually developed his skills.
In 1999, Huard got his first real taste of NFL action when he stepped in for an injured Dan Marino. Over the course of the season, he played in several games, starting five of them. Huard's performance during this period was solid, and he helped the Dolphins secure a playoff berth. Despite his efforts, the team was eliminated in the divisional round.
Huard's tenure with the Dolphins ended in 2001 when he was traded to the New England Patriots. Serving as a backup to Tom Brady, Huard was part of the Patriots' roster during their Super Bowl XXXVI victory. Although he did not see much playing time, being part of a championship-winning team was a valuable experience.
In 2004, Huard signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Initially serving as a backup, he eventually found himself in the starting role due to injuries to the team's primary quarterbacks. Huard's most notable season with the Chiefs came in 2006 when he started eight games, leading the team to a 5-3 record during that stretch. His performance was characterized by efficient passing and a low interception rate, which helped stabilize the Chiefs' offense.
Huard continued to play for the Chiefs until 2008, providing veteran leadership and stepping in when needed. His time in Kansas City was marked by his ability to manage games effectively and support the development of younger quarterbacks on the roster.
After leaving the Chiefs, Huard signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2009 but was released before the start of the regular season. This marked the end of his playing career in the NFL.
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