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{{Short description|American football player (born 1986)}}{{Use American English|date=February 2024}}{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}

factoids

|birth_place = Portland, Oregon, U.S.|height_ft = 6|height_in = 5|weight_lbs = 221Glencoe High School (Hillsboro, Oregon)>Glencoe {{nowrap|(Hillsboro, Oregon)}}Tennessee Volunteers football>Tennessee (2004–2007)|draftyear = 2008|draftround = 5|draftpick = 162|pastteams =

• New York Jets ({{NFL Year|2008}}–{{NFL Year|2010}})|pastteamsnote = no|highlights =|nfl=Erik-Ainge|pfr=AingEr00

}}Erik Douglas Ainge (born June 12, 1986) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers. He was selected by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL draft. He currently hosts a daily sports talk show in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Sports Radio WNML 990 AM and 99.1 FM from 9a-12n EST.He is the nephew of former NBA and MLB player Danny Ainge, who is currently an executive with the Utah Jazz.WEB, September 29, 2004, Two-QB System Thriving in Knoxville,utsports.com/news/2004/9/29/Two_QB_System_Thriving_in_Knoxville.aspx, live,web.archive.org/web/20221008202737/https://utsports.com/news/2004/9/29/Two_QB_System_Thriving_in_Knoxville.aspx, October 8, 2022, June 4, 2018, University of Tennessee Athletics, en,

Early life

Ainge was born in Portland, Oregon.WEB, Eggers, Kerry, July 20, 2011, Ainge gets his life back on track,portlandtribune.com/pt/12-sports/9829-ainge-gets-his-life-back-on-track?tmpl=component, live,web.archive.org/web/20221008202750/https://pamplinmedia.com/pt/12-sports/9829-ainge-gets-his-life-back-on-track?tmpl=component, October 8, 2022, June 4, 2018, Portland Tribune, en-gb, He was raised just outside Portland in Hillsboro, Oregon, where he was a star athlete at Glencoe High School.WEB, June 24, 2011, Erik Ainge, former Glencoe High star, will retire from NFL,www.oregonlive.com/nfl/2011/06/erik_ainge_former_glencoe_high.html, February 19, 2024, OregonLive, Associated Press, en, As a freshman and sophomore, he played baseball and basketball in addition to football. Ainge was the starting pitcher on his baseball team and was said to throw a 90 mph fastball. He also averaged 17 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in basketball as a junior, and as a senior was a preseason honorable mention on the Street & Smith’s All-American team.Ainge was a two-year starter at quarterback on the football team, leading the Glencoe Crimson Tide as deep as the Oregon state quarterfinals. As a junior, he passed for 2,559 yards and 16 touchdowns. As a senior, he passed for 3,078 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Perhaps his most impressive game as a senior came against Aloha High School, when he passed for 475 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions to lead the Crimson Tide to 62 points through three quarters of action.WEB, NFL Events: Combine Player Profiles – Erik Ainge,www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/erik-ainge?id=363, live,www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/erik-ainge?id=363," title="web.archive.org/web/20190102002252www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/erik-ainge?id=363,">web.archive.org/web/20190102002252www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/erik-ainge?id=363, January 2, 2019, June 4, 2018, NFL.com, en, Following his senior season, Ainge was named all-state, prep star all-American, and the 2003 Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year.WEB, August 27, 2005, Ainge beats out Clausen, will start for Volunteers,www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=2144475, February 19, 2024, ESPN.com, Associated Press, en, During his senior season, Ainge also became one of the most highly recruited quarterbacks on the west coast receiving offers from schools like Oregon, Arizona State, UCLA, and Tennessee. He eventually signed with the University of Tennessee to play college football under head coach Phillip Fulmer.

