From shattering NCAA records to commanding NFL huddles, Bailey Zappe has carved out a unique path in professional football. His journey from a transfer quarterback to an NFL starter proves his resilience and skill.
In this article, you will know Bailey Zappe’s Net Worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Bailey Zappe’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bailey Michael Zappe |
| Date of Birth | April 26, 1999 |
| Age | 26 |
| Education | Houston Baptist University, Western Kentucky University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 215 lbs (98 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2022 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 Million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | ~$3.3 Million (Career Earnings) |
| Wife | Hannah Lewis |
| Instagram Profile | @baileyzappe04 |
| Twitter Profile | @baileyzappe04 |
Early Career
Bailey Zappe grew up in Victoria, Texas, where he attended Victoria East High School. Despite a productive high school career, he received only one scholarship offer from Houston Baptist University (HBU), an FCS program.
He started nine games as a true freshman in 2017 and eventually became a standout for the Huskies. His time at HBU culminated in a shortened 2020 season where he threw for 1,833 yards in just four games against FBS opponents.
He transferred to Western Kentucky University (WKU) for the 2021 season, following his offensive coordinator Zach Kittley. This move proved historic. Zappe produced one of the greatest statistical seasons in college football history.
He shattered Joe Burrow’s single-season records by passing for 5,967 yards and 62 touchdowns. His incredible performance earned him the Conference USA Most Valuable Player award and cemented his status as a legitimate NFL draft prospect.
Professional Career
The New England Patriots selected Zappe in the fourth round (137th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. He quickly became a fan favorite during his rookie season.
He stepped in for an injured Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer, leading the team to victories and sparking “Zappe Fever” with his poised play. He finished his rookie year with a 2-0 record as a starter, throwing five touchdowns and three interceptions.
His second season in 2023 proved more challenging as he split time as the starter in a struggling Patriots offense.
He started six games that year, throwing for 1,272 yards and six touchdowns. After the Patriots waived him in August 2024, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad briefly before joining the Cleveland Browns.
In late 2024, the Browns signed him to the active roster, where he started a Week 18 game against the Ravens. As of late 2025, Zappe remains with the Cleveland Browns organization, serving on the practice squad.
Wife
Bailey Zappe is married to Hannah Lewis. The couple met while attending Houston Baptist University, where Lewis was a standout volleyball player. She played as a defensive specialist and libero for the Huskies.
They dated throughout college and got engaged in May 2023. They tied the knot on July 3, 2024, in a ceremony in Montana. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Beau Wayne Zappe, in February 2025.
Bailey Zappe’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Bailey Zappe’s net worth sits at an estimated $2 million, based on his NFL contracts and accumulated earnings.
Contract
Zappe is currently on a practice squad contract with the Cleveland Browns for the 2025 season.
Practice squad players typically earn a weekly salary that amounts to approximately $315,000 to $400,000 over a full season, depending on their accrued seasons in the league.
His previous deal with the Browns in 2024 was a one-year contract worth $985,000, though he did not collect the full amount due to roster movements.
Salary
For the 2025 season, his base earnings come from his weekly practice squad checks. If the team elevates him to the active roster for any games, his weekly pay increases significantly to a prorated portion of the league minimum salary for a player with his experience (three accrued seasons).
In 2022, his rookie year provided his largest single-season cash flow of $1.35 million due to his signing bonus.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings (Cash) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | New England Patriots | $1,352,072 |
| 2023 | New England Patriots | $870,000 |
| 2024 | Cleveland Browns / Chiefs | ~$700,000 (Est.) |
| 2025 | Cleveland Browns | ~$315,000 (Proj.) |
| Total | ~$3,237,072 |
Career Stats
| Year | Team | GP | GS | Comp | Att | Pct | Yds | TD | Int |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Patriots | 4 | 2 | 65 | 92 | 70.7% | 781 | 5 | 3 |
| 2023 | Patriots | 10 | 6 | 127 | 212 | 59.9% | 1,272 | 6 | 9 |
| 2024 | Browns | 1 | 1 | 16 | 31 | 51.6% | 170 | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 15 | 9 | 208 | 335 | 62.1% | 2,223 | 12 | 14 |
FAQs
1. Who is Bailey Zappe’s wife?
Bailey Zappe’s wife is Hannah Lewis. She is a former collegiate volleyball player who played at Houston Baptist University. The couple married in Montana in July 2024.
2. What is Bailey Zappe’s current team?
Bailey Zappe plays for the Cleveland Browns. He is currently a member of their practice squad, serving as a depth quarterback for the organization.
3. Did Bailey Zappe set any college football records?
Yes, he set major FBS single-season records at Western Kentucky. He threw for 5,967 yards and 62 touchdowns, breaking records previously held by Joe Burrow.
4. How many children does Bailey Zappe have?
Bailey Zappe and his wife Hannah have one child. They welcomed their son, Beau Wayne Zappe, in February 2025, shortly after the conclusion of the 2024 NFL season.
5. What is Bailey Zappe’s career high in passing yards for an NFL game?
His career high for passing yards in a single game is 309 yards. He achieved this during his rookie season with the Patriots against the Cleveland Browns in October 2022.
