Case Keenum
The record-shattering college quarterback whose 'Minneapolis Miracle' playoff throw became an instant and unforgettable piece of NFL folklore.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American football player·Birthday: February 17·Millennials
Biography
Case Keenum's professional story is one of resilience and a single, magical moment that cemented his place in football history. At the University of Houston, he wasn't a heavily recruited prospect, but he rewrote the NCAA record books, finishing his college career as the all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, and completions. The NFL journey was tougher, marked by practice squad stints and being labeled a journeyman. His breakthrough came in 2017 with the Minnesota Vikings. Thrust into the starting role, he led the team on an unexpected run, culminating in the 2018 NFC Divisional playoff game. With seconds left, Keenum launched a desperate pass to Stefon Diggs, who scored a walk-off touchdown in a play forever known as the 'Minneapolis Miracle.' While he has since served as a valued backup for several teams, that one throw guaranteed his name would be remembered far beyond the stat sheets.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Case was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Case Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Case's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Set the NCAA Division I FBS all-time records for career passing yards (19,217), touchdowns (155), and completions (1,546).
- Led the Minnesota Vikings to the 2017 NFC Championship game after executing the game-winning 'Minneapolis Miracle' touchdown.
- Threw for 3,547 yards and 22 touchdowns in the 2017 season, a career high as a starter.
Did You Know?
He and his wife, Kimberly, share the same birthday (February 17).
In high school, he played wide receiver before switching to quarterback.
He was not drafted in the NFL Draft and signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2012.
“You just have to be ready when your number is called.”