College career

2004 season

As a freshman at Tennessee in 2004, Ainge completed 109-of-198 passes for 1,452 yards, 17 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.Tennessee Career Football Statistics {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927173918www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/fball-stats/a.htm |date=September 27, 2013 }}, UTSports.com. Retrieved: September 23, 2013.WEB, Erik Ainge 2004 Game Log,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/erik-ainge-1/gamelog/2004/, live,web.archive.org/web/20180716224310/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/erik-ainge-1/gamelog/2004/, July 16, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, His 17 touchdowns broke Peyton Manning’s freshman touchdown record of 15, and his 1,452 passing yards ranked second behind Casey Clausen’s freshman record of 1,473. On September 5, he made his collegiate debut in the season opener against UNLV. In the 42–17 victory, he had 118 passing yards and two passing touchdowns.WEB, Nevada-Las Vegas at Tennessee Box Score, September 5, 2004,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2004-09-05-tennessee.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20180318120924/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2004-09-05-tennessee.html, March 18, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, WEB, Davis, Elizabeth A., September 5, 2004, Tennessee Trumps UNLV 42–17 for Season-Opening Win – University of Tennessee,utsports.com/news/2004/9/5/Tennessee_Trumps_UNLV_42_17_for_Season_Opening_Win.aspx, live,web.archive.org/web/20180817225449/https://utsports.com/news/2004/9/5/Tennessee_Trumps_UNLV_42_17_for_Season_Opening_Win.aspx, August 17, 2018, August 17, 2018, Tennessee Volunteers Athletics, en, Associated Press, In the Volunteers’ 30–28 win over rival Florida, Ainge led a fourth quarter touchdown drive that pulled the Vols’ to within a point, and then engineered a short drive in the closing seconds to set up James Wilhoit’s game-winning 50-yard field goal.WEB, Florida vs. Tennessee – Game Recap – September 18, 2004 – ESPN,www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=242622633, live,www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=242622633," title="web.archive.org/web/20180717012913www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=242622633,">web.archive.org/web/20180717012913www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=242622633, July 17, 2018, June 4, 2018, ESPN.com, WEB, Florida at Tennessee Box Score, September 18, 2004,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2004-09-18-tennessee.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20180318121028/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2004-09-18-tennessee.html, March 18, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, Ainge split time for much of the year with Brent Schaeffer, who later transferred to Ole Miss.WEB, 2004 Tennessee Volunteers Stats,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/tennessee/2004.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20180716223941/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/tennessee/2004.html, July 16, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, After an injury just before halftime against Notre Dame, Ainge was replaced by former Tennessee quarterback Casey Clausen’s brother Rick.WEB, Davis, Elizabeth A., November 6, 2004, Irish Stun No. 9 Tennessee,www.und.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110604aab.html, live,www.und.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110604aab.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20180716224021www.und.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110604aab.html,">web.archive.org/web/20180716224021www.und.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110604aab.html, July 16, 2018, June 4, 2018, University of Notre Dame, Associated Press,

2005 season

During his sophomore season in 2005, Ainge completed 66-of-145 passes for 737 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions, in just eight games.WEB, Erik Ainge 2005 Game Log,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/erik-ainge-1/gamelog/2005/, live,web.archive.org/web/20180817193556/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/erik-ainge-1/gamelog/2005/, August 17, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, One of his most infamous moments came in the Vols’ game against LSU. To avoid getting sacked in the end zone by safety LaRon Landry, Ainge flung the ball up into the air just before he was ruled down for a safety. Ainge’s head also hit the goalpost on the play, tweaking his neck. As a result, Clausen again took over.NEWS, Russo, Ralph D., September 27, 2005, Vols Show No Mercy to LSU, en-US, The Washington Post,www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/27/AR2005092700013.html, live, June 4, 2018,www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/27/AR2005092700013.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20180818020856www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/27/AR2005092700013.html,">web.archive.org/web/20180818020856www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/27/AR2005092700013.html, August 18, 2018, 0190-8286, Ainge finished his sophomore season with a strong performance and a 27–8 win at Kentucky as the Vols finished with a 5–6 record.NEWS, November 26, 2005, Kentucky Ends Season With Loss to Tennessee, en, Kentucky Wildcats Athletics,ukathletics.com/news/2015/7/21/55aeaa88e4b05936b84633ac_131468084756609596.aspx?path=football, live, August 17, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180817193414/https://ukathletics.com/news/2015/7/21/55aeaa88e4b05936b84633ac_131468084756609596.aspx?path=football, August 17, 2018, WEB, Tennessee at Kentucky Box Score, November 26, 2005,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2005-11-26-kentucky.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20201005203720/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2005-11-26-kentucky.html, October 5, 2020, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, WEB, 2005 Tennessee Volunteers Schedule and Results,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/tennessee/2005-schedule.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20180318120956/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/tennessee/2005-schedule.html, March 18, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en,

