Justin Strnad
Current teamDenver Broncos
Number40
PositionLinebacker
Birth dateAugust 21, 1996 (age 30)
Birth placePalm Harbor, Florida, U.S.
Height6 ft
Height in3
Weight lb235
High schoolEast Lake (Tarpon Springs, Florida)
CollegeWake Forest (2015–2019)
Draftyear2020
Draftround5
Draftpick178
Pastteams
StatusActive
StatleagueNFL
Statseason2025
Statweek18
Statlabel 1Total tackles
Statvalue 1177
Statlabel 2Sacks
Statvalue 27.5
Statlabel 3Forced fumbles
Statlabel 4Fumble recoveries
Statlabel 5Pass deflections
Statvalue 56
Statlabel 6Interceptions
Statvalue 61
PfrStrnJu00

Justin Strnad (/stərˈnɑːd/ stər---NAHD; born August 21, 1996) is an American professional football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

College career

After playing high school football at East Lake in Tarpon Springs, Florida, Strnad committed to Wake Forest over Illinois, Iowa State, Marshall, Florida International and others who offered him scholarships.[1] Strnad redshirted his freshman year at Wake Forest but then played in all 13 games his redshirt freshman year. He again played as a reserve linebacker his sophomore year but led the Demon Deacons in special teams tackles and interceptions.[2] He moved up to a starting role as a junior, earning Honorable Mention all-ACC honors.[3] A torn biceps tendon, suffered against Florida State in October, ended his senior season.[4] Strnad registered two sacks and an interception in his shortened senior season; the interception was a key play late for Wake Forest in a 38–35 win over Utah State.[5] He was once again named Honorable Mention all-ACC for 2019.[6] Strnad garnered an invite to the 2020 Senior Bowl, but did not participate due to injury.[7]

Professional career

Strnad was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round with the 178th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.[8] He was placed on injured reserve on August 31, 2020, after undergoing season-ending wrist surgery.[9]

On March 19, 2024, it was reported that Strnad would be signing with the Carolina Panthers.[10] However, hours later, Strnad flipped his commitment and re–signed with the Broncos on a one-year contract.[11]

On March 13, 2025, Strnad signed a one-year, $2.7 million extension with the Broncos.[12][13]

In Week 7 against the New York Giants, Strnad got his first career interception off of Jaxson Dart while the Broncos were down 26–16, turning the tide of the game and allowing them to achieve a 33–32 fourth quarter comeback victory.[14]

On March 8, 2026, Strnad signed a three-year, $18 million contract extension with the Broncos.[15]

NFL career statistics

Legend
BoldCareer high

Regular season

YearTeamGamesTacklesInterceptionsFumbles
GPGSCmbSoloAstSckTFLIntYdsAvgLngTDPDFFFmbFRYdsTD
2021DEN1653623130.00000.000000000
2022DEN1705410.00000.000000000
2023DEN1705410.00000.000000000
2024DEN1787348253.08000.000300000
2025DEN1685823354.5512121.0210300000
Career8321177102757.51312121.0210600000

Postseason

YearTeamGamesTacklesInterceptionsFumbles
GPGSCmbSoloAstSckTFLIntYdsAvgLngTDPDFFFmbFRYdsTD
2024DEN115410.00000.000000000
2025DEN204130.00000.000000000
Career319540.00000.000000000

References

  1. ^ "Justin Strnad, 2015 Safety". Rivals. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  2. ^ Lima, Rafael. "Spotlight: Justin Strnad". Old Gold & Black. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  3. ^ "NFL Draft & Combine Profile - Justin Strnad". NFL.com. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  4. ^ "Wake Forest linebacker Justin Strnad done for season". WTOP News. Associated Press. October 22, 2019. Archived from the original on April 13, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  5. ^ O'Neill, Conor (October 22, 2019). "Wake Forest linebacker Justin Strnad had surgery to repair a torn bicep tendon. The recovery could take 3-4 months.". Winston-Salem Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  6. ^ "Clemson Leads 2019 All-ACC Football Team". Atlantic Coast Conference. December 3, 2019. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  7. ^ Brugler, Dane (April 7, 2020). The Athletic's 2020 NFL Draft Guide. The Athletic. p. 178. Archived from the original on April 7, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  8. ^ DiLalla, Aric (April 26, 2020). "Broncos select LB Justin Strnad with 178th-overall pick". Denver Broncos.com. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  9. ^ "Broncos LB Justin Strnad (wrist) ruled out for season". Broncos Wire. USA Today. August 24, 2020.
  10. ^ "Panthers reportedly expected to sign former Broncos LB Justin Strnad". pantherswire.usatoday.com. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
  11. ^ Payne, Scotty (March 20, 2024). "Report: Linebacker Justin Strnad who agreed to terms with the Panthers, changed his mind and re-signed with the Broncos". Mile High Report. SB Nation. Retrieved April 14, 2026.
  12. ^ Simmons, Myles (2025-03-12). "Broncos agree to re-sign LB Justin Strnad". NBC Sports. Retrieved 2025-03-12.
  13. ^ DiLalla, Aric (2025-03-13). "Broncos re-sign ILB Justin Strnad to 1-year contract". Denver Broncos. Retrieved 2025-03-13.
  14. ^ Evans, Luca (2025-10-19). "Broncos ILB Justin Strnad continues breakout with game-flipping pick vs. Giants: ‘He’s going crazy’". The Denver Post. Retrieved 2025-10-20.
  15. ^ Smith, Michael David (March 8, 2026). "Broncos re-sign Justin Strnad". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports.