Justin Strnad (/stərˈnɑːd/ stər-NAHD; born August 21, 1996) is an American professional football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Wake Forest.

Justin Strnad
refer to caption
Strnad with the Broncos in 2021
No. 40 – Denver Broncos
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1996-08-21) August 21, 1996 (age 28)
Palm Harbor, Florida, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:235 lb (107 kg)
Career information
High school:East Lake
(Tarpon Springs, Florida)
College:Wake Forest (2015–2019)
NFL draft:2020 / round: 5 / pick: 178
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career NFL statistics as of Week 13, 2024
Total tackles:100
Sacks:3.0
Pass deflections:3
Stats at Pro Football Reference

College career

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After playing high school football at East Lake in Tarpon Springs, Florida, Strnad committed to Wake Forest over Illinois, Iowa State, Marshall, Florida International and others who offered him scholarships.[1] Strnad redshirted his freshman year at Wake Forest, but then played in all 13 games his redshirt freshman year. He again played as a reserve linebacker his sophomore year, but led the Demon Deacons in special teams tackles and interceptions.[2] He moved up to a starting role as a junior, earning Honorable Mention all-ACC honors.[3] A torn biceps tendon, suffered against Florida State in October, ended his senior season.[4] Strnad registered two sacks and an interception in his shortened senior season; the interception was a key play late for Wake Forest in a 38–35 win over Utah State.[5] He was once again named Honorable Mention all-ACC for 2019.[6] Strnad garnered an invite to the 2020 Senior Bowl, but did not participate due to injury.[7]

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Vertical jump Broad jump
6 ft 3+38 in
(1.91 m)
238 lb
(108 kg)
31+34 in
(0.81 m)
9+18 in
(0.23 m)
4.74 s 1.56 s 2.80 s 4.49 s 29.0 in
(0.74 m)
9 ft 5 in
(2.87 m)
All values from NFL Combine[8][9]

Strnad was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round with the 178th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.[10] He was placed on injured reserve on August 31, 2020, after undergoing season-ending wrist surgery.[11]

On March 19, 2024, it was reported that Strnad would be signing with the Carolina Panthers.[12] However, hours later, Strnad flipped his commitment and re–signed with the Broncos on a one–year contract.[13]

References

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  1. ^ "Justin Strnad, 2015 Safety". Rivals. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  2. ^ Lima, Rafael. "Spotlight: Justin Strnad". Old Gold & Black. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  3. ^ "NFL Draft & Combine Profile - Justin Strnad". NFL.com. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  4. ^ "Wake Forest linebacker Justin Strnad done for season". WTOP News. Associated Press. October 22, 2019. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  5. ^ O'Neill, Conor (October 22, 2019). "Wake Forest linebacker Justin Strnad had surgery to repair a torn bicep tendon. The recovery could take 3-4 months". Winston-Salem Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  6. ^ "Clemson Leads 2019 All-ACC Football Team". Atlantic Coast Conference. December 3, 2019. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  7. ^ Brugler, Dane (April 7, 2020). The Athletic's 2020 NFL Draft Guide (PDF). The Athletic. p. 178. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  8. ^ "Justin Strnad Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  9. ^ "2020 NFL Draft Scout Justin Strnad College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  10. ^ DiLalla, Aric (April 26, 2020). "Broncos select LB Justin Strnad with 178th-overall pick". Denver Broncos.com. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  11. ^ "Broncos LB Justin Strnad (wrist) ruled out for season". Broncos Wire. USA Today. August 24, 2020.
  12. ^ "Panthers reportedly expected to sign former Broncos LB Justin Strnad". pantherswire.usatoday.com. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
  13. ^ "Report: Linebacker Justin Strnad who agreed to terms with the Panthers, changed his mind and re-signed with the Broncos". milehighreport.com. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
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