2006 season

As a junior in 2006, Ainge was named the starter heading into spring practice, and for the first time in his career was able to take all of the first team reps throughout the preseason. Ainge also had a new position coach when David Cutcliffe replaced Randy Sanders as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator.NEWS, November 1, 2005, FOOTBALL: Sanders steps down at UT, en-US, The Observer,ndsmcobserver.com/2005/11/football-sanders-steps-down-at-ut/, live, June 4, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180817193409/https://ndsmcobserver.com/2005/11/football-sanders-steps-down-at-ut/, August 17, 2018, WEB, August 25, 2006, TENNESSEE VS. CALIFORNIA – GAME PREVIEW – University of Tennessee,utsports.com/news/2006/8/25/TENNESSEE_VS_CALIFORNIA_GAME_PREVIEW.aspx, live,web.archive.org/web/20180817225452/https://utsports.com/news/2006/8/25/TENNESSEE_VS_CALIFORNIA_GAME_PREVIEW.aspx, August 17, 2018, November 10, 2021, Tennessee Volunteers Athletics, en, In the season opener against #9 California, he had 291 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and one interception in the 35–18 victory.NEWS, September 2, 2008, AINGE, MEACHEM LEAD NO. 23 VOLS OVER NO. 9 CALIFORNIA, 35–18, en, Tennessee Volunteers Athletics,utsports.com/news/2006/9/2/AINGE_MEACHEM_LEAD_NO_23_VOLS_OVER_NO_9_CALIFORNIA_35_18.aspx, live, August 17, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180817225426/https://utsports.com/news/2006/9/2/AINGE_MEACHEM_LEAD_NO_23_VOLS_OVER_NO_9_CALIFORNIA_35_18.aspx, August 17, 2018, WEB, California at Tennessee Box Score, September 2, 2006,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-09-02-tennessee.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20180216085056/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-09-02-tennessee.html, February 16, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, In the Vols’ 31–30 win over Air Force, he completed 15 consecutive passes, the second-most in school history (Tee Martin completed 24 consecutive passes in 1998). He finished the day with 333 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and one interception.NEWS, September 9, 2006, NO. 11 VOLS HOLD OFF AIR FORCE, 31–30, AS AINGE PASSES FOR 333 YARDS, 3 TDS, en, Tennessee Volunteers Athletics,utsports.com/news/2006/9/9/NO_11_VOLS_HOLD_OFF_AIR_FORCE_31_30_AS_AINGE_PASSES_FOR_333_YARDS_3_TDS.aspx, live, August 17, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20221008202746/https://utsports.com/news/2006/9/9/NO_11_VOLS_HOLD_OFF_AIR_FORCE_31_30_AS_AINGE_PASSES_FOR_333_YARDS_3_TDS.aspx, October 8, 2022, WEB, Air Force at Tennessee Box Score, September 9, 2006,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-09-09-tennessee.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20180318120756/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-09-09-tennessee.html, March 18, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, NEWS, January 19, 2007, 2006 TENNESSEE FOOTBALL SEASON REVIEW – University of Tennessee, en, University of Tennessee,utsports.com/news/2007/1/19/2006_TENNESSEE_FOOTBALL_SEASON_REVIEW.aspx, live, June 4, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180817225507/https://utsports.com/news/2007/1/19/2006_TENNESSEE_FOOTBALL_SEASON_REVIEW.aspx, August 17, 2018, After the Air Force game, he had 183 passing yards and two interceptions in a narrow 21–20 loss to the Florida Gators.NEWS, September 16, 2006, VOLS DROP 21–20 DECISION TO FLORIDA, en, Tennessee Volunteers Athletics,utsports.com/news/2006/9/16/VOLS_DROP_21_20_DECISION_TO_FLORIDA.aspx, live, August 17, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180817225522/https://utsports.com/news/2006/9/16/VOLS_DROP_21_20_DECISION_TO_FLORIDA.aspx, August 17, 2018, WEB, Florida at Tennessee Box Score, September 16, 2006,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-09-16-tennessee.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20180318120723/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-09-16-tennessee.html, March 18, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, On September 30, against Memphis, he had 324 passing yards and four passing touchdowns in the 41–7 victory.NEWS, Davis, Elizabeth A., September 30, 2006, No. 15 Tennessee Cruises Past Memphis, en-US, Washington Post,www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/30/AR2006093000580_pf.html, live, August 17, 2018,www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/30/AR2006093000580_pf.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20180817193451www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/30/AR2006093000580_pf.html,">web.archive.org/web/20180817193451www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/30/AR2006093000580_pf.html, August 17, 2018, 0190-8286, WEB, Tennessee at Memphis Box Score, September 30, 2006,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-09-30-memphis.html, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, He led his team to a 7–1 record before being injured in the closing minutes of the game against South Carolina.WEB, Tennessee vs. South Carolina – Game Recap – October 28, 2006 – ESPN,www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=263012579, live,www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=263012579," title="web.archive.org/web/20180817225434www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=263012579,">web.archive.org/web/20180817225434www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=263012579, August 17, 2018, June 4, 2018, ESPN.com, WEB, 2006 Tennessee Volunteers Schedule and Results,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/tennessee/2006-schedule.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20180318121056/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/tennessee/2006-schedule.html, March 18, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, His 84-yard pass to wide receiver Robert Meachem in Tennessee’s win over Memphis is tied for the fifth-longest pass play in school history. Ainge missed the majority of Tennessee’s two losses following the South Carolina game before returning to lead his team to season-ending wins against Vanderbilt and Kentucky.WEB, Tennessee at Vanderbilt Box Score, November 18, 2006,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-11-18-vanderbilt.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20180817193438/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-11-18-vanderbilt.html, August 17, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, WEB, Kentucky at Tennessee Box Score, November 25, 2006,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-11-25-tennessee.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20180817193552/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-11-25-tennessee.html, August 17, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, During the season, Ainge set career highs in most statistical categories and break the Tennessee single-season record for completion percentage. The 2007 Outback Bowl was the first bowl appearance for Ainge, as he had missed the 2005 Cotton Bowl Classic due to injury, and the Vols did not qualify for a bowl game following his sophomore season. In the game, the Vols fell to Penn State.WEB, Outback Bowl – Tennessee vs Penn State Box Score, January 1, 2007,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-01-01-penn-state.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20180318121041/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-01-01-penn-state.html, March 18, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, For the year, Ainge completed 233 of 348 passes for 2,989 yards, 19 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.WEB, Erik Ainge 2006 Game Log,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/erik-ainge-1/gamelog/2006/, live,web.archive.org/web/20180817193523/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/erik-ainge-1/gamelog/2006/, August 17, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en,

