Joe Milton, the Dallas Cowboys’ backup quarterback, is redefining what it means to be a No. 2 QB in the NFL. Standing at an imposing 6-5 and 246 pounds, Milton combines a cannon-like arm with jaw-dropping athleticism that belies his massive frame. Recently, he sent social media into a frenzy when a video of him executing a standing backflip in full uniform and gear went viral, as shared by Mike Fisher on X.
Milton, a 2024 sixth-round pick, has only started one NFL game, but his potential as a backup quarterback is undeniable. In his lone start for the New England Patriots in Week 18 last season, he completed 22-of-29 passes for 241 yards and two total touchdowns against the Buffalo Bills’ backups. This performance caught the attention of the Cowboys, who traded a fifth-round pick to acquire the promising quarterback to serve as Dak Prescott’s backup.
Sports Illustrated recently ranked Milton as the 17th-best backup quarterback in the NFL—a ranking that surprised many for two reasons. First, SI noted, “Some might argue that this ranking is too low for Milton after dazzling in his Week 18 start last season for the Patriots.” However, they also acknowledged the context of facing Buffalo’s reserves. Second, and perhaps more shocking, is that just two weeks ago, Milton wasn’t even the Cowboys’ No. 2 quarterback. His No. 17 ranking is a testament to his rapid rise and untapped potential, earning him the nickname “Bazooka Joe.”
Despite being labeled “average” at No. 17, Milton outranked several notable quarterbacks, including 2024 fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler, veteran fourth-rounders Josh Dobbs and Jarrett Stidham, five players drafted in the second or third rounds, and even former first-round picks Kenny Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky. For a sixth-round selection, surpassing 10 higher-drafted players underscores his extraordinary upside.
Bazooka Joe video! #TikTok https://t.co/IapcIlr91H via @dallascowboys
— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) June 6, 2025
Milton’s impressive showings during OTAs have further solidified his status as a true dual-threat quarterback. His rare combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism makes him a unique asset for the Cowboys. Learning under one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, Dak Prescott, Milton has a golden opportunity to develop into a reliable backup—and perhaps more—in the upcoming season.
With his viral backflip and rising stock, Joe Milton is proving he’s anything but an ordinary backup. As “Bazooka Joe” continues to turn heads, Cowboys fans and the NFL world alike are buzzing about his limitless potential.