Back in 2016, the New York Jets selected quarterback Christian Hackenberg in the second round of the NFL Draft with the 51st overall pick.
Admittedly, some did not think Hackenberg was the answer at the position. He had accuracy issues that many did not think were going to fade away. However, others believed he had loads of potential, and that after learning for a few years, he could be the quarterback to lead the Jets back into relevancy and Super Bowl contention.
Fast forward to 2020, Hackenberg has yet to throw a pass in a regular season game in the NFL. He spent time with the Jets, as well as the Las Vegas Raiders (then Oakland Raiders), Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals.
After the NFL, Hackenberg played in the AAF for the Memphis Express in 2019. He appeared in three games, completing 51.6 percent of his passes (32-for-62) for just 277 yards and zero touchdowns (three interceptions). He did have 47 rushing yards and a touchdown though.
That is the extent of Hackenberg's professional football career. However, it might not be the end of his professional sports career.
According to Rob Kuestner of NBC 10 in Philadelphia, Hackenberg is taking a shot at baseball, specifically pitching.
Christian Hackenberg is now trying to become a pitcher
“I’ve had my trials and tribulations with the NFL”
“I’m sitting here at 25. I feel like I have a lot left in the tank”@rkuestnernbc10 with the story. See how fast @chackenberg1 can throw @NBCPhiladelphia 620pm pic.twitter.com/eVFBECPjEi
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) June 13, 2020
That is former Penn State quarterback @chackenberg1 who is aiming for a pro career in baseball and throwing better than 90 mph. His story tonight @NBCPhiladelphia at 6 and 11. pic.twitter.com/Pt9ENO7RY4
— rob kuestner (@rkuestnernbc10) June 13, 2020
Of course, Hackenberg would not be the first quarterback that played for the Jets to try and make it in baseball. Tim Tebow is going after the same goal.
Hackenberg is a little different though, as he's attempting to make it as a pitcher.
The former Jets quarterback can reportedly hit over 90 MPH with his fastball. In today's world, that is nothing eye-popping, but it is certainly a necessity. So the fact that he can do that is encouraging.
It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. One could probably assume this means Christian Hackenberg is officially closing the book on his NFL/football career, as this will probably take all of his time and effort.
Good luck to the former Jets pick as he switches over to baseball. Of course, the good news is he's still focused on throwing a ball as a pitcher.