John Navarre
Encyclopedia
John Robert Navarre is a former American football
quarterback
who was a three-year starter for the Michigan Wolverines
from 2001 to 2003, leading the Wolverines to the 2003 Big Ten Conference
championship in his final year of eligibility. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals
in the 2004 NFL Draft
and played for the Cardinals in 2004 and 2005.
, Navarre attended Cudahy High School in Wisconsin
, where he had a record of 33–4 as the starting
quarterback.
Navarre joined the Wolverines
in 1999. At that time, the starting quarterback position was filled by future NFL player Tom Brady
. Drew Henson
, who also later played in the NFL, was listed as Brady's backup and Navarre was to be redshirted
. On that year's roster, Navarre was listed at 6'6" and weighed 220 pounds.
To begin the 2000 season, Henson sustained an injury in practice that required redshirt-freshman Navarre to start under center against Michigan's first opponent, Bowling Green
. In his first career start, Navarre threw for four touchdowns, a school record for a first-time starting quarterback and the most ever in a season opener. The four touchdown passes also tied a school record. Navarre's play in the opener earned him Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Week. Navarre continued his role as starting quarterback as Henson continued to be sidelined by injury, getting his second start against Rice
. Michigan
went on the road against #14 UCLA
and lost, 23–20. The following week, Michigan began Big Ten play against #19 Illinois
. While Navarre started his fourth game in a row, Henson replaced him late in the first half. Navarre saw limited action at quarterback the rest of the season, ending the season with 583 passing yards and 8 touchdowns in 10 games.
Shortly after Michigan's win against Auburn
in the 2001 Citrus Bowl
, Henson announced he would come back for his senior season and forgo entering the 2001 NFL Draft
. In 1998, Henson was drafted by the Major League Baseball
's New York Yankees
in the amateur draft
and although he had already told Michigan he was returning for his senior season, he left to begin his pursuit of a Major League career.
Navarre began the 2001 season as Michigan
's starting quarterback, a role he kept until his last year of eligibility in 2003. In his first full season as Michigan's starting quarterback, Navarre threw for 2,345 yards and 19 touchdowns. Michigan ended the regular season 8–3 before going on to lose their Citrus Bowl
match-up with Tennessee
, snapping the school's four-game bowl win streak. In the loss, Navarre threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns.
In his junior season, Navarre led Michigan
to a 9–3 regular season record before a showcase performance in the Outback Bowl
, where he threw for a career-high 319 yards and one touchdown en route to 38–30 win over Florida
and a 10–3 record to end the season.
In his senior campaign, Navarre again led Michigan to a 10–3 overall record, and the team's first Rose Bowl
appearance since the 1997 season
. During the regular season, Navarre amassed 3,331 passing yards and 24 touchdowns, posting wins over Michigan rivals, Notre Dame
, 38–0, and Ohio State
, 35-21. The Wolverines finished the season against USC
, ranked #1 in both polls, in the Rose Bowl
. In the 28–14 loss, Navarre had played his last game as a quarterback at Michigan, gaining 271 passing yards and one touchdown on 27 completions in 46 attempts.
Navarre held several Michigan career passing records including those for attempts, completions, and passing yards before Chad Henne
surpassed those marks in 2007
. He also held the records for most total offensive yards gained in a game (368 vs. Iowa in 2003) and in a season (3,240 in 2003) before being surpassed by Denard Robinson
in 2010
. In 2003, Navarre led the Wolverines to their largest comeback in school history, overcoming a 21-point deficit as they defeated Minnesota, 38–35.
by the Arizona Cardinals
and served as their third-string quarterback for the 2004 through 2005 seasons. He started one game for the Cardinals in 2004
, throwing four interceptions and one touchdown in a losing effort against the Detroit Lions
. Navarre has appeared in five games in his three-year NFL career; his debut was December 5, 2004.
along with his wife, Courtney, and their daughter Morgan and works for a ALRO Steel Milwaukee Branch, managing 45 employees.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
who was a three-year starter for the Michigan Wolverines
Michigan Wolverines football
The Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history...
from 2001 to 2003, leading the Wolverines to the 2003 Big Ten Conference
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
championship in his final year of eligibility. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
in the 2004 NFL Draft
2004 NFL Draft
The 2004 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 24-25, 2004 at the theater at Madison Square Garden...
and played for the Cardinals in 2004 and 2005.