2007 season

In March 2007, Ainge underwent surgery for a torn meniscus. He stated that the injury occurred during weightlifting exercises. However, he was able to recover in time for the 2007 season.NEWS, KNEE INJURY SHELVES AINGE FOR SPRING; RECOVERY LIKELY BY SUMMER – University of Tennessee, en, University of Tennessee,utsports.com/news/2007/3/8/KNEE_INJURY_SHELVES_AINGE_FOR_SPRING_RECOVERY_LIKELY_BY_SUMMER.aspx, live, June 4, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20190102002234/https://utsports.com/news/2007/3/8/KNEE_INJURY_SHELVES_AINGE_FOR_SPRING_RECOVERY_LIKELY_BY_SUMMER.aspx, January 2, 2019, NEWS, March 19, 2007, SURGERY SUCCESSFUL, AINGE EXPECTED BACK IN 3–6 WEEKS – University of Tennessee, en, University of Tennessee,utsports.com/news/2007/3/19/SURGERY_SUCCESSFUL_AINGE_EXPECTED_BACK_IN_3_6_WEEKS.aspx, live, June 4, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20190102094658/https://utsports.com/news/2007/3/19/SURGERY_SUCCESSFUL_AINGE_EXPECTED_BACK_IN_3_6_WEEKS.aspx, January 2, 2019, As a senior in 2007, Ainge completed 325-of-519 passes for 3,522 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.WEB, Erik Ainge 2007 Game Log,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/erik-ainge-1/gamelog/2007/, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, Despite 519 pass attempts, he was only sacked three times. He completed 62.6% of his passes and had a 135.48 QB rating. Ainge was able to achieve this success despite nagging injuries which hampered him all season, including a broken pinky finger on his throwing hand and a shoulder injury on his throwing arm.In the season opener against the #12 California Golden Bears, he had 271 passing yards and three passing touchdowns in the 45–31 defeat.WEB, Tennessee at California Box Score, September 1, 2007,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-09-01-california.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20201005203852/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-09-01-california.html, October 5, 2020, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, NEWS, Dufresne, Chris, September 2, 2007, Cal ‘Pacs’ a punch in beating Tennessee, en-US, Los Angeles Times,articles.latimes.com/2007/sep/02/sports/sp-cal2, live, August 17, 2018,articles.latimes.com/2007/sep/02/sports/sp-cal2," title="web.archive.org/web/20151024043235articles.latimes.com/2007/sep/02/sports/sp-cal2,">web.archive.org/web/20151024043235articles.latimes.com/2007/sep/02/sports/sp-cal2, October 24, 2015, 0458-3035, On September 22, against Arkansas State, he had 334 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and one interception in the 48–27 victory to pull Tennessee to a 2–2 record.NEWS, September 22, 2007, Ainge Throws Four TD Passes As Vols Roll Past Arkansas State, The Chattanoogan,www.chattanoogan.com/2007/9/22/113857/Ainge-Throws-Four-TD-Passes-As-Vols.aspx, live, August 17, 2018,www.chattanoogan.com/2007/9/22/113857/Ainge-Throws-Four-TD-Passes-As-Vols.aspx," title="web.archive.org/web/20180817193541www.chattanoogan.com/2007/9/22/113857/Ainge-Throws-Four-TD-Passes-As-Vols.aspx,">web.archive.org/web/20180817193541www.chattanoogan.com/2007/9/22/113857/Ainge-Throws-Four-TD-Passes-As-Vols.aspx, August 17, 2018, WEB, Arkansas State at Tennessee Box Score, September 22, 2007,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-09-22-tennessee.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20180817193456/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-09-22-tennessee.html, August 17, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, In the next game, a 35–14 victory over #12 rival Georgia, he was 17-of-22 for 165 passing yards.WEB, Georgia at Tennessee Box Score, October 6, 2007,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-10-06-tennessee.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20201005203741/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-10-06-tennessee.html, October 5, 2020, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, Over the course of the season, Ainge helped lead the Vols to an 8–3 record going into the regular season finale.WEB, 2007 Tennessee Volunteers Schedule and Results,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/tennessee/2007-schedule.