When the Minnesota Vikings take the field this upcoming Sunday for their Week 13 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, all eyes may be on an unexpected face under center: undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer. Following the Vikings’ announcement on Monday that starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy has entered the concussion protocol, Brosmer is now poised to make his first-ever NFL start — a remarkable journey for a player who went undrafted and whose college career began at a smaller FCS program.

For many Vikings fans, Brosmer may already feel familiar. He played his most recent college season close to home at the University of Minnesota, just down the road from U.S. Bank Stadium. However, those who have not followed his path may be surprised by the challenges and triumphs that brought him to this moment.

Early College Career: New Hampshire Beginnings

Max Brosmer hails from Roswell, Georgia, and began his college football career at the University of New Hampshire in 2019. From the start, he demonstrated promise, taking over as the Wildcats’ starting quarterback as a true freshman. In 11 games that season, he completed 58.8 percent of his passes for 1,967 yards, throwing 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

The following seasons were far from smooth. The 2020 season was largely canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Brosmer suffered a torn ACL that kept him off the field for the entirety of the 2021 campaign. Yet, his determination and work ethic never wavered.

Returning in 2022, Brosmer put together an impressive season: completing 62.6 percent of his passes for 3,154 yards, throwing 27 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. His performance earned him recognition as one of the top quarterbacks in the FCS, and he followed that up in 2023 with an even more remarkable season, completing 64 percent of his passes for 3,464 yards, 29 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. That year, he led all FCS quarterbacks in both passing yardage and touchdowns and earned First-Team FCS All-American honors.

Transfer to Minnesota and Continued Success

Following his record-setting tenure at New Hampshire, Brosmer transferred to the University of Minnesota ahead of the 2024 season. In his lone year as the Golden Gophers’ starting quarterback, he helped guide the team to an 8-5 record. He completed 66.8 percent of his throws for 2,617 yards, tossing 17 touchdowns against just five interceptions. His leadership and precision on the field further solidified his reputation as a talented, resilient, and intelligent quarterback.

Despite this success, Brosmer was not selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the Vikings recognized his potential and signed him as an undrafted free agent. From that point, Brosmer’s drive and determination became immediately apparent.

Rise Through the Vikings Depth Chart

Brosmer impressed Minnesota’s coaching staff and front office throughout training camp and the preseason, earning a spot on the team’s final 53-man roster for the 2025 season. He began the year as the Vikings’ third-string quarterback but was quickly promoted to the No. 2 spot following Carson Wentz’s season-ending shoulder surgery.

Now, with J.J. McCarthy sidelined due to injury, Brosmer may be called upon to lead the Vikings for the first time in his NFL career — a task that comes with immense pressure but also an unprecedented opportunity. Coaches and teammates have praised his work ethic, intelligence, and poise, suggesting that he has the tools to make the most of this unexpected chance.

Looking Ahead: First NFL Start

Sunday’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks represents a defining moment for Brosmer. The rookie will have the opportunity to showcase the skills that earned him success in college — accuracy, decision-making, and leadership under pressure — on the NFL stage. While starting as an undrafted rookie is rare, Brosmer’s journey demonstrates resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence that has carried him from New Hampshire to Minnesota, and now potentially to the NFL spotlight.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether the young quarterback can translate his collegiate magic to the professional level. Regardless of the outcome, Max Brosmer’s story — from undrafted rookie to potential starter — is already inspiring, embodying the determination, grit, and talent required to succeed at the highest level of football.

Sunday’s game may not only mark his debut but could also signal the beginning of a new chapter for the Vikings’ quarterback position — one defined by opportunity, resilience, and the unexpected rise of a true underdog.