John Brodie Croyle (; born February 6, 1983)
is an American former professional
football
Football is a family of team sports that involve, to varying degrees, kick (football), kicking a football (ball), ball to score a goal (sports), goal. Unqualified, football (word), the word ''football'' generally means the form of football t ...
player who was a
quarterback
The quarterback (QB) is a position in gridiron football who are members of the offensive side of the ball and mostly line up directly behind the Lineman (football), offensive line. In modern American football, the quarterback is usually consider ...
in the
National Football League
The National Football League (NFL) is a Professional gridiron football, professional American football league in the United States. Composed of 32 teams, it is divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National ...
(NFL). He was selected by the
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division.
Established in 1959 ...
of the
National Football League
The National Football League (NFL) is a Professional gridiron football, professional American football league in the United States. Composed of 32 teams, it is divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National ...
(NFL) in the third round of the
2006 NFL draft
The 2006 NFL draft, the 71st in league history, took place in New York City, New York, at Radio City Music Hall on April 29 and April 30, 2006. For the 27th consecutive year, the draft was telecast on ESPN and ESPN2, with additional coverage offe ...
.
He played
college football
College football is gridiron football that is played by teams of amateur Student athlete, student-athletes at universities and colleges. It was through collegiate competition that gridiron football American football in the United States, firs ...
for the
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama (informally known as Alabama, UA, the Capstone, or Bama) is a Public university, public research university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States. Established in 1820 and opened to students in 1831, the University of ...
from 2002 to 2005.
Despite being hindered by knee injuries in his senior season in
high school
A secondary school, high school, or senior school, is an institution that provides secondary education. Some secondary schools provide both ''lower secondary education'' (ages 11 to 14) and ''upper secondary education'' (ages 14 to 18), i.e., ...
, Croyle was a highly
recruited prospect by
Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, commonly referred to as Louisiana State University (LSU), is an American Public university, public Land-grant university, land-grant research university in Baton Rouge, Louis ...
,
Florida State University
Florida State University (FSU or Florida State) is a Public university, public research university in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a senior member of the State University System of Florida and a preeminent university in the s ...
, and the
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama (informally known as Alabama, UA, the Capstone, or Bama) is a Public university, public research university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States. Established in 1820 and opened to students in 1831, the University of ...
. When Croyle was ready to announce his decision to attend Florida State, he changed his mind and chose Alabama, his father's
alma mater
Alma mater (; : almae matres) is an allegorical Latin phrase meaning "nourishing mother". It personifies a school that a person has attended or graduated from. The term is related to ''alumnus'', literally meaning 'nursling', which describes a sc ...
, instead. In Croyle's four years playing for the
Alabama Crimson Tide football
The Alabama Crimson Tide football program represents the University of Alabama (variously Alabama, UA, or Bama) in the sport of American football. The Alabama Crimson Tide, Crimson Tide competes in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the Nat ...
team, he set numerous school records, and was a finalist for the
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award is given annually in the United States to the nation's top upperclassman quarterback in college football. Candidates are judged on accomplishments on the field as well as on their character, scholastic achievem ...
. Croyle led the Crimson Tide to the
2006 Cotton Bowl Classic and was named the game's offensive MVP.
Though he had little playing time in his rookie season in the NFL, Croyle shared the starting position with
Damon Huard
Damon Paul Huard (born July 9, 1973) is an American former professional football quarterback. He is the director of community relations and fundraising for the University of Washington football program, his alma mater.
Huard was signed by the ...
in
2007
2007 was designated as the International Heliophysical Year and the International Polar Year.
Events
January
* January 1
**Bulgaria and Romania 2007 enlargement of the European Union, join the European Union, while Slovenia joins the Eur ...
. On November 18, Croyle started his first game, as the Chiefs' quarterback, against the
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. The Colts compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC South, South division. Since the 2008 India ...
.
Croyle remained the Chiefs' starting quarterback for the remaining season despite losing all six games that he started. He was the incumbent starter heading into the
2008 regular season,
but suffered a shoulder injury in the Chiefs' first game.
Croyle returned in Week 7 but suffered a torn
MCL and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Croyle began the 2009 season once again, as the Chiefs' starting quarterback, filling in for injured
Matt Cassel
Matthew Brennan Cassel (born May 17, 1982) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. He was a member of seven NFL teams, most notably the New England Patriots and Ka ...