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20180318121038/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/tennessee/2007-schedule.html, March 18, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, The strongest statistical game for Ainge was a 52–50 triple-overtime win over Kentucky in which he threw for 397 yards and an SEC-record seven touchdowns.WEB, Tennessee at Kentucky Box Score, November 24, 2007,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-11-24-kentucky.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20180216085153/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-11-24-kentucky.html, February 16, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, WEB, Lambert, Terry A., September 22, 2007, Remembering 2007 Tennessee vs. Kentucky: 4 OTs, an SEC East crown and a team that wouldn’t quit,www.rockytoptalk.com/2017/7/26/16024088/2007-tennessee-football-kentucky-remembering-sec-erik-ainge-andre-woodson-phillip-fulmer, live,web.archive.org/web/20180817193348/https://www.rockytoptalk.com/2017/7/26/16024088/2007-tennessee-football-kentucky-remembering-sec-erik-ainge-andre-woodson-phillip-fulmer, August 17, 2018, August 17, 2018, Rocky Top Talk, The Vols finished with a 9–3 record and won the SEC East to earn an appearance in the SEC Championship Game. In the 21–14 loss to LSU, he had 249 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and two interceptions, including a pick-six in the fourth quarter.WEB, Tennessee vs LSU Box Score, December 1, 2007,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-12-01-louisiana-state.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20180318121024/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-12-01-louisiana-state.html, March 18, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, NEWS, UT-LSU Post Game Notes, en, Tennessee Volunteers Athletics,utsports.com/news/2007/12/1/UT_LSU_Post_Game_Notes.aspx?path=football, live, August 17, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180817225604/https://utsports.com/news/2007/12/1/UT_LSU_Post_Game_Notes.aspx?path=football, August 17, 2018, Despite the loss, the Vols qualified for the Outback Bowl. In the Vols’ win over Wisconsin in the 2008 Outback Bowl, Ainge threw for 365 yards and two touchdowns, and was named the game’s MVP.WEB, Outback Bowl – Wisconsin vs Tennessee Box Score, January 1, 2008,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-01-01-tennessee.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20180318121002/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2008-01-01-tennessee.html, March 18, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, During his four years at Tennessee, Ainge completed 733-of-1,210 passes for 8,700 yards, 72 touchdowns, and 35 interceptions. His seven touchdown passes against Kentucky in 2007 remains an SEC single-game record.UT in NCAA/SEC Record Books {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113625www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/guides/2012/records.pdf |date=March 4, 2016 }}, Individual Football Records, 2012, p. 322. Retrieved: September 23, 2013. His 325 completions in 2007 remains a school single-season record, and his total yardage in 2007 trails only Manning’s 1997 tally of 3,789 yards for the school single-season record. His total career yardage is the third-most in school history only behind Manning (11,020) and Casey Clausen (9,577).Total Offense {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113625www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/guides/2012/records.pdf |date=March 4, 2016 }}, Individual Career Records, UTSports.com, 2012, pp. 329–332. Retrieved: September 23, 2013.WEB, Tennessee Volunteers Passing,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/tennessee/passing.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20180314170955/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/tennessee/passing.html, March 14, 2018, June 4, 2018, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en,

