4 quarterbacks in the NFL playoffs who played high school football in Texas ft. Patrick Mahomes

The 2025 NFL playoffs are teeming with exceptional talent, particularly at the quarterback position. Among the 14 starting quarterbacks in this year’s postseason, 10 hail from the powerhouse football states of California and Texas. Texas boasts an impressive legacy of developing some of the NFL’s most iconic signal-callers, so let's look at four in this season's playoffs:

4 NFL playoff quarterbacks who played high school football in Texas

#1. Patrick Mahomes

Electrifying NFL star Patrick Mahomes played football for Whitehouse High School in East Texas. In Mahomes’ final year of high school, he proved himself on the field at both passing and rushing, with 4,619 passing yards and 50 touchdown passes. On the ground, he provided 948 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns countering all out as a dynamic player.

Fast forward to now, Mahomes is a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs and on a quest to become the first starting quarterback in the Super Bowl era to win three consecutive titles.

#2. Baker Mayfield

From Lake Travis High School, Baker Mayfield started his journey to the NFL as a talented quarterback who led the Cavaliers to the 2011 4A State Championship.

Mayfield went to Texas Tech for a brief stint, then played for the University of Oklahoma, winning the Heisman trophy. Mayfield was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2018, gave them their first playoff win since 1995, and has now led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the NFC Championship game.

#3. Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts amassed his college playing experience at Channelview High School. Hurts was known for his dual-threat capabilities, passing for 2,384 yards and 26 touchdown passes as a senior. On the ground, he rushed for 1,391 yards on 174 carries and 25 touchdowns.

Hurts’ accolades in high school included being named the District 21-6A Overall MVP as a junior. Rated as a four-star recruit, he was among the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the Class of 2016 and is looking to lead the Eagles to Super Bowl glory.

#4. Matthew Stafford

Although Matthew Stafford was born in Florida, he solidified his football legacy in Texas after moving to Dallas. At Highland Park High School, Stafford’s arm strength and precision were on full display.

He threw for 4,018 yards and 38 touchdowns in his senior year, enough to lead his team to the 2005 UIL 4A State Championship. Stafford’s high school prowess earned him Parade All-American status and a five-star recruit.

Stafford finished a successful collegiate career with the Georgia Bulldogs and was drafted by the Detroit Lions. A long and tough tenure ended in a trade to the LA Rams, where he won the Super Bowl and is now looking to add another.