David Blough: College | QB | Who Is | Wiki | Salary | NFL Stats | Age
Introduction
David Blough has emerged as one of the most intriguing figures in recent NFL history—not just for his time as an undrafted quarterback, but also for his rapid rise into NFL coaching ranks. From his early days in Texas to starring at Purdue, battling through adversity as a professional quarterback, and now earning a high-profile offensive coordinator position, Blough’s story is one of resilience and transformation.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at David Blough’s biography, college career, NFL journey, coaching path, salary, stats, personal life, and legacy—packed with facts, analysis, and expert insights for fans and fantasy football enthusiasts alike.
1. Early Life and Background
David Marshall Blough was born on July 31, 1995, in Carrollton, Texas. Growing up in a football-rich environment, he attended Creekview High School and became one of the most recruited quarterbacks in Texas. Blough showcased elite talent as a passer and leader, drawing interest from numerous Division I programs.
Family and Early Influences
Blough grew up with two older brothers and was heavily influenced by his family’s support both on and off the field. His mother, a cancer survivor and Vanderbilt University graduate, instilled a family first work ethic in David.
2. College Career at Purdue
David Blough enrolled at Purdue University, where he redshirted his first season (2014) before taking over as the Boilermakers’ starting quarterback. Over his four years in college, Blough became one of Purdue’s most prolific passers.
Career Highlights and Stats
-
Blough became a mainstay in Purdue’s offense from 2015–2018.
-
He threw for 9,734 career passing yards, ranking him among the top in Big Ten history.
-
Known for his strong arm and poise in the pocket, Blough earned All-Big Ten honors in his senior season.
Playing Style
Blough’s college playstyle was characterized by:
-
Excellent anticipation and accuracy on short-to-intermediate throws
-
Good leadership and competitive toughness
-
A cerebral approach to reading defenses
His performance at Purdue established him as an NFL prospect, although he ultimately went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft.
3. NFL Career: From Undrafted to Starter
Despite his college success, Blough went undrafted in 2019. That did not deter him—he signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent and soon found his way onto the Detroit Lions roster.
Detroit Lions Breakthrough (2019–2021)
Blough’s opportunity came when injuries sidelined Detroit’s starting quarterbacks. He started five games late in the 2019 season and threw for over 980 yards with 4 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to lead an NFL offense under pressure.
Stints With Vikings and Cardinals
After time with the Lions, Blough had short stints with the Minnesota Vikings practice squad and the Arizona Cardinals, where he made a few starts and demonstrated poise and veteran football IQ despite limited opportunities.
Career NFL Stats
Across his NFL career:
-
Games Played: 9
-
Passing Yards: 1,435
-
Touchdowns: 6
-
Interceptions: 9
-
Completion Percentage: 57.0%
-
Passer Rating: 67.1
Blough’s NFL career numbers might not jump off the page, but his story is one of consistent perseverance and readiness to seize opportunity.
4. Salary and Contract Details
Despite going undrafted, Blough earned a solid professional salary, particularly as he moved into his later NFL years.
Contract Highlights
According to salary reports:
-
2025 Salary: $1,080,000 including a $76,250 signing bonus.
-
Blough’s earnings reflect his time with the Cardinals and Lions, with cumulative pay rising as he gained experience and locked in veteran deals.
Career Earnings
Career earnings were boosted by several contracts, including minimum-salary exceptions and roster bonuses—a common trend for undrafted players who prove their value on game day.
5. Transition to Coaching
Perhaps the most compelling chapter of Blough’s career is his shift from playing to coaching.
Assistant QB Coach to Offensive Coordinator
After hanging up his cleats, Blough joined the Washington Commanders’ coaching staff in 2024 as an assistant quarterbacks coach under head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
With Tavita Pritchard’s departure in 2025, Blough stepped in as interim quarterbacks coach before earning a promotion to offensive coordinator in early 2026. This is an extraordinary leap for a coach with only two years of experience and makes him one of the youngest offensive coordinators in the league.
Coaching Philosophy
Blough’s coaching approach is praised for:
-
Strong rapport with quarterbacks
-
Player-centric coaching style
-
Quick play-calling instincts
His move into coaching reflects a broader trend of former NFL players leveraging playing experience into strategic leadership roles.
6. Personal Life and Interests
Off the field, Blough maintains a grounded life. He is married to Colombian-American hurdler Melissa Gonzalez and is noted for his strong community engagement and charitable efforts.
7. Legacy and Impact
David Blough’s career might not boast Pro Bowls or Super Bowls, but his journey epitomizes:
-
Resilience: undrafted to starter to coach
-
Adaptability: shifting careers seamlessly
-
Leadership: respected by teammates and players alike
Blough’s climb into NFL coaching could serve as inspiration for players transitioning from modest playing careers into impactful coaching positions.
FAQs About David Blough
1. Who is David Blough?
David Blough is a former NFL quarterback and current offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders. He played college football at Purdue and had stints with multiple NFL teams before moving into coaching.
2. What college did David Blough attend?
He played at Purdue University, where he became one of the top passers in Big Ten history.
3. How old is David Blough?
Blough was born on July 31, 1995, making him 30 years old.
4. What are David Blough’s NFL stats?
Across his NFL career, Blough totaled 1,435 passing yards, 6 TDs, and 9 INTs with a passer rating of 67.1.
5. What is David Blough’s coaching role?
As of 2026, Blough serves as the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, marking a rapid rise in the coaching ranks.
6. How much did David Blough earn in the NFL?
In 2025, his salary was approximately $1,080,000, including a signing bonus. His total career earnings exceed $3 million.
7. Is David Blough married?
Yes—he is married to track and field athlete Melissa Gonzalez.
Leave a Reply