College statistics{| class“wikitable” style@text-align:center;”

! rowspan=“2“| Season! colspan=“3“| Games! colspan=“8“| Passing! colspan=“5“| Rushing! GP !! GS !! Record !! Cmp !! Att !! Pct !! Yds !! Avg !! TD !! Int !! Rtg !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! TD! colspan=“16” style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Tennessee Volunteers}}“| Tennessee Volunteers! 2004-29 >-1.8 >| 0! 2005| 0! 20069–3 >67.0 >8.6 >151.9 >26 >| 1! 200714 >14 >325 >519 >3,522 >31 >10 >| 0! Career !! 43 !! 37 !! 27–10 !! 733 !! 1,210 !! 60.6 !! 8,700 !! 7.2 !! 72 !! 35 !! 134.8 !! 82 !! -227 !! -2.8 !! 1

Awards and honors

• Rivals.com National Freshman of the Week, September 18, 2004 (vs. Florida)WEB, 10 Erik Ainge,utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/ainge_erik00.html, live,utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/ainge_erik00.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20070623032743utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/ainge_erik00.html,">web.archive.org/web/20070623032743utsports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/ainge_erik00.html, June 23, 2007, March 29, 2011, University of Tennessee Athletics,
• 2004 Freshman All-America The Sporting News (2nd)
• SEC Offensive Freshman of the Year The Sporting News
• Freshman All-SEC Coaches
• 2005 Academic All-SEC
• USA Today National Player of the Week, September 4, 2006 (vs. California)WEB, September 6, 2006, Tennessee’s Ainge takes season’s first Player of Week award,www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2006-09-04-player-of-the-week_x.htm, live,www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2006-09-04-player-of-the-week_x.htm," title="web.archive.org/web/20110524012837www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2006-09-04-player-of-the-week_x.htm,">web.archive.org/web/20110524012837www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2006-09-04-player-of-the-week_x.htm, May 24, 2011, March 29, 2011, USA Today,
• SEC Offensive Player of the Week, September 11, 2006 (vs. Air Force)WEB, September 11, 2006, Ainge SEC player of week,tennessee.scout.com/2/567355.html, dead,tennessee.scout.com/2/567355.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20110716021537tennessee.scout.com/2/567355.html,">web.archive.org/web/20110716021537tennessee.scout.com/2/567355.html, July 16, 2011, March 29, 2011, Scout.com,
• SEC Offensive Player of the Week, October 2, 2006 (at Memphis)WEB, October 2, 2006, SEC Roundup – Week Five Standings & More,cfn.scout.com/2/574830.html, dead,cfn.scout.com/2/574830.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20110929215150cfn.scout.com/2/574830.html,">web.archive.org/web/20110929215150cfn.scout.com/2/574830.html, September 29, 2011, March 29, 2011, Scout.com,
• SEC Offensive Player of the Week, October 9, 2006 (at Georgia)WEB, SEC Football Players of the Week Announced,www.secsports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=2&url_article_id=7781&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2, dead,www.secsports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=2&url_article_id=7781&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2," title="web.archive.org/web/20070930160605www.secsports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=2&url_article_id=7781&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2,">web.archive.org/web/20070930160605www.secsports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=2&url_article_id=7781&url_subchannel_id=&change_well_id=2, September 30, 2007, April 1, 2018, SECSports.com,
• Cingular All-America Player of the Week, October 9, 2006 (at Georgia)WEB, October 12, 2006, College Football Fans Select Tennessee Quarterback Erik Ainge as the Week Six Cingular All-America Player of the Week,cingular.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1710, dead,cingular.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1710," title="web.archive.org/web/20061018174438cingular.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1710,">web.archive.org/web/20061018174438cingular.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1710, October 18, 2006, April 1, 2018, Cingular Wireless,
• Walter Camp Div. I-A National Offensive Player of the Week, October 9, 2006 (at Georgia)WEB, FBS Players of the Week,www.waltercamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/WCFF-Player-of-the-Week-History.pdf, live,www.waltercamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/WCFF-Player-of-the-Week-History.pdf," title="web.archive.org/web/20180402101158www.waltercamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/WCFF-Player-of-the-Week-History.pdf,">web.archive.org/web/20180402101158www.waltercamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/WCFF-Player-of-the-Week-History.pdf, April 2, 2018, April 1, 2018, WalterCamp.org, 2004 {{hyphen, 2012 |publisher=Walter Camp Football Foundation}}
• 2008 Outback Bowl MVPWEB, Outback Bowl,www.sports-reference.com/cfb/bowls/outback-bowl.html, live,web.archive.org/web/20220929174931/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/bowls/outback-bowl.html, September 29, 2022, October 8, 2022, College Football at Sports-Reference.com,
• 2008 Senior Bowl SelectionWEB, 2008 Senior Bowl South Roster,cdn0.sbnation.com/legacy_images/ninersnation/images/admin/2008seniorbowlsouth.pdf, October 8, 2022, SB Nation, {{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Professional career

