The Quarterback Who Refused to Quit: Ben DiNucci’s 6-Year Battle Against NFL Heartbreak and Rejection
Ben DiNucci’s football journey took another turn on Sunday, January 19, 2026. He signed with the Denver Broncos’ practice squad ahead of the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots. The move came after Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Denver’s 33–30 divisional-round win over the Bills.
The 29-year-old quarterback adds experience at a critical moment. Denver is facing a quarterback shortage at the worst possible time. DiNucci is a logical short-term option because he can get up to speed quickly. He previously spent the 2023 season with the Broncos. That familiarity helps as the team prepares for a high-stakes matchup.
DiNucci’s knowledge of Sean Payton’s system also matters. It gives Denver a dependable third option behind starter Jarrett Stidham and backup Sam Ehlinger. The team now has added depth as it prepares for the biggest game of the season.
DiNucci confirmed the signing on social media with his usual confidence and humor.
“It has come to my attention that a team may be in need of my services,” he wrote.
“Good thing my schedule is open this week. Broncos Country… let’s go get a Super Bowl.”
Ben DiNucci’s Troubles
1. Benched and Forgotten at Pittsburgh (2016–2017)
DiNucci arrived at Pitt full of promise — a record-breaking Pennsylvania high school quarterback. Instead, he spent two years mostly watching from the sideline. After redshirting in 2016, he finally got his chance in 2017 when Max Browne got hurt… only to struggle badly. He started six games, threw 5 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, and lost the job to true freshman Kenny Pickett (who later became a first-round pick). The disappointment was crushing — he went from “future star” to “backup who couldn’t win the job.” He later admitted it was the lowest point of his early career.
2. The Painful Transfer and Starting Over (2017)
After the Pitt benching, DiNucci made the gut-wrenching decision to transfer to James Madison (FCS level). For many players, dropping from Power 5 to FCS feels like failure — a step backward, a dream deferred. He had to sit out a year (per transfer rules), practice in silence, and wonder if he’d ever play meaningful football again.
3. The NFL Dream Almost Died (2020–2022)
Drafted in the 7th round by Dallas in 2020, DiNucci got his shot when Andy Dalton got concussed. He started one game on Sunday Night Football against the Eagles… and it was a disaster. 21/40, 180 yards, 2 fumbles, 4 sacks, no touchdowns — a brutal national embarrassment. After that one start, he was quickly demoted, never played another meaningful NFL snap for Dallas, and spent two years bouncing between practice squad and waivers.
4. Waived and Released… Over and Over (2023–2025)
The journeyman life is cruel.
- Waived by Denver (2023)
- Signed & waived by Buffalo Bills (2024)
- Signed & waived by Atlanta Falcons (2024)
- Signed & waived by New Orleans Saints (2025)
Each time he packed his bags, said goodbye to teammates, and wondered if the NFL was done with him. He once posted on social media with dark humor: “It has come to my attention that a team may be in need of my services… Good thing my schedule is open this week.” Behind the joke was real pain.
5. The Silent Toll of Being “Good Enough… But Not Enough”
DiNucci has never been a bust — he’s been a 70% completion FCS star, XFL leader in yards, accurate, tough, and smart. Yet he’s never been “the guy.” He’s always the emergency option, the practice squad insurance, the “just in case” quarterback. That constant limbo — knowing you’re talented enough to play, but never quite getting the chance — is mentally exhausting.
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Who Is Ben DiNucci? Early Life and High School Stardom
Benjamin Anthony DiNucci was born on November 24, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 215 pounds, DiNucci developed into a talented quarterback prospect during his high school years at Pine-Richland High School in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, located just outside Pittsburgh.
Record-Breaking High School Career
DiNucci’s high school career was nothing short of spectacular. As a sophomore, he earned the starting quarterback position and never looked back. By his senior year in 2014, he had rewritten Pennsylvania football history.
His senior season numbers are still legendary in Pennsylvania prep football. He threw for a WPIAL-record 4,269 yards. He became the first player in state history to pass for more than 4,000 yards in a single season. DiNucci also accounted for 46 touchdowns with just nine interceptions. He led Pine-Richland to a 15–1 record and a berth in the Class AAAA state championship game.
