Former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who was blocked from trying to reach the NFL through the supplemental draft, no longer intends to pursue legal action against the league.
Sorsby had been aiming to use the supplemental draft as his route into the NFL, but the league opted not to stage the event in 2026 as scrutiny continued over his past gambling activity.
According to court filings, the 22-year-old acknowledged making thousands of wagers worth roughly $90,000 during a college career that included stops at Indiana, Cincinnati and Texas Tech. He also admitted betting on Indiana games while serving as a backup quarterback for the Hoosiers.
Sorsby has since received treatment for a gambling addiction and fought the NCAA in court for eligibility to play at Texas Tech in 2026 before shifting his focus toward a professional future.
On Tuesday, Sorsby and the NFL Players Association announced they wouldn’t be pursuing litigation against the league, and he will instead focus on the 2027 NFL Draft. One report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero described this as the result of reaching a ‘settlement’ with the league, although a spokesman from the Commissioner’s Office pushed back on that phrasing.
‘We have confirmed with the NFLPA and Brendan Sorsby that there will be no further litigation regarding his entry into the NFL – and that instead, Mr. Sorsby will focus on his preparation for entry into the League via the 2027 NFL Draft,’ stated a memo sent to all 32 NFL franchises and obtained by the Daily Mail.
Former college quarterback Brendan Sorsby, whose case drew controversy, will not sue the NFL after being denied a path through the supplemental draft
Sorsby, who previously went to court over his eligibility at Texas Tech, is set to be eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft
‘For the purposes of League and CBA rules, Mr. Sorsby will be considered a “Draft-Eligible” player for the 2027 NFL Draft. Mr. Sorsby will not be eligible to sign an NFL Player Contract until the completion of the 2027 NFL Draft.’
The NFL will not discipline Sorsby for currently-known prior misconduct, a league source told the Daily Mail. However, the league retains the right to investigate Sorsby’s conduct beyond what is currently in the public findings.
Additionally, the source added that the NFL is reserving the right to take Sorsby’s past college misconduct into consideration in setting discipline for any future violations.
Sorsby released a statement of his own on Tuesday, saying, ‘I accept 100% responsibility for my actions.
‘I did not have control of my gambling problem and it took getting caught for me to realize that, but it was truly the best thing that could’ve happened to me. Because of this, I have been able to get the help I need and fully focus on my recovery.’
He continued, ‘The news about the supplemental draft changes nothing about my recovery journey — I will continue to take it one day at a time. Focusing on making myself better throughout this process and making sure to share what I have learned and will continue to learn with others going forward.
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‘I am fully committed to being the best version of myself that I can be while getting ready for the 2027 draft. God makes no mistakes and I look forward to seeing the good that is to come from this.’
Sorsby was considered one of the top prospects in this offseason’s transfer portal before the story of his past gambling came to light.
As a reaction to that story, Sorsby was ruled ineligible to play by the NCAA. Sorsby sued the collegiate sports governing body and was issued a temporary injunction by a Texas judge which would have allowed him to play at Texas Tech this season.
The NFL chose not to hold a supplemental draft, blocking Sorsby’s pathway to the league
This ruling drew a strong response from college athletics departments across the country and led to the Big XII Conference (of which Texas Tech is a member) filing in federal court with the aim of punishing Sorsby and the school.
In light of that filing, Sorsby withdrew his suit against the NCAA and declared for the eventually-canceled supplemental draft.
Sorsby has limited options to play this summer. Last week, the Canadian Football League banned him from joining any team in the upcoming season.
In a statement to USA Today, the CFL said, ‘Upholding the integrity of the league and ensuring fair competition are paramount to the CFL. The allegations involving Brendan Sorsby are serious and concerning.’
‘At this time, the CFL will not register a contract for him, and no team will be permitted to add him to its negotiation list.’
Sorsby was found to have placed thousands of bets on his own team while he was a backup at Indiana. The quarterback, who also played at Cincinnati, hoped to play in the NFL this season.
Sorsby had not previously expressed his desire to play football in Canada, but his options are now much slimmer than they were before.
The only league that has publicly invited Sorsby to join their team is the UFL – with lead owner Mike Repole extending an offer on social media to join the Dallas Renegades.
‘The UFL is the league of opportunity,’ Repole posted to X on June 23. ‘We created our Regional Player Initiative to keep great players closer to home, closer to their fans, and on the field. Let’s do this!!!!!’
Repole closed the tweet by inviting Sorsby to ‘have your people call my people!’