{{NFL predraft| height ft = 6| height in = 5 1/2| weight = 225| dash = 4.98| ten split = 1.71| twenty split = 2.86| shuttle = 4.60| cone drill = 7.51| vertical = 21.5| broad ft = 9| broad in = 0| arm span = 33 1/4| hand span = 9 1/8ACCESS-DATE=JULY 6, 2023, DraftScout.com, }}Ainge was selected in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL draft by the New York Jets with the 162nd overall pick.WEB, 2008 NFL Draft Listing,www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/draft.htm, live,web.archive.org/web/20181103014038/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/draft.htm, November 3, 2018, June 4, 2018, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In May 2008, Ainge underwent surgery on the little finger on his throwing hand.WEB, May 14, 2008, Report: QB Ainge had surgery,nypost.com/2008/05/13/report-qb-ainge-had-surgery/, live,web.archive.org/web/20221008202740/https://nypost.com/2008/05/13/report-qb-ainge-had-surgery/, October 8, 2022, October 8, 2022, New York Post, en-US, On July 16, he signed a four-year, $1.87 million contract with a $165,000 signing bonus.WEB, Spotrac.com, Erik Ainge,www.spotrac.com/nfl/new-york-jets/erik-ainge-4208/, October 8, 2022, Spotrac.com, en-US, {{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}On November 21, 2008, Ainge was suspended four games by the NFL for violating the league’s policy on steroids and related substances.WEB, November 22, 2008, Jets rookie Ainge suspended four games for violating steroids policy,sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3718028, live,sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3718028," title="web.archive.org/web/20081210093033sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3718028,">web.archive.org/web/20081210093033sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3718028, December 10, 2008, September 8, 2010, ESPN.com, Associated Press, Ainge, already on injured reserve and out for the season with a foot injury, was not allowed to be with the team or visit the team facility during the suspension. He was able to rejoin the team on December 15, 2008, following the New York Jets’ game against the Buffalo Bills.Ainge was expected to compete with Kellen Clemens and Kevin O’Connell for the final quarterback roster spot on the team in 2010.WEB, Mehta, Manish, August 4, 2010, New York Jets third-year quarterback Erik Ainge enters drug treatment/rehab facility: sources,articles.nydailynews.com/2010-08-04/sports/27071628_1_rex-ryan-erik-ainge-illness-list, dead,articles.nydailynews.com/2010-08-04/sports/27071628_1_rex-ryan-erik-ainge-illness-list," title="web.archive.org/web/20110402184002articles.nydailynews.com/2010-08-04/sports/27071628_1_rex-ryan-erik-ainge-illness-list,">web.archive.org/web/20110402184002articles.nydailynews.com/2010-08-04/sports/27071628_1_rex-ryan-erik-ainge-illness-list, April 2, 2011, September 8, 2010, New York Daily News, It was later announced that Ainge had entered “a drug treatment/rehab facility for ‘recreational issues’,” marking the second time he had violated the NFL’s substance abuse policy.Ainge made an announcement to The Associated Press on June 23, 2011, stating that he would retire from the NFL due to injuries sustained to his throwing shoulder and right foot.MAGAZINE, June 23, 2011, Jets’ Ainge announces retirement; cites injuries,sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/nfl/06/23/jets.ainge.retires.ap/index.html?xid=si_nfl, dead,sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/nfl/06/23/jets.ainge.retires.ap/index.html?xid=si_nfl," title="web.archive.org/web/20121104115318sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/nfl/06/23/jets.ainge.retires.ap/index.html?xid=si_nfl,">web.archive.org/web/20121104115318sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/nfl/06/23/jets.ainge.retires.ap/index.html?xid=si_nfl, November 4, 2012, June 23, 2011, Sports Illustrated, Associated Press, The Jets officially released Ainge on July 29, 2011.WEB, Cimini, Rich, July 29, 2011, Coleman bolts, Aussie punter arrives,espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/6000/coleman-bolts-aussie-punter-arrives, dead,espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/6000/coleman-bolts-aussie-punter-arrives," title="web.archive.org/web/20111204233645espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/6000/coleman-bolts-aussie-punter-arrives,">web.archive.org/web/20111204233645espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/6000/coleman-bolts-aussie-punter-arrives, December 4, 2011, July 29, 2011, ESPN.com,