. Croyle was released by the Chiefs in 2011 and later signed with the Arizona Cardinals. On May 21, 2012, he announced his retirement.
Croyle is the only quarterback in Chiefs franchise history to start at least three games as a quarterback and not win a single game. He is also one of the 4 quarterbacks since 1960 (when starts first were tracked) to start at least 10 games in their career and not win a single game. He has the fewest passing yards and touchdowns in franchise history among quarterbacks with 10 or more starts. In 2015 he was named by
FanSided
FanSided is a network of more than 301 commercial American sports, lifestyle, and entertainment websites and newsletters. It was co-founded and launched in 2009 by brothers Zach Best and Adam Best. The network was sold to Time Inc. in May 2015.
...
as the 2nd worst quarterback in Chiefs franchise history.
Early life
The son of John Croyle, a former
defensive end
Defensive end (DE) is a defensive position in the sport of gridiron football.
This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formation (American football), formations over the years have substantially ...
for the
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama (informally known as Alabama, UA, the Capstone, or Bama) is a Public university, public research university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States. Established in 1820 and opened to students in 1831, the University of ...
, Croyle was born on February 6, 1983. He attended
high school
A secondary school, high school, or senior school, is an institution that provides secondary education. Some secondary schools provide both ''lower secondary education'' (ages 11 to 14) and ''upper secondary education'' (ages 14 to 18), i.e., ...
at Westbrook Christian School in
Rainbow City, Alabama
Rainbow City is a city in Etowah County, Alabama, United States. It incorporated in 1950. The population was 9,602 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Gadsden Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
This city was named after U.S. Highway 4 ...
and became a Super-Prep All-American selection in football.
In his sophomore season, Croyle passed for 3,787 yards and 44 touchdowns. That same season, he passed for 528 yards and seven touchdowns in one game. Croyle had an equally successful junior year passing for 2,838 yards and 38 touchdowns.
Croyle led his team to the state championship that year, but the team lost by a field goal.
Entering his senior year, many scouts had ranked Croyle as high as the #2 quarterback in the country behind
Joe Mauer
Joseph Patrick Mauer (born April 19, 1983) is an American former professional baseball catcher and first baseman who spent his entire 15-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Minnesota Twins. Regarded as one of the greatest contact h ...
, who would go on to play
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball league composed of 30 teams, divided equally between the National League (baseball), National League (NL) and the American League (AL), with 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada. MLB i ...
. However, Croyle's high school career ended abruptly in the first game of his senior season against Glencoe High School after a hit by an opposing player which tore Croyle's
anterior cruciate ligament
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of a pair of cruciate ligaments (the other being the posterior cruciate ligament) in the human knee. The two ligaments are called "cruciform" ligaments, as they are arranged in a crossed formation. In ...
(ACL), causing him to miss the remainder of his senior year.
[Thorman, Chris]
For every Croyle injury...
''Scout.com'', December 27, 2007. When he graduated, he held the Alabama state records for career passing yards with 9,323, and career touchdowns with 105. He set marks for most passing yards in a single season, passing yards in a single game, touchdown passes in a season, and touchdown passes in a game.
''Scout.com'', September 3, 2007.
College career
Despite the knee injury, Croyle received interest from members of the
Southeastern Conference
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is a collegiate List of NCAA conferences, athletic conference whose member institutions are located primarily in the South Central United States, South Central and Southeastern United States. Its 16 members in ...
and the
Atlantic Coast Conference
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is a collegiate List of NCAA conferences, athletic conference in the United States. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the ACC's eighteen member universities compete in the National Collegiate Athlet ...
, including
Louisiana State and
Florida State
Florida State University (FSU or Florida State) is a Public university, public research university in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. It is a senior member of the State University System of Florida and a preeminent university in the s ...
.
Croyle showed interest in playing for Florida State due in part because of the team's offensive coordinator,
Mark Richt
Mark Allan Richt (born February 18, 1960) is an American former college football coach, player, and current television analyst. He was the head football coach at the University of Georgia for 15 years and at the University of Miami, his alma mate ...
