Football | 9/20/2026 3:47:00 PM
ATLANTA, Ga. – Former Minnesota State Moorhead quarterback
Jack Strand made his NFL regular season debut for the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Strand was slotted in under center in the second half of Atlanta's NFC South contest with the Carolina Panthers.
Strand becomes just the third Dragon in program history to compete in an NFL regular season contest (Mark Reed - 1983, Baltimore Colts and Ted Nemzek - 1930, Green Bay Packers).
The former Dragon came into the game in the third quarter with Atlanta trailing 27-3. Strand would be intercepted on his first professional pass attempt, a play that resulted in a Panthers touchdown. By game's end, Strand completed eight of 15 pass attempts for 59 yards. Strand also rushed for 16 yards, including a long rush of 12 yards. Atlanta fell to Carolina 34-3.
Strand saw action in all three of Atlanta's preseason games beginning on August 14 against the Denver Broncos. The Bloomer, Wis., native finishes the preseason 24 of 36 passing with 305 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Strand also rushed for 29 yards and two touchdowns in three games.
Strand, a four-year starter at quarterback for the Dragons, signed with Atlanta in April following the 2026 NFL Draft. He holds every school passing record (career and single-season) while also securing NSIC career records in passing yards, pass completions and passing touchdowns. In NCAA Division II history, Strand ranks ninth in career pass yards per game (313.4), 10
th in career passing yards (13,161) and is tied for fifth all-time in career passing touchdowns (126).
He was a four-time All-NSIC selection, earning the league's Offensive Player of the Year Award twice (2023, 2025). In his career, Strand earned eight All-America certificates, including five in his senior season alone. The quarterback was a three-time nominee for the Harlon Hill Trophy, placing fourth in national voting in 2025.
Strand and the Falcons have a quick turnaround as they now look to a road meeting with the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, September 24 at 7:15 p.m.
