Brendan Sorsby’s path to the NFL is now mapped out, and it doesn’t include the 2026 season.
On Tuesday, the former Cincinnati quarterback made it clear to the NFL that he is not moving forward with litigation this summer after the league declined to hold a Supplemental Draft for him. Instead, Sorsby is now set on getting ready for the 2027 NFL Draft.
The league said in a statement: “We have confirmed with the NFLPA and Brendan Sorsby that there will be no further litigation regarding his entry into the NFL-and that instead, Mr. Sorsby will focus on his preparation for entry into the League via the 2027 NFL Draft.
For purposes of League and CBA rules, Mr. Sorsby will be considered a 'Draft-Eligible' player for the 2027 NFL Draft.
Mr. Sorsby will not be eligible to sign an NFL Player Contract until the completion of the 2027 NFL Draft."
Sorsby followed that up with his own statement on Tuesday, matching the NFL’s position and taking responsibility for what happened. He wrote:
“There has been a lot of news about me out there, and I want to share this statement to make sure things are clear. I accept 100% responsibility for my actions.
I did not have control of my gambling problem, and it took getting caught for me to realize that, but it was truly the best thing that could've happened to me. Because of this, I have been able to get the
help I need and fully focus on my recovery. The news about the supplemental draft changes nothing about my recovery journey - I
will continue to take it one day at a time. Focusing on making myself better throughout this process and making sure to share what I have learned and will continue to learn with others going forward.
I am fully committed to being the best version of myself that I can be while getting ready for the 2027 draft. God makes no mistakes, and I look forward to seeing the good that is to come from this.”
The NFL had been unwilling to open the door to a Supplemental Draft because of Sorsby’s gambling issues and its belief that he had not shown enough accountability. Sorsby had bet on his Indiana team multiple times while he was in the program earlier this decade, part of a much larger pattern of thousands of sports wagers.
Under this arrangement, Sorsby can take part in the entire 2027 draft process. The league also will not hand down punishment at this stage, though his college infractions will remain part of the picture if any future issues arise.
Sorsby’s college production made him a notable name before all of this unfolded. He played last season at a level that put him among the top 15 quarterbacks in the country for Cincinnati and was one of the program’s best passers of the 21st century.
He finished the 2025 season with 2,800 passing yards and added 580 rushing yards. He also threw five interceptions and took just seven sacks.
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