Jonathon Jennings
A quarterback who rose from an undrafted college prospect to lead the CFL in passing touchdowns, showcasing a potent arm and competitive fire.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American gridiron football player·Birthday: July 21·Millennials
Biography
Jonathon Jennings's football journey is a classic underdog story. Hailing from Saginaw Valley State University, a Division II school not known as a quarterback factory, he entered professional football with little fanfare. His break came in the Canadian Football League with the BC Lions in 2015, where his quick release and fearless play quickly made him a starter. The 2016 season was his pinnacle; he orchestrated a dynamic offense, throwing for over 5,000 yards and earning a West Division All-Star nod, embodying the exciting, pass-happy style of the modern CFL. Injuries and consistency challenges later marked his career, leading to stops in Ottawa and Saskatchewan, but his peak demonstrated the potent talent that can emerge from unexpected places. His path underscored that quarterback excellence isn't confined to football's traditional power pipelines.
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.
Jonathon was born in 1992, 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 Jonathon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Jonathon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named a CFL West Division All-Star in 2016 after throwing for 5,226 yards and 27 touchdowns.
- Led the entire CFL in passing touchdowns during the 2016 season.
- Earned the starting quarterback role for the BC Lions in 2015 as an undrafted free agent.
- Passed for over 300 yards in ten separate games during his standout 2016 campaign.
Did You Know?
He was a standout basketball player in high school in Ohio, not focusing solely on football.
In his CFL debut in 2015, he came off the bench to throw for over 200 yards and a touchdown.
He played his college football at Saginaw Valley State, the same alma mater as former NFL linebacker John DiGiorgio.
“You prove yourself on the field, no matter where you come from.”
