Former Notre Dame football QB Ian Book is working out and waiting for an NFL team to call

Ian Book, the former star quarterback of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, is currently without an NFL team, but he’s far from idle. Instead of waiting passively, Book has taken a proactive approach—training daily, staying in peak physical and mental condition, and preparing himself for the moment his phone rings with the next opportunity. With a résumé filled with collegiate success and flashes of pro-level ability, Book is determined to write the next chapter of his football career.

This is the story of a quarterback who refuses to give up on his dream and who continues to bet on himself while the NFL world watches.

A Decorated College Career

Before Ian Book ever threw a pass in the NFL, he had already etched his name into Notre Dame’s storied history books. During his time in South Bend, Book became one of the most successful quarterbacks the program had seen in decades. He compiled a record of 30–5 as a starter—the most wins by a quarterback in Notre Dame history.

Book threw for over 8,900 yards and 72 touchdowns in his college career, but his legacy extended beyond statistics. He led the Irish to two College Football Playoff appearances (2018 and 2020) and earned a reputation as a calm, mobile, and intelligent leader. His ability to extend plays with his feet, manage the offense efficiently, and come through in clutch moments made him a fan favorite.

Despite criticisms that he lacked elite arm strength, scouts admired his football IQ, character, and leadership—traits that made him a promising developmental NFL quarterback.

Drafted by the Saints, But Limited NFL Opportunities

In the 2021 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints selected Ian Book in the fourth round (133rd overall). He joined a quarterback room that included Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill. While expectations for a fourth-round pick aren’t sky-high, there was some belief that Book could grow into a reliable backup or even more.

Book’s NFL debut came in December 2021, when COVID-19 protocols forced the Saints to start him against the Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately, the outing was rough. Playing behind an injury-depleted offensive line, Book was sacked eight times, threw two interceptions, and the Saints lost 20–3. It was a trial by fire, and Book wasn’t set up for success—but it was his only NFL start to date.

After the Saints waived him in August 2022, he was quickly picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles. There, he served as a depth option behind Jalen Hurts and Gardner Minshew but never saw game action.

In the months that followed, Book bounced between practice squads and offseason rosters, including short stints with the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs.

Still in the Game: Book’s Current Training and Focus

Now, in mid-2025, Ian Book finds himself in a familiar spot—training hard and staying ready. While he’s not currently on a roster, he’s actively working with quarterback coaches, maintaining his conditioning, and staying sharp with daily throwing sessions.

“Just because I’m not in a locker room today doesn’t mean I’ve stopped being a quarterback,” Book reportedly told those close to him. “I prepare every day as if a team is going to call tomorrow.”

Book is focusing on refining his footwork, improving timing on deep throws, and staying mentally locked in through film study. He’s also keeping tabs on league activity—quarterback injuries, team depth charts, and opportunities where he might be a fit.

His mindset is simple: Be ready. Because in the NFL, things change fast, and the call can come when least expected.

Why Ian Book Still Holds Value in the NFL

At 26 years old, Ian Book is still young by quarterback standards. And while his in-game NFL experience is limited, he offers qualities that make him a valuable asset, particularly as a backup:

• Experience in multiple systems: Book has learned from Sean Payton, Nick Sirianni, Bill Belichick, and Andy Reid. That exposure to diverse playbooks is a major advantage.
• High football IQ: Coaches praise Book’s grasp of offensive concepts and quick decision-making.
• Mobility: While not a running quarterback, he can evade pressure and make plays off-script—valuable traits for a backup.
• Professionalism and work ethic: Book has been praised for his maturity, preparation, and team-first attitude.

In a league where dependable backup quarterbacks are gold, Ian Book fits the mold of a plug-and-play QB2 or QB3 option.

The Harsh Reality of the Quarterback Market

Book’s story also reflects the brutal reality of life as an NFL quarterback. Every team wants a franchise star, and backup roles are extremely competitive. There are only 32 starting jobs and even fewer backup roles that are stable. Many teams now prefer to carry only two quarterbacks on the active roster, with a third on the practice squad.

That leaves talented players like Book in limbo—good enough to be in the league but waiting on the right fit, or for injuries or performance issues to create an opening.

However, the NFL season is long, and attrition is inevitable. From concussions to shoulder injuries, few teams go through a season without needing a backup or practice squad arm. For Book, that window could open at any moment.

Potential Landing Spots for Book

Here are a few teams that could be logical fits for Ian Book:

• Denver Broncos: With questions surrounding their quarterback room and Sean Payton’s history with Book in New Orleans, a reunion could make sense.
• Seattle Seahawks: A team that values smart, mobile quarterbacks and could benefit from added depth.
• Philadelphia Eagles (again): Book already knows the system and coaching staff. If injuries strike, he’s a logical emergency call-up.
• New England Patriots: With a young quarterback room and recent ties, Book could offer veteran presence and system familiarity.

What’s Next for Ian Book?

The future is unwritten, but Ian Book’s story is far from over. Whether he signs to a practice squad in training camp, gets a mid-season call-up due to injury, or lands a futures contract heading into 2026, he remains on the NFL radar.

He’s doing everything within his control: staying in shape, staying mentally prepared, and maintaining a mindset of growth and perseverance. That’s all a player in his position can do.

More importantly, Book is proving that talent, while essential, isn’t everything. Grit, patience, and professionalism also matter—and in those categories, he continues to excel.

Ian Book may not be starting NFL games right now, but he hasn’t faded into obscurity. His college legacy remains strong, and his professional resolve is even stronger. He’s shown he has the mental makeup and football character to contribute—now, it’s just a matter of timing and opportunity.

And when that call comes, Book will be ready—not just to wear a jersey, but to lead, support, and show he still belongs in the league.