Jake Haener: A Journey from Fresno State to the NFL
Early Life and College Career
Jake Haener, born on January 24, 1999, in Danville, California, began his football journey at San Ramon Valley High School. After high school, he transferred from the University of Washington to Fresno State, where he became a standout quarterback. During his time at Fresno State, Haener set multiple records, including a 68.1% career completion rate and over 9,000 passing yards. He earned All-Mountain West honors in both 2021 and 2022 and was named the MVP of the 2022 Mountain West Championship Game.
NFL Draft and Early Professional Years
In the 2023 NFL Draft, Haener was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round with the 127th overall pick. The Saints traded up to acquire Haener, indicating their confidence in his potential. He joined a quarterback room that included veteran Derek Carr and backup Jameis Winston.
Rookie Season and Challenges
Haener’s rookie season faced challenges, including a six-game suspension for a failed drug test. Despite this setback, he showed promise when given the opportunity. In Week 14 of the 2024 season, with Carr sidelined due to injury, Haener stepped in as the starting quarterback. He demonstrated resilience and skill, leading the team in several games. However, the Saints faced a tough season overall, finishing with a 6–11 record.
The 2025 Season: A New Beginning
The 2025 season marked a turning point for Haener and the Saints. Veteran quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement due to a persistent shoulder injury, leaving Haener as the leading quarterback option. The Saints also brought in Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough to compete for the starting role. With the team’s focus on rebuilding and developing young talent, Haener was given the opportunity to lead the offense. Head coach Kellen Moore, known for his innovative offensive strategies, was expected to play a significant role in Haener’s development.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season progresses, Jake Haener’s journey reflects the challenges and opportunities faced by young quarterbacks in the NFL. With the support of his coaching staff and teammates, Haener aims to establish himself as a reliable leader for the New Orleans Saints in the coming years.
New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore has purchased a new car for quarterback Jake Haener as a welcome gift. While such gestures are not uncommon in professional sports, especially when integrating new players into a team, no credible sources have reported this specific incident.
Jake Haener, who was drafted by the Saints in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has had a challenging start to his professional career. After serving a six-game suspension for a failed drug test in 2023, he began the 2024 season as the backup quarterback. Following Derek Carr’s injury in Week 14, Haener stepped in as the starting quarterback, showcasing his potential despite the team’s overall struggles.
Kellen Moore, who became the Saints’ head coach in February 2025 after a successful tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles, is known for his innovative offensive strategies and leadership skills. His appointment was seen as a positive step for the Saints, aiming to revitalize the team’s performance.
While the idea of a coach gifting a car to a player is heartwarming and speaks to strong team camaraderie, there is no substantiated evidence to support that Kellen Moore has given Jake Haener a new car. For now, this remains an unverified rumor.
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