.
Croyle initially showed little interest in playing for Alabama after their head coach,
Mike DuBose
Michael Lynn DuBose (born January 5, 1953) is an American football coach, most recently serving for Opp High School in Opp, Alabama. His most recent college coaching experience was serving as defensive line coach for the University of Memphis. ...
had recently been fired, but once Richt took the head coaching job with the
Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs are the College athletics in the United States, intercollegiate athletic teams that represent the University of Georgia. The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division I and are members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The offic ...
, Croyle followed in his father's footsteps.
On the night before he was to announce his college decision to play for Florida State, Croyle announced that he would instead play for the
Alabama Crimson Tide
The Alabama Crimson Tide refers to the college athletics in the United States, intercollegiate athletic varsity teams that represent the University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide teams compete in the Na ...
. The Crimson Tide were not fazed by Croyle's rather serious ligament tear, for they felt he would heal well enough that his talent still warranted a spot on the roster.
Croyle graduated early from high school and enrolled at the
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama (informally known as Alabama, UA, the Capstone, or Bama) is a Public university, public research university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States. Established in 1820 and opened to students in 1831, the University of ...
in January 2001.
After
red-shirting his freshman year at Alabama, Croyle earned a spot as the top backup in his second season behind senior starter Tyler Watts. Croyle's coaches voted for him as the
Ozzie Newsome
Ozzie Newsome Jr. (born March 16, 1956) is an American professional football executive and former player who is the executive vice president of player personnel of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). Newsome was a tight ...
Most Improved Freshman after starting two games in 2002.
After the 2002 season, Alabama head coach
Dennis Franchione
Dennis Wayne Franchione (born March 28, 1951) is an American former college football coach. He is the former head football coach at Texas State University–San Marcos, Texas State University, a position he held from 1990 to 1991, when the school ...
resigned to take the same position at
Texas A&M
Texas A&M University (Texas A&M, A&M, TA&M, or TAMU) is a public university, public, Land-grant university, land-grant, research university in College Station, Texas, United States. It was founded in 1876 and became the flagship institution of ...
.
Washington State
Washington, officially the State of Washington, is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is often referred to as Washington State to distinguish it from the national capital, both named after George Washington ...
head coach
Mike Price
Michael Bruce Price (born April 6, 1946) is an American former college football coach. He was the head football coach at Weber State College from 1981 to 1988, Washington State University from 1989 to 2002, and the University of Texas at El Pas ...
was hired to replace Franchione in January 2003.
Coach Price mentored Croyle throughout the 2003 spring drills and practice but was dismissed from the head coach position in May 2003 for his conduct off the field. Soon after,
Mike Shula
Mike Shula (born June 3, 1965) is an American football coach who is the offensive coordinator for the South Carolina Gamecocks. He played college football as a quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide and was the school's head coach from 2003 t ...
, quarterback coach for the
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Dolphins compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC East, East division. The team ...
and former quarterback of the Crimson Tide, was named head coach at Alabama. Croyle, now with his third head coach in as many years, had only a few weeks to prepare and practice under coach Shula's system. Despite starting all 11 games in 2003 as a sophomore,
Croyle suffered a separated shoulder before half time of the fifth game. Croyle would start the next game against Georgia only to re-aggravate the injury, but still only sat out one game that season, and did not reveal to the public he had suffered from two cracked ribs.
The Crimson Tide's 2003 season ended with a record of 4–9.
He was subsequently named the Dixie Memorial Award winner as the club's
MVP
MVP most commonly refers to:
* Most valuable player, an award, typically for the best performing player in a sport or competition
* Minimum viable product, a concept for feature estimating used in business and engineering
MVP may also refer to:
...
and won the
Derrick Thomas
Derrick Vincent Thomas (January 1, 1967 – February 8, 2000), nicknamed "D. T.", was an American professional football linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Considered one of the greatest pass rushers of ...
Community Award.
His 341 pass attempts on the season were the highest seasonal total in Crimson Tide history while his 16 touchdown passes tied the single-season mark.
Croyle started the 2004 season hoping to help his team improve on their last season's record of 4–9. Croyle started three games, completing 44-of-66 passes for 534 yards with six touchdowns.
