Folsom High alum Jake Browning takes over for Burrow for remainder of season

When Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow went down with an injury Thursday night, a familiar face from Folsom took over behind center.

Folsom High School alum Jake Browning, the Bengals backup quarterback, stepped in. The 27-year-old accomplished multiple firsts Thursday night, completing his first pass in the NFL and throwing his first touchdown.

Unfortunately, the Baltimore Ravens were able to outgun the Bengals, beating Cincinnati 34-20.

“I felt calm the whole time,” Browning said after the game. “I felt like I was throwing the ball where I wanted to. Obviously, I had too many three-and-outs and put our defense in a tough situation. Even when Joe [Burrow] goes down, I’m going into the game fully expecting to win, so I’m pissed that we lost.”

Jake Browning's first career completion is a good one#CINvsBAL on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/lEJxUXD1NY pic.twitter.com/mZA8830Ikf

— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2023

On Friday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Browning will take over the starting quarterback reigns for the remainder of the season. Burrow suffered a torn ligament in his wrist and will not play again in 2023.

Jake Browning now takes over as the Bengals’ starting QB. “This season is far from over,” said Bengals’ HC Zac Taylor. https://t.co/VXLaIREGVt

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 17, 2023

At Folsom High School, Jake Browning set multiple records, including when he threw 91 touchdowns in his senior year. By the time he left high school, he recorded 1,708 career pass attempts, 1,191 completions for 16,775 yards, and 229 touchdowns.

Browning signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2019. After spending most of his time on the Vikings’ practice squad, he signed with the Bengals in 2021, becoming Burrow’s backup this season.

He wasn’t the only Folsom High School alumni playing Thursday night, either. Offensive tackle Jonah Williams was protecting his former teammate, just like he did years ago in Northern California.

This is awesome.

Jonah Williams was blocking for Jake Browning when they won a state title at Folsom High School (CA).

Now, Jonah Williams is blocking for Jake Browning in the NFL.

(📸: @MaxPreps) pic.twitter.com/5NahLwNAX8

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 17, 2023

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