Who Is Max Brosmer? Meet The Minnesota Vikings Backup QB
Who is Max Brosmer? With Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol, the team is now preparing to hand the keys to an unlikely leader for their Week 13 game against the Seattle Seahawks: undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. His path from a record-setting college career to the verge of his first NFL start is a compelling story of perseverance and making the most of an unexpected opportunity.
Who Is Max Brosmer? University Of New Hampshire Career
Brosmer’s journey began after his high school days in Roswell, Georgia, when he enrolled at the University of New Hampshire in 2019. He was immediately thrown into the fire, earning the starting quarterback job as a true freshman and throwing for nearly 2,000 yards. However, his promising start was met with significant adversity. After a COVID-shortened 2020 season, Brosmer suffered a torn ACL that forced him to miss the entire 2021 campaign.
He returned from the injury better than ever. In 2022, Brosmer had a breakout year, passing for over 3,100 yards and 27 touchdowns. He built on that success in 2023, putting together a phenomenal season where he led all FCS quarterbacks in passing yards (3,464) and touchdowns (29). This dominant performance earned him a First-Team FCS All-American selection and made him a sought-after player in the transfer portal.
Proving Himself at the University of Minnesota
For his final year of college eligibility, Brosmer transferred to the University of Minnesota, bringing his talents to the Big Ten. The move allowed him to compete at a higher level, just down the road from what would become his future NFL home. In his single season as the Golden Gophers’ starter, he proved he belonged, leading the team to an 8-5 record. He showcased his efficiency and decision-making, completing nearly 67% of his passes for 2,617 yards, 17 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.
The Path to an NFL Starter
Despite his decorated college career, Brosmer went unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent, facing a tough battle to earn a roster spot. However, his work ethic and performance during training camp and the preseason were enough to impress the coaching staff, and he secured a place on the final 53-man roster.
Brosmer started the season as the Vikings’ third-string quarterback but was elevated to the backup role following a season-ending injury to Carson Wentz. Now, with McCarthy’s availability in question, he is in line to make his first career NFL start. It’s a testament to his resilience that he has navigated an unconventional path to find himself under center, ready to lead an NFL offense.