But during the third game of the season against
Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University (WCU) is a public university in Cullowhee, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the University of North Carolina system.
The fifth oldest institution of the sixteen four-year universities in the UNC system, WCU ...
, Croyle tore his
anterior cruciate ligament
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of a pair of cruciate ligaments (the other being the posterior cruciate ligament) in the human knee. The two ligaments are called "cruciform" ligaments, as they are arranged in a crossed formation. In ...
in his other knee.
Croyle was forced to sit out the rest of the season, and the team finished with a 6–6 record.
Undaunted, he fully recovered from the injury in 2005 and started all 12 games as a senior; completing 202 of 339 passes for 2,499 yards with 14 touchdowns and four interceptions and one rushing touchdown. Croyle was sacked eleven times in a loss to Auburn. Croyle led the Crimson Tide to a #8 national ranking, a 10–2 record, and a 13–10 victory over
Texas Tech
Texas Tech University (Texas Tech, Tech, or TTU) is a public research university in Lubbock, Texas, United States. Established on February 10, 1923, and called Texas Technological College until 1969, it is the flagship institution of the five- ...
in the
Cotton Bowl Classic
The Cotton Bowl Classic (also known as the Cotton Bowl) is an American college football bowl game played annually in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex since January 1, 1937.
The game was originally played at its Cotton Bowl (stadium), namesake ...
, where he shared the game's
Most Valuable Player
In team sports, a most valuable player (MVP) award is an honor typically bestowed upon an individual (or individuals, in the instance of a tie) whose individual performance is the greatest in an entire league, for a particular competition, or ...
honors with teammate
DeMeco Ryans.
In his final season at Alabama, Croyle attempted a then-school-record 190 passes without an interception and a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the nation's most outstanding senior quarterback.
He became the first Alabama quarterback to start every game in a season since 1996.
[Cotton Bowl notebook: Croyle’s UA career ends with win, records](_blank)
''TideSports.com'', Accessed March 5, 2008. In the 2005
Iron Bowl
The Alabama–Auburn football rivalry, better known as the Iron Bowl, is an American college football rivalry game between the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn University Tigers, both charter members of the Southeastern Conf ...
, he was sacked 11 times, a series record.
Croyle's 2,499 passing yards in 2005 were the highest single-season total in Alabama's school history. His total 202 completions and 339 passing attempts rank as the second-best seasonal marks in school history.
His 2,311 yards of total offense were the third-best seasonal mark in the history of the school, and his 1.18 interception percentage was the lowest single-season mark in school history as well.
College statistics
Professional career
Kansas City Chiefs
2006 season
On April 29, 2006, the
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) West division.
Established in 1959 ...
selected Croyle in the third round of the
2006 NFL draft
The 2006 NFL draft, the 71st in league history, took place in New York City, New York, at Radio City Music Hall on April 29 and April 30, 2006. For the 27th consecutive year, the draft was telecast on ESPN and ESPN2, with additional coverage offe ...
as the 85th overall selection. He signed a four-year contract on July 28.
[Brodie Croyle #12 Biography](_blank)
''KCChiefs.com'', Accessed March 5, 2008. Croyle's reputation for being injury prone caused him to drop into the third round of the draft.
[Chiefs select QB Brodie Croyle in round 3](_blank)
''KCChiefs.com'', April 29, 2006.[Gil Brandt's Analysis By Position: Quarterbacks](_blank)
''Packers.com'', April 27, 2006.
Croyle played in only two games and saw few snaps in his rookie season. He completed 3-of-7 passes for 23 yards including two interceptions.
2007 season
In April 2007, nearly a year after Croyle was selected, Chiefs starting quarterback
Trent Green
Trent Jason Green (born July 9, 1970) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback for 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Indiana Hoosiers. He was selected by the San ...
was traded to the
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Dolphins compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC East, East division. The team ...
. In the months prior to the trade agreement, Green had stated that he was being treated unfairly on and off the field and that the pre-season quarterback competition was "weighted" towards Croyle.
[Teicher, Adam]
Green expresses frustration; Chiefs re-sign Allen
''Kansas City Star'', May 22, 2007.[Nugent, Mike]
''Scout.com'', November 13, 2007. Head coach
A head coach, senior coach, or manager is a professional responsible for training and developing athletes within a sports team. This role often has a higher public profile and salary than other coaching positions. In some sports, such as associat ...