DiNucci earned several major honors during his high school career. They included USA Today Second Team All-American recognition. He was also named Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year and Pennsylvania Sports Writers Class AAAA Player of the Year. By the end of his time at Pine-Richland, he had thrown for 7,619 yards and 72 touchdowns. Those totals cemented his place as one of the most decorated high school quarterbacks in Pennsylvania history.
College Career: A Tale of Two Programs
The Pittsburgh Years: Promise and Frustration
Originally committed to the University of Pennsylvania, DiNucci decommitted and accepted a football scholarship from the University of Pittsburgh after Pat Narduzzi was hired as the new head coach.
His Pittsburgh career began with patience and limited opportunities. As a redshirt freshman in 2016, DiNucci served as backup quarterback behind Nathan Peterman. His first significant action came in the 2016 Pinstripe Bowl, where he relieved an injured Peterman late in the third quarter against Northwestern University, completing three of nine passes for 16 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
As a redshirt sophomore in 2017, DiNucci finally earned meaningful playing time when senior Max Browne suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. He started six games but struggled to find consistency, completing just 55.7% of his passes for 1,091 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions. Pittsburgh went 3-7 in games he played, and he eventually lost the starting position to true freshman Kenny Pickett—who would later become a first-round NFL draft pick.
Following the disappointing 2017 season, DiNucci made the difficult decision to transfer, seeking a fresh start and a better opportunity to showcase his abilities.
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James Madison University: Redemption and Excellence
DiNucci’s transfer to James Madison University in December 2017 proved to be a career-defining decision. The move to the FCS level gave him the platform to develop into a legitimate NFL prospect.
2018 Season: Finding His Footing
As a redshirt junior in 2018, DiNucci immediately won the starting quarterback job. He started all 13 games at quarterback, posting 211 of 309 completions for 2,275 yards, 16 passing touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 433 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. He earned third-team All-CAA honors while leading James Madison to a 9-4 record and a second-round playoff appearance.
The season showed flashes of brilliance, including a career-high 316 passing yards against Elon University and four touchdown passes against Rhode Island. He also displayed his dual-threat ability with 104 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in a game against Towson University.
2019 Season: National Championship Run
DiNucci’s senior year at James Madison was transformative, particularly under new head coach Curt Cignetti, who took over the program in 2019. The impact of Cignetti’s coaching cannot be overstated—DiNucci later credited him with completely changing how he played and thought about the quarterback position.
As a senior, he started all 16 games at quarterback, passing for 3,441 yards, 29 passing touchdowns, completing nearly 71% of his throws, with 122 carries for 569 yards and seven rushing touchdowns. His completion percentage of 70.9% led the entire nation, showcasing remarkable accuracy and decision-making improvement.
DiNucci earned All-CAA, CAA Offensive Player of the Year, and AFCA first-team All-American honors. Most importantly, he led the Dukes to a 14-2 record and an appearance in the FCS Championship Game against North Dakota State University. Although James Madison lost the title game 28-20, DiNucci completed 22 of 33 passes for 204 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the championship contest.
He finished his James Madison career ranked third in completions (479), fourth in passing touchdowns (45) and passing yards (5,716), and seventh in total offense (6,718) in program history. His two-year record as a starter was an impressive 23-6.
The 2020 NFL Draft: Dallas Comes Calling
Draft Day Decision
DiNucci was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round, 231st overall, of the 2020 NFL draft, after it became apparent he was considering signing with either the Cleveland Browns or Chicago Bears if he were to become an undrafted free agent. The Cowboys saw enough potential in the James Madison standout to use a draft pick on him.
He signed his rookie contract on July 20, 2020—a four-year deal worth approximately $3.39 million with a $95,148 signing bonus.
Unexpected NFL Debut
DiNucci’s NFL career began sooner than anyone anticipated due to injuries to Dallas’ quarterback room. On October 19, 2020, he made his NFL debut in relief of Andy Dalton against the Arizona Cardinals. Just six days later, against the Washington Football Team, DiNucci entered the game after Dalton left with a concussion in the third quarter.
His first completed NFL pass was memorable—a 32-yard strike to star receiver Amari Cooper. He completed 2 of 3 attempts for 39 yards during the 3-25 loss, while taking three sacks in just 12 snaps.
