The young quarterback from Indiana navigated the competitive arenas of the SEC. Now he is leading the charge for the Michigan Panthers in the UFL. Let’s delve a bit more into the story of Danny Etling.
Danny Etling’s Journey Went From SEC Star to Michigan Panthers Quarterback
Born on July 22, 1994, in Terre Haute, Ind., Etling showcased his football prowess early on at Terre Haute South Vigo High School. His performances caught the attention of several collegiate programs in the past. However, he committed to Purdue University, enrolling early to kickstart his collegiate career.
Etling’s freshman year at Purdue in 2013 saw him stepping into the starting quarterback role midway through the season. Over eight games, he threw for 1,690 yards, ten touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
Despite his efforts, the Boilermakers struggled and finished with a 1–11 record. The following season, Etling began as the starter. However, he was eventually benched in favor of Austin Appleby. This led him to seek a fresh start in 2015, and Etling transferred to LSU.
After redshirting due to transfer rules, Etling took over as LSU’s starting quarterback in 2016. Over two seasons, he amassed 4,586 passing yards and 27 touchdowns while maintaining a 59.7% completion rate.
His leadership on the field led the Tigers to notable victories. Meanwhile, off the field, he excelled academically, earning the title of SEC Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2017.
A New Chapter in the UFL Started With the Michigan Panthers
Etling entered the 2018 NFL Draft and was selected in the seventh round by the New England Patriots. Although he didn’t see regular-season action, he was part of the Patriots’ Super Bowl LIII-winning team.
Over the next few years, Etling’s NFL journey included stints with many teams. They include the Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
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In December 2023, Etling signed with the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League (UFL). And fans could see his immediate impact. During the 2024 season, he played in seven games, starting four, and led the Panthers to a 3–1 record in those starts.
Etling then completed 60.5% of his passes for 787 yards and threw three touchdowns. If that wasn’t enough, he added two rushing touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. As he continues to lead the Panthers, fans and fellow players alike remain eager to witness the next chapters of his inspiring career.
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