Ian Book, the former Notre Dame standout quarterback and one of the most successful signal-callers in Fighting Irish history, finds himself in a familiar but uncertain position. He’s working. Waiting. Preparing. Staying ready. And hoping that one of the 32 NFL franchises will pick up the phone and call.
For now, the 26-year-old remains unsigned after brief stints with multiple NFL teams, including the New Orleans Saints and the Philadelphia Eagles. But Book isn’t discouraged. He knows the league. He understands the process. And more than anything, he knows that opportunities in professional football rarely come when expected—but preparation is everything.
The former fourth-round pick is training daily, throwing regularly with receivers, studying film, and staying in peak physical condition. From private quarterback camps to individual sessions with trusted coaches, Book hasn’t let go of the belief that his NFL journey is still far from over. The hunger is there, the focus is sharp, and the dream that first began under the bright lights of Notre Dame Stadium still burns intensely.
After a prolific college career, where he finished with a 30-5 record as a starter and led the Irish to two College Football Playoff appearances, Book entered the 2021 NFL Draft with momentum and optimism. The Saints selected him with the 133rd overall pick, intrigued by his mobility, leadership, and winning pedigree. But the transition from college stardom to NFL consistency has proven to be a steep climb. Book made just one start during his time with the Saints, a Week 16 matchup against the Miami Dolphins in 2021, where he was sacked eight times behind a patchwork offensive line and struggled to find rhythm.
Despite that difficult debut, coaches and teammates praised his composure and professionalism. Book never pointed fingers. He owned his mistakes. He kept learning. That humility and grit carried him to Philadelphia, where he spent the 2022 season as a backup behind Jalen Hurts. Though he didn’t see game action with the Eagles, Book earned valuable reps during practices and absorbed knowledge from a dynamic quarterback room that included Hurts and veteran Gardner Minshew.
But the NFL is a business, and roster spots are fleeting. Book was waived by the Eagles in 2023, and since then, he’s been in search of his next opportunity. He hasn’t ruled out any avenue—whether it’s joining a team in training camp, serving as a mid-season injury replacement, or even returning via a practice squad role. What matters to him is simple: staying in the game.
“I’ve been through the ups and downs,” Book said recently during a private workout session in Southern California. “This league is about timing, opportunity, and being ready. That’s what I’m doing every single day—getting better, staying in shape, sharpening my tools. I believe I’ll get another shot.”
Book’s attitude has always been a driving force. At Notre Dame, he wasn’t handed the job—he earned it. He waited behind Brandon Wimbush, then stepped in and seized the moment. By the end of his college career, he had thrown for over 8,900 yards, totaled 89 touchdowns, and etched his name among the greatest quarterbacks in school history. He was the definition of steady, reliable, and efficient. More importantly, he was a winner.
Those same traits are what coaches at the next level continue to notice. While Book may not have the arm strength or imposing frame of some other quarterbacks in the league, he possesses elite intangibles. Coaches know they can trust him with the playbook. Teammates respect his work ethic. He’s mobile, coachable, and unshaken by adversity.
And in today’s NFL, where teams are constantly looking for smart, dependable backups or injury insurance late in the year, Book’s skill set is quietly valuable. His phone hasn’t rung yet—but training camps are around the corner. Injuries happen. Depth charts shift. The demand for a seasoned, system-savvy quarterback can spike quickly.
For now, Book is staying close to the game in other ways, too. He’s worked with younger quarterbacks, helping mentor rising high school and college passers during the offseason. He’s taken on a leadership role in several Southern California quarterback academies, guiding the next generation through everything from footwork drills to defensive reads.
It’s a way for Book to stay sharp—and give back. But make no mistake: he’s not done playing. His goal remains clear. He wants back in the NFL.
“I’m not just working out for fun,” Book said. “I love the game. I love competing. I know what I can bring to a team. Whether it’s being the backup that pushes the starter, stepping in during a big moment, or helping a young guy develop, I want to be in that room. I know I belong.”
The former Irish captain hasn’t had the smoothest professional ride, but that’s the norm for many quarterbacks in today’s NFL ecosystem. For every Joe Burrow or Justin Herbert, there are dozens of talented passers grinding for a shot, hoping for that perfect alignment of need and timing. Book knows that. He respects it. But he also believes his moment will come again.
The offseason has been about staying patient, but also staying aggressive. Book has continued to throw with former college teammates and local receivers. He’s remained in frequent contact with NFL trainers and quarterback coaches, including several with league ties. The buzz in those circles is that Book is in better shape than ever. His footwork is tighter. His release is quicker. His confidence is higher.
While some may view Book as a long shot, others see a quarterback still very much in the mix—a reliable backup with real leadership qualities and an eagerness to prove he’s more than just a college success story.
Book has also paid close attention to the shifting NFL quarterback market this offseason. With retirements, injuries, and underperforming young players creating uncertainty across several rosters, he sees opportunity on the horizon. Whether it’s a team like the Patriots needing a veteran presence, a team like the Colts needing more insurance, or a playoff contender wanting an experienced QB3, Book knows there’s a spot for him—if he continues to prepare like it’s already his.
“Control what you can control,” he said. “That’s been my mindset since day one. You can’t force teams to call you. But you can be ready when they do. I’ve been in systems. I’ve led huddles. I’ve played in big games. I’m confident that when the right situation comes, I’ll make the most of it.”
Until then, he’s content to embrace the grind. The early-morning lifts. The lonely film sessions. The relentless pursuit of improvement that few fans ever see. That’s the part of the NFL dream that gets overlooked. But for Ian Book, it’s never been about the spotlight—it’s been about the work.
In an era where young quarterbacks come and go, where hot prospects can flame out in just a year, Book’s steady determination stands out. He doesn’t panic. He doesn’t chase headlines. He simply believes in himself—and puts in the work to back it up.
There are few guarantees in professional football, especially for quarterbacks hovering outside the 53-man roster. But if perseverance, humility, and preparation still count for something, then Ian Book’s story is far from finished.
And when that phone finally rings—and it will—he’ll be ready to answer.