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The Philadelphia Start: A Night to Forget
On October 31, 2020, the Cowboys announced that DiNucci would make his first career start against the Philadelphia Eagles due to Dalton being in concussion protocol. The Sunday Night Football spotlight proved harsh for the rookie.
DiNucci completed 21 of 40 passes for 180 yards with no touchdowns, lost two fumbles, and was sacked four times in a disappointing 23-9 loss. The Cowboys failed to score a touchdown in back-to-back games for just the fourth time in franchise history, despite their defense forcing four Eagles turnovers.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy had compared DiNucci’s talent to former Pro Bowler Marc Bulger earlier that year, but the rookie couldn’t overcome the circumstances. Following the performance, he was passed on the depth chart by Garrett Gilbert for the backup position for the remainder of the season.
Dallas Tenure: Practice Squad Years
DiNucci never appeared in another NFL regular season game for Dallas. On August 31, 2021, he was waived by the Cowboys but added to the practice squad the following day. He signed a reserve/future contract with the team on January 18, 2022, but was ultimately waived again on August 30, 2022, ending his Cowboys tenure.
His final NFL statistics with Dallas: 3 games played, 1 start, 0-1 record as a starter, 23 completions on 43 attempts (53.5% completion percentage), 219 passing yards, 5.1 yards per attempt, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
XFL Glory: The Seattle Sea Dragons Era
2023 XFL Draft and Breakout Season
Following his departure from Dallas, DiNucci was allocated in the opening phase of the 2023 XFL draft. On November 15, 2022, he was selected by the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons. Outside of A.J. McCarron, DiNucci was the only quarterback in the draft pool with NFL regular season experience.
The XFL opportunity proved to be DiNucci’s chance to shine on a national stage. He started 10 games and guided the Sea Dragons to a playoff berth with a 7-3 record, demonstrating the leadership and playmaking ability that had made him successful at James Madison.
League-Leading Performance
DiNucci’s 2023 XFL statistics were impressive and league-leading in multiple categories. He led the entire XFL in passing yards (2,671), attempts (374), completions (272), and interceptions (13), while ranking second in passing touchdowns (20).
The performance showcased both his strengths—volume passing, production, and the ability to move the ball downfield—and his weaknesses, as the 13 interceptions indicated he still had the gunslinger mentality that could lead to turnovers. Nevertheless, he proved he could command an offense and win games at the professional level.
Contract Release
DiNucci was released from his XFL contract on May 15, 2023, as the league underwent changes. However, his strong performance had caught the attention of NFL teams once again.
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Return to Denver (2023)
On May 16, 2023—just one day after his XFL release—DiNucci signed with the Denver Broncos after participating on a tryout basis at the team’s rookie minicamp. His XFL success had given him a second chance at the NFL.
He was waived on August 29, 2023, but re-signed to the practice squad, where he spent the entire 2023 season. He never saw game action but gained valuable experience learning Sean Payton’s offensive system. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024.
Brief Stops Across the League (2024-2025)
DiNucci’s journey continued through multiple NFL cities:
Denver Broncos (2024): On May 8, 2024, DiNucci was waived by the Broncos, ending his first stint with the team.
Buffalo Bills (2024): On August 12, 2024, DiNucci signed with the Buffalo Bills after Shane Buechele suffered a neck injury. He was waived on August 23, 2024.
Atlanta Falcons (2024): On August 18, 2024, DiNucci signed with the Falcons, reuniting with a team in his birth state. The signing came after quarterback Emory Jones entered concussion protocol, giving DiNucci an opportunity to see playing time in the Falcons’ preseason finale against Dallas—his former team. However, he was waived on August 23, 2024, and never made the 53-man roster.
New Orleans Saints (2024-2025): DiNucci signed a reserve/future contract with the Saints in January 2025 but was waived on April 29, 2025, after the team selected Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Broadcasting Career Begins
Following his departure from the Falcons, DiNucci transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a college football color commentator for CBS Sports. He made his debut at the Bucknell-Air Force game on August 30, 2025.
In December 2025, he partnered with the NFL on CBS for a viral video in which he disguised himself for a flag football game, showcasing his personality and media presence. The broadcasting role appeared to be his post-playing career path.