Radio

On January 3, 2017, The Erik Ainge Show debuted on FM 99.1 Sports Radio WNML in Knoxville, TN. Ainge is joined every morning by Brian Rice at 9:00 AM EST.WEB, The Erik Ainge Show 17,www.991thesportsanimal.com/the-erik-ainge-show/, live,web.archive.org/web/20220222191845/https://www.991thesportsanimal.com/the-erik-ainge-show/, February 22, 2022, October 8, 2022, WNML-AF, en-US,

Personal life

In a first person account written for ESPN.com in March 2011, Ainge admitted that he struggled with drug and alcohol abuse from the time he was twelve years old, and by his senior year at Tennessee he had become addicted to pain killers.WEB, Cimini, Rich, March 28, 2011, Ainge: ‘I had to get help before I died’,sports.espn.go.com/new-york/columns/story?columnist=cimini_rich&id=6267822, live,sports.espn.go.com/new-york/columns/story?columnist=cimini_rich&id=6267822," title="web.archive.org/web/20110511110131sports.espn.go.com/new-york/columns/story?columnist=cimini_rich&id=6267822,">web.archive.org/web/20110511110131sports.espn.go.com/new-york/columns/story?columnist=cimini_rich&id=6267822, May 11, 2011, November 10, 2021, ESPN.com, Ainge continued to struggle with these issues in the NFL before seeking help. He also suffers from rapid cycling bipolar disorder, for which he has been treated in addition to his drug and alcohol treatment. On July 28, 2013, Ainge was arrested for driving under the influence in Knoxville.WEB, July 28, 2013, Former Jets, Tennessee Vols QB arrested for DUI | Pro32: Head to Head,pro32.ap.org/article/former-jets-tennessee-vols-qb-arrested-dui, dead,pro32.ap.org/article/former-jets-tennessee-vols-qb-arrested-dui," title="web.archive.org/web/20130929081020pro32.ap.org/article/former-jets-tennessee-vols-qb-arrested-dui,">web.archive.org/web/20130929081020pro32.ap.org/article/former-jets-tennessee-vols-qb-arrested-dui, September 29, 2013, July 29, 2013, Associated Press,

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

External links

{{Commons}}

• College stats at Sports-Reference.com
• The Erik Ainge Show – Tennessee Sports Radio
• utsports.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/ainge_erik00.html" title="web.archive.org/web/20050728150612utsports.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/ainge_erik00.html">Tennessee Volunteers bio

{{Tennessee Volunteers quarterback navbox}}{{Jets2008DraftPicks}}