Herman Edwards
Herman Lee Edwards (born April 27, 1954) is an American football coach and former player. He played cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Edwards was also a head coach in the NFL ...
, who was emphasizing a "youth movement" on the team's roster at the time, voiced his displeasure with Green's outspoken comments and simply said that he was "trying to create competition."
[King, Jason]
Herm refutes Green's assertion that quarterback competition stacked against him
''Kansas City Star'', May 23, 2007. Edwards indicated throughout the off-season that the
Chiefs' starting quarterback position was up for grabs.
[Teicher, Adam]
QB Croyle has the look of a starter
''Kansas City Star'', June 19, 2007.
Throughout the offseason, Croyle was given every opportunity to win the starting job over
Damon Huard
Damon Paul Huard (born July 9, 1973) is an American former professional football quarterback. He is the director of community relations and fundraising for the University of Washington football program, his alma mater.
Huard was signed by the ...
. Against the
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans. The Saints compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC South, South division. Since 1975, the team ...
while Huard sat out with a calf injury, Croyle completed only 5 of 17 passes for 45 yards as the Chiefs lost 30–7 and dropped to 0–3 in exhibition.
but poor play in the pre-season led to Huard being named the Chiefs' starting quarterback for the season opener against the
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston. The Texans compete in the National Football League as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC South, South division. The team plays its home games at N ...
.
On October 7, in a regular season home game against the
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC South, South division. The team ...
, Huard was injured in the fourth quarter. Croyle threw six completions in thirteen attempts over the remainder of the game and threw his first NFL touchdown pass on the final play of regulation to
Samie Parker
Samie Jabar Parker (born March 25, 1981) is an American football coach and former player. He is the wide receiver's coach at Delaware State University, a position he has held since 2025. He was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth rou ...
in the 17–7 loss.
[Associated Press]
Jags' defense contains Chiefs' ground attack in near shut-out
''ESPN.com'', October 7, 2007. The touchdown helped Kansas City avoid its first shut-out loss at home since
1994
The year 1994 was designated as the " International Year of the Family" and the "International Year of Sport and the Olympic Ideal" by the United Nations.
In the Line Islands and Phoenix Islands of Kiribati, 1994 had only 364 days, omitti ...
.
Croyle's last-minute drive made him 6-for-13 for 83 yards and one touchdown.
On November 11, Croyle again substituted for an injured Huard in the final half of a 27–11 loss to the
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver. The Broncos compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC West, West division. The team is headquartered in E ...
. Croyle finished the game 17-for-30 for 162 yards, with one interception, in the loss that dropped Kansas City to 4–5 on the year.
The following day, Croyle was named the starting quarterback for the Chiefs' upcoming game against the
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. The Colts compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC South, South division. Since the 2008 India ...
, and made his first start on November 18 at the
RCA Dome
The RCA Dome (originally Hoosier Dome) was a domed stadium in Indianapolis. It was the home of the Indianapolis Colts NFL franchise for 24 seasons (1984–2007).
It was completed at a cost of $77.5 million, as part of the Indiana Convention ...
in a 13–10 loss.
[Associated Press]
Vinatieri's field goal with 4 ticks left wins it for Colts
''ESPN.com'', November 18, 2007. Croyle was the first quarterback drafted by Kansas City to start a game for the Chiefs since
Todd Blackledge
Todd Alan Blackledge (born February 25, 1961) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions, leading them to a national c ...
started a game in
1984
Events
January
* January 1 – The Bornean Sultanate of Brunei gains full independence from the United Kingdom, having become a British protectorate in 1888.
* January 7 – Brunei becomes the sixth member of the Association of Southeas ...
. Croyle was 19-of-27 for 169 yards with one touchdown, but he lost a fumble that set up
Adam Vinatieri
Adam Matthew Vinatieri (born December 28, 1972) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker for 24 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Vinatieri is the ...
's game-winning field goal.
Croyle started his first home game at
Arrowhead Stadium
Arrowhead Stadium is an American football stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. It primarily serves as the home venue of the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL).