The 2026 Broncos Return
Then came the unexpected call. After Bo Nix’s devastating injury in Denver’s playoff win over Buffalo, the Broncos needed quarterback depth for their AFC Championship Game run. DiNucci’s familiarity with Payton’s system from his 2023 season made him the logical choice.
On January 19, 2026, DiNucci signed with Denver’s practice squad, returning to the team where he’d spent the 2023 season. While he’s unlikely to see game action with Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger ahead of him on the depth chart, his presence provides valuable insurance and demonstrates his enduring determination to stay connected to the game.
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Playing Style and Characteristics
Strengths
DiNucci’s game is built on several key attributes that have kept him in professional football for over six years:
Accuracy and Decision-Making: His 70.9% completion percentage at James Madison in 2019 demonstrated elite accuracy at the FCS level. He improved dramatically in cutting down interceptions from his junior to senior year.
Dual-Threat Ability: With over 1,000 career rushing yards in college, DiNucci can extend plays with his legs and pick up crucial yardage on designed runs or scrambles.
Football Intelligence: Multiple coaches, particularly Curt Cignetti, have praised DiNucci’s understanding of offensive concepts and ability to process information quickly.
Leadership and Toughness: His 23-6 record as a starter at James Madison and ability to lead the Sea Dragons to the playoffs demonstrate natural leadership qualities.
Weaknesses and Challenges
Turnover Tendency: His gunslinger mentality has led to interception problems throughout his career, from 12 picks as a James Madison junior to 13 in the XFL.
Arm Strength Limitations: Evaluated as a seventh-round prospect, DiNucci doesn’t possess elite arm strength compared to top NFL quarterbacks.
Limited NFL Experience: With just three career NFL appearances in 2020, he has virtually no recent experience in NFL game situations.
Size and Physical Tools: At 6-2, 215 pounds, DiNucci has adequate but not exceptional size for the position at the NFL level.
The Coaching Impact: Curt Cignetti’s Influence
One of the most important relationships in DiNucci’s football life has been with Curt Cignetti, who coached him during his senior season at James Madison in 2019. DiNucci has been effusive in his praise for Cignetti’s impact.
“He’s come a long way from calling me a slappy first day of winter workouts in 2019 at JMU,” DiNucci wrote on social media. “I owe this guy all the success I’ve had beyond college. Totally changed the way I played and thought about the quarterback position. 1 of 1 at the coaching position.”
The numbers support DiNucci’s claims. Under Cignetti’s guidance, he improved from 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions as a junior to 29 touchdowns and six interceptions as a senior, while boosting his completion percentage from 68.3% to 70.9%. That transformation helped him become an NFL draft pick and launched his professional career.
Cignetti has since become the head coach at Indiana University, where he’s continued his success. The bond between coach and player remains strong, with DiNucci frequently crediting Cignetti for his development.
Career Statistics Summary
College Career
Pittsburgh (2016-2017): 12 games, 6 starts, 88 completions, 158 attempts, 1,091 yards, 5 TDs, 5 INTs
James Madison (2018-2019): 29 games, 23 starts, 479 completions, 5,716 yards, 45 TDs, 18 INTs, 1,002 rushing yards, 16 rushing TDs
Combined: 41 games, 29 starts, 567 completions, 6,807 passing yards, 50 passing TDs, 23 INTs
NFL Career
Dallas Cowboys (2020): 3 games, 1 start, 23 completions, 43 attempts, 53.5%, 219 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs, 0-1 record
XFL Career
Seattle Sea Dragons (2023): 10 games, 10 starts, 272 completions, 374 attempts, 72.7%, 2,671 yards, 20 TDs, 13 INTs, 7-3 record
The Journeyman Life: Why DiNucci Keeps Fighting
Ben DiNucci’s career embodies the journeyman quarterback experience in modern professional football. Since entering the NFL as a seventh-round pick in 2020, he has signed with nine different professional teams across two leagues: Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Sea Dragons (XFL), Denver Broncos (three separate times), Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons, and New Orleans Saints.
What Drives a Journeyman?
Several factors explain why DiNucci continues to pursue his NFL dream despite limited playing opportunities:
Love of the Game: His transition to broadcasting showed he could have a successful post-playing career, yet he remains ready to answer the call when teams need quarterback help.
