T. J. Yates
A backup quarterback who authored an unforgettable chapter in Texans history by leading them to their first-ever playoff victory.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American football player and coach·Birthday: May 28·Millennials
Biography
T.J. Yates carved his name into NFL lore not with a lengthy reign as a starter, but with a single, pressurized moment of triumph. Drafted in the fifth round by the Houston Texans in 2011, the North Carolina product was thrust into action as an untested rookie after season-ending injuries to the team's top two quarterbacks. With the franchise's playoff hopes on the line, Yates engineered a game-winning drive in Cincinnati to clinch a postseason berth. He then started the Wild Card game, guiding the Texans to a victory over those same Bengals—the first playoff win in the team's history. His playing career settled into a journeyman backup role across several teams, but that indelible rookie stretch cemented his legacy. He smoothly transitioned into coaching, bringing his on-field experience to offensive staffs in Houston, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay.
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.
T. was born in 1987, 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 T. Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
T.'s Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
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
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
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
2008Turned 21
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
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led the Houston Texans to their first-ever playoff victory in the 2011 AFC Wild Card game.
- Started and won his first three career NFL starts as a rookie in 2011.
- Played seven seasons in the NFL as a quarterback for four different franchises.
Did You Know?
He and his wife, Alex, are both University of North Carolina alumni.
Yates was a three-year starter for the North Carolina Tar Heels, setting several school passing records.
He served as the interim quarterbacks coach for the Atlanta Falcons for the final four games of the 2020 season.
“You prepare every week like you're the starter, because you never know.”
