Taylor Heinicke wasn’t with the Washington Commanders long, but he certainly made a strong impression during his three years with the franchise. Signed off the couch late in the 2020 season as Washington’s emergency “COVID” quarterback, Heinicke made his debut in a Week 16 game.
However, when starting quarterback Alex Smith was injured and Dwayne Haskins was no longer on the roster, former coach Ron Rivera turned to Heinicke to start the Commanders’ NFC Wild Card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Heinicke was terrific in the game, passing for 306 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 46 yards and another touchdown. Washington didn’t win, but Heinicke won over the fan base and earned a two-year extension.
Initially signed to be a backup,
Heinicke would end up starting 24 games over the next two seasons for Washington. Heinicke led the Commanders to a 12-11-1 record as a starter. He had some big moments in the burgundy and gold, including a last-second win over Indianapolis, a shocking road win over the previously unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles and a dominating upset win over the defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers and Tom Brady.
Heinicke left in 2023, signing with the Atlanta Falcons. He finished his career in Los Angeles as the Chargers’ backup behind Justin Herbert in 2024. Earlier this year, Heinicke officially announced his retirement.
On Saturday, Heinicke was in Norfolk, Virginia, for the season-opening game of his alma mater, Old Dominion, when he learned of some big news. The Monarchs will retire Heinicke’s No. 14 jersey during halftime of the Oct. 15 game against Georgia Southern. It will be the first jersey retired in ODU’s football history.
During Saturday night's Old Dominion Football game, the Monarchs announced they'll retire Taylor Heinicke's #14 jersey October 15th at halftime of the Georgia Southern game.
— James Kattato (@jckattato) September 6, 2026
He'll become the first ODU football jersey retirement @WAVY_News pic.twitter.com/l9plulXafl
Heinicke started 45 games for the Monarchs over four seasons, leading them to a 31-14 record. He passed for 14,959 yards and 132 touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,320 yards and 22 touchdowns. He was an FCS All-American and won the Walter Payton Award, given annually to the FCS's top player. ODU moved up to the FBS in 2014, Heinicke’s final season with the Monarchs.
He began his NFL journey as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings in 2015. Over the course of 11 seasons, Heinicke spent time with the Vikings, Panthers, Patriots, Texans, Commanders, Falcons and Chargers. All but five of his 29 career starts came with Washington.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Popular former Commanders quarterback to have college jersey retired
