Beyond the Gridiron: The Untold Story of Justin Herbert's Journey

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has consistently captured attention, excelling both in games and in his personal life, marking him as a standout talent in the NFL.

At 27 years old, Herbert joined the Chargers as the sixth selection in the 2020 NFL Draft and has since guided the team to the postseason in both 2022 and 2024.

Hailing from Eugene, Oregon, Herbert distinguished himself as a versatile athlete at Sheldon High School, participating in three sports, including basketball and baseball.

For his collegiate career, Herbert chose to stay close to home, competing for the University of Oregon Ducks for four seasons, from 2016 through 2019.

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In his final collegiate year, Herbert led the Ducks to a triumphant Rose Bowl win, earning the title of Offensive MVP in the process.

Continue reading to uncover more details about the Chargers' star quarterback, Justin Herbert.

A High School Leg Injury Made His College Recruitment Challenging

During his junior year, Herbert sustained a leg fracture in the third game, leading many prominent university programs to hesitate in their recruitment interest.

Even after a full recovery and achieving first-team All-State honors in his senior season, Herbert secured only two scholarship proposals from NCAA Division 1 institutions: Nevada and Oregon.

Speaking to the Seattle Times in 2018, ex-University of Washington head coach Chris Petersen described Herbert's injury as rendering him an "exceptionally difficult" prospect to evaluate.

Ultimately, Herbert pledged his commitment to Oregon in October 2015, setting the stage for his remarkable career.

"Navigating that period was genuinely difficult, but I didn't dwell on it," Herbert reflected on his fractured leg after declaring his commitment. "My priority was recovery. Thankfully, I returned even stronger. I feel incredibly blessed, honored, and lucky to be where I am today. Having been a lifelong supporter of the Oregon Ducks, and with our family holding season tickets, I attended every game. It would be an amazing sensation to run onto that field before my friends, family, and our city."

He Established a High School Fishing Organization

Beyond his athletic talents, Herbert also demonstrated a keen interest and active participation in outdoor pursuits during his high school years.

While attending Sheldon High School, Herbert initiated the Irish Fishing Club, adopting the school's moniker for its name.

KEZI 9 News reported that the club attracted 80 members within its inaugural year and continues its operation currently.

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"The essence is coming together, enjoying shared exploration, and experiencing some of the Pacific Northwest's wonders,” Fishing Club advisor Scott Wright informed KEZI in 2023. “As a club, we expect members to uphold its good name, consistently act with integrity, show respect to everyone, welcome all who wish to participate, and treat each individual with consideration and esteem."

His Collegiate Academic Performance Was Exceptional

During his final year at Oregon, Herbert was honored with the William V. Campbell Trophy, an annual award recognizing the college football athlete who best exemplifies a blend of academic achievement, leadership qualities, and athletic prowess.

This prestigious award is frequently dubbed the “Academic Heisman.”

Herbert completed his studies at the University of Oregon, earning a Science degree, and achieved an outstanding 4.01 GPA in his senior year, a feat the National Football Foundation lauded as belonging to one of “the finest student-athletes in college football history.”

He Hails From a Family Steeped in Football

Herbert’s grandfather on his mother’s side, Rich Schwab, was a wide receiver for the University of Oregon in the 1960s, while his father, Mark Herbert, played football and ran track at the University of Montana.

Justin’s elder brother, Mitch, 29, and younger brother, Patrick, 24, likewise pursued football careers.

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Mitch competed as a wide receiver at Montana State University prior to earning his medical degree from Columbia University in 2024.

Patrick was a tight end at Oregon between 2022 and 2024. He joined the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent but was released by the team in August.