College career
Before coming to MichiganMichigan Wolverines football
The Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history...
, Navarre attended Cudahy High School in Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
, where he had a record of 33–4 as the starting
Starting lineup
A starting lineup in sports is an official list of the set of players who will actively participate in the event when the game begins. The players in the starting lineup are commonly referred to as starters, whereas the others are substitutes or bench players.The starters are commonly the best...
quarterback.
Navarre joined the Wolverines
1999 Michigan Wolverines football team
The 1999 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1999 college football season. The team's head coach was Lloyd Carr. The Wolverines played their home games at Michigan Stadium. That year Michigan Wolverines football competed in the Big Ten Conference in...
in 1999. At that time, the starting quarterback position was filled by future NFL player Tom Brady
Tom Brady
Thomas Edward Patrick "Tom" Brady, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . After playing college football at Michigan, Brady was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.He has played in four Super Bowls,...
. Drew Henson
Drew Henson
Drew Daniel Henson is a retired Major League Baseball third baseman and National Football League quarterback. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan....
, who also later played in the NFL, was listed as Brady's backup and Navarre was to be redshirted
Redshirt (college sports)
Redshirt is a term used in American college athletics that refers to a delay or suspension of an athlete's participation in order to lengthen his or her period of eligibility...
. On that year's roster, Navarre was listed at 6'6" and weighed 220 pounds.
To begin the 2000 season, Henson sustained an injury in practice that required redshirt-freshman Navarre to start under center against Michigan's first opponent, Bowling Green
Bowling Green Falcons football
The Bowling Green Falcons football team is the interscholastic football team at Bowling Green State University. Bowling Green competes as a member of the Mid-American Conference in the East Division. The Falcons have won ten conference championships....
. In his first career start, Navarre threw for four touchdowns, a school record for a first-time starting quarterback and the most ever in a season opener. The four touchdown passes also tied a school record. Navarre's play in the opener earned him Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Week. Navarre continued his role as starting quarterback as Henson continued to be sidelined by injury, getting his second start against Rice
Rice Owls football
The Rice Owls football team represents Rice University in NCAA Division I college football. The Owls have competed in Conference USA's Western Division since 2005. Rice Stadium, built in 1950, hosts the Owls' home football games.-Venue:...
. Michigan
2000 Michigan Wolverines football team
The 2000 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the college football 2000 college football season. The team's head coach was Lloyd Carr. The Wolverines played their home games at Michigan Stadium.-Schedule:...
went on the road against #14 UCLA
UCLA Bruins Football
The UCLA Bruins football program represents the University of California, Los Angeles in college football as members of the Pacific-12 Conference at the NCAA Division I FBS level. The Bruins have enjoyed several periods of success in their history, having been ranked in the top ten of the AP Poll...
and lost, 23–20. The following week, Michigan began Big Ten play against #19 Illinois
Illinois Fighting Illini football
The Illinois Fighting Illini are a major college football program, representing the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. They compete in NCAA Division I-A and the Big Ten Conference.-Current staff:-All-time win/loss/tie record:*563-513-51...
. While Navarre started his fourth game in a row, Henson replaced him late in the first half. Navarre saw limited action at quarterback the rest of the season, ending the season with 583 passing yards and 8 touchdowns in 10 games.
Shortly after Michigan's win against Auburn
2000 Auburn Tigers football team
The 2000 Auburn Tigers football team represented Auburn University in the 2000 NCAA Division I-A football season. They finished the season with a 9–4 record and won the Southeastern Conference West Division championship...
in the 2001 Citrus Bowl
2001 Florida Citrus Bowl
The 2001 Florida Citrus Bowl was a college football bowl game held on January 1, 2001 at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. The Michigan Wolverines, co-champions of the Big Ten Conference, defeated the Auburn Tigers, champions of the Southeastern Conference's Western Division, 31-28. ...
