Justin Strnad ( ; born August 21, 1996), nicknamed "Garbs", is an American professional football inside 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. 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. He moved up to a starting role as a junior, earning Honorable Mention all-ACC honors. A torn biceps tendon, suffered against Florida State in October, ended his senior season. 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. He was once again named Honorable Mention all-ACC for 2019. Strnad garnered an invite to the 2020 Senior Bowl, but did not participate due to injury.
Professional career
Strnad was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round with the 178th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. He was placed on injured reserve on August 31, 2020, after undergoing season-ending wrist surgery.
On March 19, 2024, it was reported that Strnad would be signing with the Carolina Panthers. However, hours later, Strnad flipped his commitment and re–signed with the Broncos on a one-year contract.
On March 13, 2025, Strnad signed a one-year, $2.7 million extension with the Broncos.
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.
On March 8, 2026, Strnad signed a three-year, $18 million contract extension with the Broncos.
NFL career statistics Legend Bold Career high
Regular season Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD FF Fmb FR Yds TD 2021 DEN 16 5 36 23 13 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2022 DEN 17 0 5 4 1 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2023 DEN 17 0 5 4 1 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2024 DEN 17 8 73 48 25 3.0 8 0 0 0.0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 2025 DEN 16 8 58 23 35 4.5 5 1 21 21.0 21 0 3 0 0 0 0 0Career 83 21 177 102 75 7.5 13 1 21 21.0 21 0 6 0 0 0 0 0
Postseason Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD FF Fmb FR Yds TD 2024 DEN 1 1 5 4 1 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2025 DEN 2 0 4 1 3 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Career 3 1 9 5 4 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
References
External links
Wake Forest Demon Deacons bio