Who Is Justin Herbert? 5 Things to Know About the Los Angeles Chargers QB

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has been busy making headlines both on and off the field as one of the brightest stars in the NFL.

Herbert, 27, was drafted with the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Chargers and has helped the franchise to playoff berths in 2022 and 2024. 

A native of Eugene, Oregon, Herbert was a three-sport athlete at Sheldon High School, where he also played basketball and baseball. 

When it came time for college, Herbert didn’t go far. He played four seasons at the University of Oregon from 2016 to 2019. 

During his senior season, Herbert guided the Ducks to a victory in the Rose Bowl, where he was also named Offensive MVP. 

To learn more about Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, keep reading. 

A Broken Leg in High School Complicated His Recruitment

Herbert broke his leg during the third game of his junior year, which caused most big-name schools to look at him skeptically. 

Despite recovering to be named first team All-State during his senior year, Herbert only received two scholarship offers from NCAA Division 1 schools: Nevada and Oregon. 

In an interview with the Seattle Times in 2018, former University of Washington head coach Chris Petersen said Herbert’s leg made him a “very tricky” recruit. 

Herbert eventually committed to Oregon in October 2015, and the rest is history. 

“It was really tough going through that, but I didn’t really spend much time thinking about it,” Herbert said of his broken leg after announcing his commitment. “I focused on getting back. Fortunately, I came back stronger. I’m really blessed and honored and fortunate to be in the position I am now. I’ve been a big Oregon Ducks fan my entire life. We have season tickets, so I used to go to every single game. It’d be just a great feeling running out in front of my friends, family and the city.”

He Founded a Fishing Club in High School

In addition to his athletic prowess, Herbert was also a passionate and proactive outdoorsman in high school. 

Herbert founded the Irish Fishing Club during his time at Sheldon High School, named after the school’s nickname. 

According to KEZI 9 News, the club grew to 80 members in its first year and still exists to this day.

“It’s about getting together, having fun exploring together, some of the adventures of the Pacific Northwest,” Fishing Club advisor Scott Wright told KEZI in 2023. “We ask as a club to represent the club well, do the right thing all the time, respect all people, let anyone join that wants to join, and treat them with dignity and respect.”

He Had an Impressive GPA in College

Herbert was named as the recipient of the William V. Campbell Trophy during his senior season at Oregon, rewarded annually to the college football player who shows the best combination of academics, leadership and on-field performance.

The trophy is often referred to as the “Academic Heisman.”

Herbert graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Science and earned a 4.01 GPA during his senior year, described by the National Football Foundation as one of “the best student-athletes in the history of college football.”

He Comes From a Football Family

Herbert’s maternal grandfather, Rich Schwab, played wide receiver at the University of Oregon in the 1960 and Herbert’s father, Mark Herbert, played football at the University of Montana, where he also ran track. 

Justin’s two brothers — Mitch, 29, and Patrick, 24 — also carved out football niches for themselves. 

Mitch played wide receiver at Montana State University before obtaining his medical degree from Columbia University in 2024.

Patrick played tight end at Oregon from 2022 to 2024. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, but was waived by the team in August. 

He Might Be Dating a Pop Star

Justin sparked romance rumors with singer Madison Beer when he paid a visit to the set of her music video in August. 

The duo were seen chatting on the Los Angeles set before leaving together in his car. 

Us Weekly has reached out to representatives for Herbert and Beer about their relationship status.