Former Notre Dame Star Ian Book Is Training Relentlessly While Awaiting His Next Big NFL Opportunity With Unwavering Determination
Ian Book, the winningest quarterback in Notre Dame history, stands at a crossroads in his football journey. Having tasted the thrill of leading one of college football’s most storied programs and taken his first steps in the NFL, Book now finds himself in a familiar but challenging position — waiting for a call. With free agency swirling and roster spots always in flux, he remains in peak condition, preparing for the next opportunity. For Book, the dream is far from over. If anything, his belief in himself burns stronger than ever.
Book’s path to this moment has been a blend of triumph, adversity, and relentless perseverance. As a standout at Notre Dame, Book was everything a coach could ask for in a signal-caller — poised under pressure, mobile in the pocket, and a natural-born leader. Over his time in South Bend, he developed into the type of quarterback who may not have wowed with jaw-dropping arm talent, but who consistently found ways to win. That’s not just anecdotal either; Book left Notre Dame with a 30-5 record as a starter, a winning percentage unmatched in the modern era of Fighting Irish football.
He led Notre Dame to two College Football Playoff appearances, brought energy and composure to a team that constantly faced elite competition, and played some of his best football when the spotlight was brightest. His resume at the collegiate level was enough to get him selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. The Saints believed that Book could be a developmental project who, with the right coaching, could grow into a long-term asset — or even more.
But the NFL is a different beast. Book entered a league where opportunities for young quarterbacks can be scarce, particularly those who are not early-round picks. He spent time on the Saints’ roster, saw preseason action, and even started one regular-season game during a COVID-impacted 2021 season. The results weren’t ideal — thrust into a chaotic situation with limited practice reps, Book struggled in his debut against the Miami Dolphins. But even then, his character showed. He never made excuses, never pointed fingers. Instead, he spoke about learning and growing.
After his stint in New Orleans, Book was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles. In Philly, he spent the 2022 season as a backup, working behind one of the league’s most electric quarterbacks, Jalen Hurts. Though he didn’t see regular-season action with the Eagles, Book gained valuable experience working in a high-powered offense and absorbing coaching from one of the NFL’s brightest young staffs. That experience helped sharpen his mind, improve his processing, and offer a clearer understanding of what it takes to thrive at the next level.
Now, in 2025, Book remains unsigned but not forgotten. Across the NFL, quarterback depth is always a priority — injuries happen, rookies underperform, and veterans retire. Teams are always looking for smart, hard-working quarterbacks who can step in, grasp a playbook quickly, and deliver consistent execution. That’s the niche Ian Book fits perfectly. He’s not flashy, but he’s efficient. He’s not boastful, but he’s confident. He may not be the first name a fan throws out as a free-agent target, but among coaches, he has a strong reputation as a high-character, team-first guy who’s always ready when called.
Off the field, Book continues to live the quarterback lifestyle. His days are filled with workouts, film study, and fine-tuning every detail of his mechanics. Whether it’s footwork, release timing, or maintaining peak physical condition, Book is treating his current situation as a job interview that could happen any day, at any moment. The NFL landscape can change quickly. All it takes is one injury in training camp, one underwhelming rookie performance, or one sudden retirement, and a team could be looking for a reliable, experienced quarterback who understands the game and has been preparing quietly, diligently, and purposefully.
Book has also remained close to the Notre Dame community. Whether speaking at quarterback camps, mentoring young players, or making public appearances for Irish alumni events, he’s never lost that Fighting Irish mentality. It’s not just about football — it’s about being part of something bigger. That mindset still drives him today, as he seeks not just to make an NFL roster, but to contribute meaningfully wherever he lands.
He’s not alone in this journey. Countless former college stars are in similar positions, waiting for their moment, hoping for a shot. But what separates Book is his body of work. When a team calls, they won’t be taking a chance on an unknown — they’ll be signing a proven leader, a film room junkie, and a competitor who has never shied away from adversity.
As the 2025 NFL preseason approaches, quarterback battles and depth chart questions will begin to dominate headlines. Veterans get hurt. Rookies disappoint. Coaches re-evaluate. When that happens, front offices scan the list of available quarterbacks, looking for players who are in shape, who can handle pressure, and who can step in quickly with minimal drama and maximum professionalism. Ian Book checks all those boxes.
Some may label him a “camp arm,” but Book’s aspirations go beyond that. He wants to prove he can be a dependable No. 2 or No. 3 quarterback, someone who can win a game if called upon. He doesn’t need to start to feel fulfilled — but he does need a chance. One more chance. And he’s preparing every day as if that chance is coming tomorrow.
In a league that can sometimes favor flash over substance, Ian Book continues to be a reminder of the value of discipline, leadership, and quiet confidence. He may not dominate the headlines, but his story is one of persistence, and in a game where nothing is guaranteed, that’s often what matters most.
Book’s NFL career may still be in its early chapters. With the right situation and the right coaching staff, there’s every reason to believe he can grow into a valuable asset. He’s already experienced the highs and lows of professional football. Now, he’s waiting to write the comeback — not for the fame, not for the glory, but because he loves the game.
The call may come tomorrow, or it may come in August. But one thing is certain: Ian Book will be ready. Ready to pick up the playbook. Ready to compete. Ready to lead. Because that’s who he’s always been. And that’s who he’ll continue to be, no matter what team’s logo he wears on his helmet next.