It was built at the same time as neighboring Kauff ...
on November 25 against the
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders were a professional American football team based in Oakland, California, from its founding in 1960 to 1981, and again from 1995 to 2019 before Oakland Raiders relocation to Las Vegas, relocating to the Las Vegas metropolitan ...
, but injured his back in the 20–17 loss. The injury sidelined Croyle for the following week's game against the
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers were a professional American football team in the National Football League (NFL). The Chargers played in San Diego, California from 1961 until 2016, before relocating back to the Greater Los Angeles area, where the franch ...
, and Damon Huard started in Croyle's place. The injured quarterbacks continued to rotate playing time, and Croyle was again declared the starter for Kansas City's game against the
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver. The Broncos compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC West, West division. The team is headquartered in E ...
on December 9.
The plan, barring injury, was for Croyle to start the remaining games of the
2007 season, so that coach Herm Edwards and his staff could better evaluate him moving forward into 2008.
However, Croyle bruised his hand while trying to stop a defender from running an interception in for a touchdown
and Damon Huard, who was the only active quarterback on the Chiefs' roster besides Croyle,
filled in for the remainder of the game.
In the final game of the season, Croyle led the Chiefs to a 10–10 tie with the
New York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Jets compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC East, East division. The team p ...
with just three minutes remaining.
[Associated Press]
Jets clip Chiefs in OT to beat Edwards in return to Giants Stadium
''ESPN.com'', December 30, 2007. However, the Chiefs lost 13–10 with a Jets field goal in overtime. Croyle would finish the game 20-of-43 for 195 yards.
Croyle lost all six games that he started for the Chiefs in the 2007 season. Despite his poor performance as a starter, Croyle's statistics were considered to be hard to evaluate.
[Rand, Jonathan]
The Croyle Question
''KCChiefs.com'', December 20, 2007.
2008 season
Croyle entered the
2008 season as the Chiefs' starting quarterback.
During the season opener against the
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area. The Patriots compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC East, East division. The Pa ...
on September 7, Croyle left the game in the third quarter with a bruised shoulder after being sacked by
linebacker
Linebacker (LB) is a playing position in gridiron football. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and typically line up three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage and so back up the defensive linemen. They play closer to the line ...
Adalius Thomas
Adalius Donquail Thomas (; born July 18, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. He wa ...
. Prior to the injury, Croyle completed 11 out of 19 with no touchdowns or interceptions. Two days after the game, the Chiefs signed quarterback
Ingle Martin
Harry Ingle Martin IV (born August 15, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) during the late 2000s. Martin played college football for the Florida Gators and Furm ...
off the
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC South, South division. They play the ...
'
practice squad
In gridiron football, the practice squad, also called the taxi squad or practice roster, is a group of players signed by a team but not part of their main roster. They serve as extra players during the team's practices, often as part of the scou ...
to back up
Damon Huard
Damon Paul Huard (born July 9, 1973) is an American former professional football quarterback. He is the director of community relations and fundraising for the University of Washington football program, his alma mater.
Huard was signed by the ...
and
Tyler Thigpen
Tyler Beckham Thigpen (born April 14, 1984) is an American former professional American football, football quarterback. Thigpen was selected out of Coastal Carolina University by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL draft. ...
in Croyle's absence. In Croyle's absence, Damon Huard started the Chiefs' game against the Oakland Raiders the following week.
Huard suffered a neck injury, so Tyler Thigpen became the third Chiefs starting quarterback in as many games.
After missing four games, Croyle returned to start against the
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC South, South division. They play the ...
in Week 7.
He was injured on Kansas City's 14th play when he was sandwiched between two rushing defenders while throwing a pass early in the second quarter. He limped off the field.
He slammed his helmet to the turf once he reached the sideline, then hobbled down a tunnel.
After the game, Chiefs head coach
Herman Edwards
Herman Lee Edwards (born April 27, 1954) is an American football coach and former player. He played cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Edwards was also a head coach in the NFL ...
announced that Croyle would miss the remainder of the 2008 season.
2009 season
After the Chiefs acquired quarterback
Matt Cassel
Matthew Brennan Cassel (born May 17, 1982) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. He was a member of seven NFL teams, most notably the New England Patriots and Ka ...
from the
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston area. The Patriots compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC East, East division. The Pa ...