, Henson announced he would come back for his senior season and forgo entering the 2001 NFL Draft
2001 NFL Draft
The 2001 NFL Draft took place on April 21–22, 2001 at the theater at Madison Square Garden, in New York City. This was the 66th National Football League draft in league history. The draft was broadcast on ESPN both days and eventually moved to ESPN2. No teams elected to claim any players in the...
. In 1998, Henson was drafted by the Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
's New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
in the amateur draft
1998 Major League Baseball Draft
The 1998 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft of high school and college baseball players, was held on June 2 and 3, 1998...
and although he had already told Michigan he was returning for his senior season, he left to begin his pursuit of a Major League career.
Navarre began the 2001 season as Michigan
2001 Michigan Wolverines football team
The 2001 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the college football season of 2001-2002. The team's head coach was Lloyd Carr...
's starting quarterback, a role he kept until his last year of eligibility in 2003. In his first full season as Michigan's starting quarterback, Navarre threw for 2,345 yards and 19 touchdowns. Michigan ended the regular season 8–3 before going on to lose their Citrus Bowl
2002 Florida Citrus Bowl
The 2002 Florida Citrus Bowl was a college football bowl game held on January 1, 2002 at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. The Tennessee Volunteers, champions of the Southeastern Conference's Eastern Division, defeated the Michigan Wolverines, second place finishers in the Big Ten...
match-up with Tennessee
2001 Tennessee Volunteers football team
The 2001 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 2001 college football season. The team was coached by Phillip Fulmer. The Vols played their home games in Neyland Stadium and competed in the Eastern Division of the SEC...
, snapping the school's four-game bowl win streak. In the loss, Navarre threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns.
In his junior season, Navarre led Michigan
2002 Michigan Wolverines football team
The 2002 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 2002 college football season. The team's head coach was Lloyd Carr. The Wolverines played their home games at Michigan Stadium. The team was led by All-Americans Bennie Joppru and Marlin Jackson as well as...
to a 9–3 regular season record before a showcase performance in the Outback Bowl
2003 Outback Bowl
The 2003 Outback Bowl was a college football bowl game held on January 1, 2003 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Michigan Wolverines, third place finishers in the Big Ten Conference, defeated the Florida Gators, who finished second the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference,...
, where he threw for a career-high 319 yards and one touchdown en route to 38–30 win over Florida
2002 Florida Gators football team
The 2002 Florida Gators football team represented the University of Florida in the sport of American football during the 2002 college football season...
and a 10–3 record to end the season.
In his senior campaign, Navarre again led Michigan to a 10–3 overall record, and the team's first Rose Bowl
Rose Bowl Game
The Rose Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game, usually played on January 1 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. When New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, the game is played on Monday, January 2...
appearance since the 1997 season
1997 Michigan Wolverines football team
The 1997 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1997 NCAA Division I-A football season. In its third year under head coach Lloyd Carr, Michigan compiled a perfect 12–0 record, won the Big Ten Conference championship, defeated Washington State in the 1998...
. During the regular season, Navarre amassed 3,331 passing yards and 24 touchdowns, posting wins over Michigan rivals, Notre Dame
2003 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team
The 2003 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was the college football team that represented the University of Notre Dame in the 2003 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team was coached by Tyrone Willingham and played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana. The Irish...
, 38–0, and Ohio State
2003 Ohio State Buckeyes football team
The 2003 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented the Ohio State University in the college football season of 2003-2004. The team's head coach was Jim Tressel. The Buckeyes played their home games in Ohio Stadium. Ohio State finished the season with a record of 11-2 and placed second in the...
, 35-21. The Wolverines finished the season against USC
2003 USC Trojans football team
The 2003 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California in the 2003-2004 NCAA Division I-A college football season...
, ranked #1 in both polls, in the Rose Bowl
2004 Rose Bowl
The 2004 Rose Bowl was a college football bowl game held on January 1, 2004 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. It was the 90th Rose Bowl Game. The USC Trojans, champions of the Pacific-10 Conference, defeated the Michigan Wolverines, champions of the Big Ten Conference, 28-14...
