Introduction
Tyson Bagent’s story is a classic underdog tale. He went from a little-known recruit at Martinsburg High School to a record-breaking quarterback at Shepherd University. Later, he became the first undrafted Division II rookie quarterback to start for the Chicago Bears. His recent multi-million-dollar contract extension brought tears to his eyes and earned national attention on ESPN.
High School Legacy: Martinsburg High and ESPN Spotlight
Bagent started making headlines at Martinsburg High School in West Virginia.
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He led the Bulldogs to two straight state championships in 2016 and 2017.
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As a senior, he earned West Virginia’s Gatorade Player of the Year.
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Over his career, he threw for 7,800 yards and more than 110 touchdowns.
Despite these numbers, most Division I schools ignored him. ESPN highlighted how his performance was overlooked, even though he had the skills. Only a handful of small programs showed interest. As a result, Bagent chose Shepherd University, a Division II school, to continue his career.
Shepherd University: Records and Recognition
At Shepherd, Bagent turned into one of the best quarterbacks in DII history.
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He finished with 1,400 completions, 17,034 yards, and 159 touchdowns.
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In 2021, he won the Harlon Hill Trophy, the Division II equivalent of the Heisman.
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He also earned the Hardman Award and several All-American honors.
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His senior season in 2022 was stunning, with 4,580 yards, 41 touchdowns, and a 69.9% completion rate.
Shepherd’s offense revolved around him, and he delivered with consistency. Moreover, ESPN often featured his highlights, praising his accuracy and leadership.
NFL Journey: From Undrafted to Starter
In the 2023 NFL Draft, Bagent did not hear his name called. However, the Chicago Bears signed him as an undrafted free agent.
His climb was fast. He impressed during preseason and secured the backup quarterback role. When starter Justin Fields was injured, Bagent stepped in. He became the first undrafted DII rookie QB since 1950 to start an NFL game.
In his debut, he led the Bears to a win over the Raiders. Throughout his rookie year, he completed 65.7% of passes, threw 3 touchdowns, and gained 859 yards. Though he also had 6 interceptions, his poise stood out. Tyson Bagent NFL contract.
Emotional NFL Contract Extension
On August 20, 2025, the Bears rewarded his dedication. They signed Bagent to a two-year, $10 million contract, with incentives pushing it up to $16 million.
At the press conference, Bagent broke down in tears. He recalled how his father grew up without running water until high school. Therefore, the deal felt bigger than football. It represented financial stability and a chance to give back to his family.
Bears’ GM Ryan Poles and Head Coach Ben Johnson praised his attitude and leadership. They emphasized how he represents the team’s values of hard work and humility. Tyson Bagent NFL contract.
Why the Deal Matters
This contract is more than a financial reward.
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It validates Bagent’s relentless work ethic.
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It shows how Division II players can still thrive in the NFL.
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It gives the Bears one of the league’s most reliable backup quarterbacks.
Furthermore, the story resonates with fans who admire resilience. His path inspires young athletes who may not play for big schools but still dream of the NFL.
FAQs
Q1. Where did Tyson Bagent play college football?
He played at Shepherd University, where he set NCAA Division II records for passing yards, touchdowns, and completions.
Q2. How did Bagent perform in high school?
At Martinsburg High, he won two state titles and threw for more than 7,800 yards and 110 touchdowns.
Q3. Was he drafted into the NFL?
No. He went undrafted in 2023 but signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent.
Q4. What are the details of his contract extension?
In August 2025, Bagent signed a two-year, $10 million deal, with incentives raising it to $16 million.
Q5. Why was the contract emotional for him?
He shared that his father grew up without basic needs like running water. The contract secures his family’s future.
Q6. Why is his journey unique?
He rose from an overlooked recruit to a DII superstar, then to an NFL quarterback with a life-changing contract.