,
Croyle entered training camp competing against Tyler Thigpen for a roster spot as backup quarterback.
The first depth chart in training camp listed Croyle as the second quarterback ahead of Thigpen.
Croyle entered the Chiefs' first preseason game of 2009 (against the
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston. The Texans compete in the National Football League as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC South, South division. The team plays its home games at N ...
) as the second quarterback and finished as the team's leading passer (12-of-18 for 145 yards) and looked poised throughout the evening to post a 91.2 quarterback rating.
The Chiefs would go on to lose the game 16–10.
After quarterback Matt Cassel was injured on August 29 against the
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle. The Seahawks compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC West, West division. The club entered the NFL a ...
,
Croyle started the final game of the preseason against the
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams were a professional American football team of the National Football League (NFL). They played in St. Louis, Missouri, from 1995 through the 2015 season, before moving back to Los Angeles, California, where the team had played ...
.
Croyle played the entire game at quarterback for the Chiefs' regular season opener against the
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional American football team based in Baltimore. The Ravens compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC North, North division. The team plays its home g ...
when Cassel was still unable to play. Despite completing 16-of-24 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns, the Chiefs lost to the Ravens 38–24.
However, the following week, Cassel became the starter again against the
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders were a professional American football team based in Oakland, California, from its founding in 1960 to 1981, and again from 1995 to 2019 before Oakland Raiders relocation to Las Vegas, relocating to the Las Vegas metropolitan ...
in Week 2.
2010 season
In the 2010 season, Croyle appeared in two games and started one, which was Week 14 against the
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers were a professional American football team in the National Football League (NFL). The Chargers played in San Diego, California from 1961 until 2016, before relocating back to the Greater Los Angeles area, where the franch ...
.
Arizona Cardinals
After leaving the Chiefs as a free agent, Croyle signed with the
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Cardinals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC West, West division. The ...
on August 23, 2011. He was waived by the team on September 2, 2011.
Retirement
On May 21, 2012, Croyle announced his retirement from the NFL.
Personal life
Croyle became the executive director for Big Oak Boys Ranch in Ohatchee, AL. and Big Oak Girls Ranch in Springville, AL. after his father, John Croyle, retired. Brodie lived on the Boys Ranch from the time of his birth until he became a freshman at The University of Alabama. Since taking over for his father, Croyle has been successful in the growth of Big Oak Ranch and ensuring the children grow up in a safe, Christian environment.
and at the Drumm Farm in
Independence, Missouri
Independence is a city in and one of two county seats of Jackson County, Missouri, United States. It is a satellite city of Kansas City, Missouri, and is the largest suburb on the Missouri side of the Kansas City metropolitan area. In 2020 Unite ...
, a facility that provides foster children with a safe and stable home.
Croyle serves as a spokesperson for
Johnson County Court Appointed Special Advocate.
On July 14, 2007, Croyle married Kelli Schutz, the 2005 winner of the
America's Junior Miss
Distinguished Young Women, formerly known as America's Junior Miss, is a national non-profit organization that provides scholarship opportunities to high school senior girls. Depending on the schedule of the various state and local programs, you ...
competition.
The couple met in
Mobile, Alabama
Mobile ( , ) is a city and the county seat of Mobile County, Alabama, United States. The population was 187,041 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census. After a successful vote to annex areas west of the city limits in July 2023, Mobil ...
in 2006, while Croyle was preparing for the
Senior Bowl
The Senior Bowl is a post-season college football all-star game played annually in late January or early February in Mobile, Alabama, which showcases the best NFL Draft prospects of those players who have completed their college eligibility. Pr ...
.
NFL career statistics
References
External links
*
College statisticsat
Sports Reference
Sports Reference, LLC is an American sports statistics company that operates databases of several sports. They include Pro Football Reference for American football, Baseball Reference for baseball, Basketball Reference for basketball, Hockey ...
{{DEFAULTSORT:Croyle, Brodie
1983 births
Living people
American football quarterbacks
Players of American football from Etowah County, Alabama
Alabama Crimson Tide football players
Kansas City Chiefs players
Arizona Cardinals players