. In the 28–14 loss, Navarre had played his last game as a quarterback at Michigan, gaining 271 passing yards and one touchdown on 27 completions in 46 attempts.
Michigan feats
Navarre currently holds the following Michigan football records:- Most pass attempts in a season: 456 (2003)
- Most pass completions in a season: 270 (2003)
- Most passing yards in a season: 3,331 (2003)
- Most passing yards in a game: 389 (2003, vs. Iowa2003 Iowa Hawkeyes football teamThe 2003 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa during the 2003 college football season. Following a 2002 season that saw the Hawkeyes finish 11-2 with a Big Ten championship, expectations for a third straight post-season game were well warranted...
) - Most touchdowns passes in a game: 4 (tied for first), three occasions (2000, vs. Bowling GreenBowling Green Falcons footballThe Bowling Green Falcons football team is the interscholastic football team at Bowling Green State University. Bowling Green competes as a member of the Mid-American Conference in the East Division. The Falcons have won ten conference championships....
; 2002, vs. Western MichiganWestern Michigan Broncos footballThe Western Michigan Broncos football program represents Western Michigan University in the Football Bowl Subdivision of Division I and the Mid-American Conference . Western Michigan has competed in football since 1906, when they played three games in their inaugural season...
and vs. IllinoisIllinois Fighting Illini footballThe Illinois Fighting Illini are a major college football program, representing the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. They compete in NCAA Division I-A and the Big Ten Conference.-Current staff:-All-time win/loss/tie record:*563-513-51...
) - Most total offensive plays in a season: 504 (2003)
Navarre held several Michigan career passing records including those for attempts, completions, and passing yards before Chad Henne
Chad Henne
Chad Steven Henne is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.He graduated from Wilson Senior High School and attended the University of Michigan...
surpassed those marks in 2007
2007 Michigan Wolverines football team
The 2007 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 2007 college football season. This was Lloyd Carr's final season as Michigan head coach. The 2007 season began with a stunning loss to Appalachian State, but the Wolverines won eight straight games after...
. He also held the records for most total offensive yards gained in a game (368 vs. Iowa in 2003) and in a season (3,240 in 2003) before being surpassed by Denard Robinson
Denard Robinson
Denard Xavier Robinson , nicknamed Shoelace, is an American football player who is playing his junior season for the 2011 Michigan Wolverines football team. He started at quarterback in all 13 games for the Michigan Wolverines football team in 2010...
in 2010
2010 Michigan Wolverines football team
The 2010 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Michigan played its home games at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan and competed in the Big Ten Conference. The season was the first since the renovation of...
. In 2003, Navarre led the Wolverines to their largest comeback in school history, overcoming a 21-point deficit as they defeated Minnesota, 38–35.
Professional career
Navarre was drafted in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft2004 NFL Draft
The 2004 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 24-25, 2004 at the theater at Madison Square Garden...
by the Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
and served as their third-string quarterback for the 2004 through 2005 seasons. He started one game for the Cardinals in 2004
2004 Arizona Cardinals season
The 2004 Arizona Cardinals season was the 85th season the team was in the National Football League. The team managed to improve upon their previous output of 4-12. However, the team failed to make the playoffs for the sixth straight season.-NFL Draft:...
, throwing four interceptions and one touchdown in a losing effort against the Detroit Lions
2004 Detroit Lions season
The 2004 Detroit Lions season began with the team trying to improve on their 5–11 record in 2003.-Staff:-Final roster:-Schedule:-References:...
. Navarre has appeared in five games in his three-year NFL career; his debut was December 5, 2004.
Personal life
Navarre currently resides in Waterford, WisconsinWaterford, Wisconsin
Waterford is a village in Racine County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 4,048 at the 2000 census. The village is located mostly within the Town of Waterford...
along with his wife, Courtney, and their daughter Morgan and works for a ALRO Steel Milwaukee Branch, managing 45 employees.