The Baltimore Ravens have waived quarterback Diego Pavia, cutting the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up just one day before rookies were set to report to training camp. The move comes 83 days after Baltimore signed the former Vanderbilt star as an undrafted free agent following a draft weekend where he went unselected - a rare outcome for a Heisman finalist.
Pavia's college career was one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent football history. After going unrecruited out of high school, he worked his way from junior college to New Mexico State before transferring to Vanderbilt in 2024, where he led the Commodores to their first 10-win season in school history and set single-season program records for wins, passing yards, and touchdowns.
But Pavia has been just as outspoken about his faith as he has been about football. He's shared publicly that his walk with Christ began during a low point at junior college, when two friends - one now a preacher, one a coach - led him to faith. He recalled kneeling in prayer for the first time with tears of joy, describing it as "coming to the Lord and Savior."
That faith has shown up on the field repeatedly. After Vanderbilt's stunning 2024 upset of No. 1 Alabama, Pavia told SEC Network, "It's literally all God's timing... God gave me a vision when I was a little kid, and He don't let back any promises." He's continued crediting God after big wins throughout his career, often urging fans to "get to know Him."
With the Ravens chapter closed, Pavia now looks toward the NFL practice squad market or a possible CFL opportunity. Whatever comes next, Pavia has made clear the outcome won't shake what he says matters most: his relationship with God.
