Garrett Nussmeier's Major Health Struggle That Made 31 NFL Teams Pass On Him Before Chiefs Draft

Garrett Nussmeier's NFL draft experience was anything but ordinary. The quarterback, once viewed as a potential early-round selection, watched as 31 teams passed on him — not because of his talent, but because of a significant health concern that scared teams away.

Nussmeier opened up about his emotional draft slide after finally being selected by the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, who are hoping for the return of Patrick Mahomes, took a chance on Nussmeier despite the health red flags that caused nearly every other franchise to look elsewhere.

The health struggle that caused Nussmeier's slide has not been fully detailed publicly, but its impact on the draft was undeniable. NFL teams invest heavily in medical evaluations, and any condition that raises questions about a player's long-term durability or availability can dramatically depress their draft stock — regardless of on-field production.

Nussmeier's talent is not in dispute. His arm strength, pocket presence, and ability to read defenses made him one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects in this class. But in a league where a single quarterback injury can derail a season, teams are increasingly risk-averse when medical evaluations come back with concerns.

The Chiefs' willingness to draft Nussmeier reflects both their confidence in their medical staff and their understanding that calculated risks can yield outsized rewards. If Mahomes returns to full health and Nussmeier develops as a backup or future trade asset, the pick could look brilliant in hindsight.

For Nussmeier, the slide was painful but not defining. He expressed gratitude for the Chiefs' belief in him and determination to prove the 31 teams that passed were wrong.

What This Means For You: The NFL draft is as much about risk management as it is about talent evaluation. Nussmeier's story illustrates how health concerns can override production in team decision-making — and how one team's risk can become another team's regret. If you're a Chiefs fan, this is a high-upside lottery ticket. If you're tracking player health and sports medicine, this case is another data point in the growing debate over how teams balance medical risk against competitive reward.