Football | 8/28/2026 9:08:00 PM
MIAMI, Fla. – Former Minnesota State Moorhead quarterback
Jack Strand concluded NFL preseason play with the Atlanta Falcons on Friday. Strand played the entire second half inside Hard Rock Stadium in a 17-12 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Strand played the entire second half for the Falcons, completing six of seven passes for 43 yards and an interception. The Bloomer, Wis., native finishes the preseason 24 of 36 passing with 305 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Strand also rushed for 29 yards and two touchdowns in three games.
The former Dragon entered the contest with the Falcons leading 17-6. Atlanta would opt for the ground attack for much of the third quarter with Strand completing both his pass attempts for 11 yards. Heading into the final 15 minutes, Atlanta led the Dolphins, 17-9. That score would hold as time wore in the fourth quarter. Strand would throw his first interception after a pass slipped through his receiver's hands. The turnover helped Miami score another field goal to make the score 17-12 with 3:52 to play.
After a strong return on the ensuing kickoff, Strand and the Falcons had the opportunity to put the game on ice. Strand would pass his first test after delivering a third down pass to Antwane Wells Jr. for a 10-yard pickup. The gain gave Atlanta a needed first down with the two-minute warning looming. Strand would ice the game after a completed pass to tight end Jack Velling, followed by a six-yard quarterback run. The plays secured the game-clinching first down for Atlanta, who won 17-12.
Strand saw action in all three of Atlanta's preseason games beginning on August 14 against the Denver Broncos. He completed six of 12 pass attempts for 50 yards and added a one-yard rushing touchdown. Strand had a breakout showing against the Indianapolis Colts on August 22, completing 12 of 17 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns. The former Dragon also showed off his athleticism with a 16-yard touchdown run. Atlanta toppled the Colts, 34-6.
Strand, a four-year starter at quarterback for the Dragons, signed with Atlanta in April following the 2026 NFL Draft. He holds every school passing record (career and single-season) while also securing NSIC career records in passing yards, pass completions and passing touchdowns. In NCAA Division II history, Strand ranks ninth in career pass yards per game (313.4), 10
th in career passing yards (13,161) and is tied for fifth all-time in career passing touchdowns (126).
He was a four-time All-NSIC selection, earning the league's Offensive Player of the Year Award twice (2023, 2025). In his career, Strand earned eight All-America certificates, including five in his senior season alone. The quarterback was a three-time nominee for the Harlon Hill Trophy, placing fourth in national voting in 2025.
The Falcons will now prepare for the start of the NFL regular season on Sunday, September 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Atlanta will now trim their roster size to 53 players prior to the NFL cut deadline (Sunday, August 30 at 5 p.m. Central Time). Mark Reed (1983, Baltimore Colts) and Ted Nemzek (1930, Green Bay Packers) are the only Dragon alumni who have played in an NFL regular season game.
