Josh Rosen’s Surprising Second Act

For quite a while, Josh Rosen has been labeled as an NFL bust.

The former UCLA quarterback is now crafting a second chapter that looks nothing like the first.

Selected 10th overall by the Cardinals in the 2018 NFL Draft, Rosen has recently completed his MBA at the prestigious Wharton School. He has also started his career as an investment banker at JP Morgan.

For those who remember him playing for the Bruins a decade ago, this serves as a reminder that success isn’t always linear.

Rosen seemed poised for NFL greatness during his time at UCLA. He threw for 9,341 yards, placing fourth in school history, and notched up 59 touchdowns in just three seasons.

His 2017 campaign is remembered as one of the best for a UCLA quarterback, setting a record for passing yards at 3,756 and showcasing remarkable performances, including a memorable comeback against Texas A&M.

However, his NFL journey quickly took a downturn.

After a rough rookie season where the Cardinals finished with a 3-13 record, they drafted Kyler Murray as his replacement the following year. Rosen then moved between several teams, including the Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, and the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad. By 2022, his football career seemed over before he even turned 26.

But Rosen’s narrative didn’t conclude there.

Majoring in economics at UCLA, he accumulated various academic accolades and made a shift towards business. Interestingly, the Wharton School was established by his ancestor, Joseph Wharton, making his journey feel somewhat cyclical.

For fans who followed Rosen at UCLA, this transformation represents more than just a sports tale. It’s a testament to the importance of reinvention. While the NFL path wasn’t what many anticipated, Rosen still managed to carve out a new form of success.