Jeff Blake

[1] He spent the second half of his career playing for the New Orleans Saints from 2000 to 2001 and one season each with the Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, and Chicago Bears.

Tragedy struck on July 5, 1976, when his mother died when trying to rescue her younger sibling from drowning at Wekiwa Springs State Park.

Blake was a star quarterback at Seminole High School in Florida, with his father Emory as offensive coordinator.

He encouraged the Bengals to pick up Blake, who was brought into a roster that had David Klingler as the starter and Donald Hollas as the presumed backup.

Amidst a year that saw him start just 11 games (with others filled by Boomer Esiason), Blake threw for 2,125 yards with 8 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.

He was given the bulk of the time in 1999 while they tried to nurture newly drafted Akili Smith, with Blake going 3-9 and throwing for 2,670 yards with 16 touchdowns to 12 interceptions.

Blake started 11 games at quarterback before breaking his foot late in the 2000 season and being replaced by Aaron Brooks.

Blake was signed by the Chicago Bears before the 2005 NFL season to replace back-up quarterback Chad Hutchinson.

Following an injury to the Bears' starting quarterback, Rex Grossman, coach Lovie Smith opted to select rookie Kyle Orton to fill the slot.

During the last game of the regular NFL season, Blake was put in to replace Kyle Orton during the fourth quarter, completing eight of nine passes.

His position was filled by Kyle Orton, who was demoted after the Bears signed Brian Griese to serve as Grossman's back-up.

[11] In 2023, he was hired to serve as head coach and offensive coordinator for Valley Sports Academy with the Prepstar 7-on-7 football team in Lake Hallie, Wisconsin.