Financial Opportunity: Practice squad salaries in the NFL can range from $12,000 to $19,900 per week during the 18-week regular season, providing solid compensation even without game action.
Staying Ready: Veteran quarterbacks understand that opportunities can arise suddenly due to injuries, as evidenced by his 2026 return to Denver after Bo Nix’s injury.
System Familiarity: His experience in Sean Payton’s offense gives him value to Denver that another quarterback might not possess.
Personal Pride: For a player who overcame being benched at Pittsburgh to become an FCS All-American and XFL star, giving up on his dreams isn’t in his nature.
Impact and Legacy
A Different Kind of Success Story
Ben DiNucci’s career may not feature Pro Bowl selections or starting quarterback statistics, but it represents a different kind of success in professional football. He’s carved out a six-year professional career despite being a seventh-round pick with limited physical tools.
His ability to reinvent himself—from Pittsburgh transfer to James Madison star, from NFL backup to XFL champion, from waived player to broadcaster to practice squad quarterback—demonstrates remarkable adaptability and perseverance.
Inspiration for College Players
For FCS players and Division I transfers, DiNucci provides a blueprint for making it to the NFL. His journey from Pittsburgh benchwarmer to James Madison star to drafted NFL player shows that talent can develop at any level and that perseverance matters.
His 2019 season at James Madison, where he led the nation in completion percentage and took his team to the FCS Championship Game, remains one of the greatest individual seasons in James Madison football history.
The Broadcasting Future
While DiNucci’s 2026 return to Denver’s practice squad shows he’s not done with playing, his successful transition to CBS Sports broadcasting suggests a promising post-playing career awaits. His personality, football knowledge, and ability to articulate his experiences make him well-suited for media work.
The combination of NFL experience, XFL success, and college football knowledge gives him credibility across multiple levels of the game. If and when he decides to hang up his cleats permanently, the broadcasting booth seems like a natural destination.
What’s Next for Ben DiNucci?
As DiNucci prepares with the Denver Broncos for their AFC Championship Game against the Patriots, several scenarios could unfold:
Short-Term (2026 Playoffs): DiNucci will serve as the third-string emergency quarterback behind Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger. Unless multiple injuries occur, he’s unlikely to see game action but provides crucial insurance.
2026 Season: If Denver values his knowledge of Payton’s system and veteran presence, he could earn a camp invitation or practice squad spot for the regular season.
Broadcasting Return: CBS Sports may welcome him back for the 2026 college football season, continuing his media career alongside his playing aspirations.
Another Team: His ability to learn offenses quickly and provide veteran mentorship could lead to opportunities with other quarterback-needy teams.
At 29 years old, DiNucci isn’t ready to walk away from the game that has defined his life. Whether he gets another shot at meaningful NFL playing time or transitions fully into broadcasting, his story serves as a testament to persistence, adaptability, and the enduring dream of competing at football’s highest level.
Final Thought
Ben DiNucci’s path through football says a lot about how the sport really works. He went from Pennsylvania high school legend to a bench role in Pittsburgh. From there, he became an All-American at James Madison. He was later a seventh-round NFL draft pick. Then came time in the XFL, a role as a CBS broadcaster, and life as a practice squad quarterback. His career reflects the unpredictable reality of professional football.
He never became the NFL starter he once dreamed of being. That dream began when he threw for more than 4,000 yards as a high school senior in Pennsylvania. He also never recreated his James Madison success in the NFL. In six seasons, he has appeared in just three NFL games. All of them came in 2020.
And yet, he’s still here.
He’s still signing contracts. Still getting calls when teams need help. Still chasing the dream, one practice squad deal at a time.
For every Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, there are hundreds of Ben DiNuccis. They are talented players who love the game enough to keep fighting. They battle for roster spots. They grind for practice squad roles. They stay ready for the smallest chance at meaningful playing time.
DiNucci’s story may not dominate headlines. But it represents the backbone of professional football. These are the players who fill rosters, challenge starters in practice, and step in when their number is called.
Before returning to Denver, DiNucci summed it up perfectly in a tweet:
“Good thing my schedule is open this week. Broncos Country… let’s go get a Super Bowl.”
That optimism matters. So does the belief. It defines the journeyman quarterback life. And Ben DiNucci has lived it as fully as anyone.
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