Kaylon Nakia “Poona” Ford Jr. Bio
Kaylon Nakia “Poona” Ford Jr. is an American professional football nose tackle for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 19, 1995, in Beaufort, South Carolina, Ford played college football at the University of Texas where he earned Big 12 Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year honors in 2017. After going undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, Ford signed with the Seattle Seahawks and has since built a solid NFL career spanning multiple teams. Ford joined the Rams in March 2025, signing a three-year contract worth $27.6 million.
Early Life and Background
Ford received his nickname “Poona” from his grandmother, Cynthia Ford Williams. When he was just 2 months old, she called him “Pooh Bear” after Winnie the Pooh. As he grew older in grade school and outgrew that nickname, she transformed it into “Poona,” which stuck with him throughout his life. The nickname has no connection to the city of Poona in India.
Ford attended Hilton Head Island High School in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Initially, he committed to play college football at the University of Louisville. However, he changed his commitment when coach Charlie Strong left Louisville to become the head coach at the University of Texas. This decision would prove pivotal to his football career.
Path to the NFL
Ford joined the Texas Longhorns and played for the program from 2014 to 2017. He showed steady improvement throughout his college career. As a freshman, he appeared in 7 games and recorded 9 total tackles with 1 tackle for loss. His sophomore year saw him increase his production to 39 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks across 10 games.
In his junior season, Ford achieved a career-high 54 total tackles along with 5.5 tackles for loss through 12 games. His senior year became his best statistical season, as he accumulated 31 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. This outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Big 12 Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year award, solidifying his reputation as one of the top defensive linemen in the conference.
Kaylon Nakia “Poona” Ford Jr. Career
Seattle Seahawks (2018–2022)
Ford signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent following the 2018 NFL Draft. Remarkably, he made the Seahawks’ 53-man roster as a rookie. He made his NFL debut in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears and recorded his first NFL start in Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers. In his rookie season, Ford appeared in 11 games and finished with 21 total tackles.
The 2019 season saw Ford appear in 15 games while starting 14. He recorded 32 total tackles, half a sack, one pass defensed, and one fumble recovery. In 2020, Ford started all 16 games and recorded 40 total tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble. The Seahawks placed a second-round restricted free agent tender on Ford in March 2021 and later signed him to a two-year contract extension. Ford continued his strong play, starting all 17 games in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, accumulating 53 tackles with 2 sacks in 2021 and 35 tackles with 3 sacks in 2022.
Buffalo Bills (2023)
On May 2, 2023, Ford signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. He appeared in 8 games during the 2023 season and recorded 1 sack. This brief stint with the Bills marked the first change in his NFL career after spending his first five seasons with the Seahawks.
Los Angeles Chargers (2024)
On March 16, 2024, Ford joined the Los Angeles Chargers. He was named a starter to begin the 2024 season and started all 17 games. Ford had a productive season with the Chargers, recording 39 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 pass deflections, and 1 interception. This performance demonstrated his continued effectiveness as a nose tackle in the NFL.
Los Angeles Rams Era (2025–Present)
On March 13, 2025, Ford signed a three-year, $27.6 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams. He played in all 17 games during the 2025 season, starting in 10 of them. Ford recorded 47 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception. Notably, he wore jersey number 95 during the 2025 season. Following the Rams’ acquisition of defensive end Myles Garrett, Ford agreed to switch to jersey number 97 for the 2026 season—a number he previously wore during his time with the Seattle Seahawks.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ford has established himself as a reliable nose tackle throughout his NFL career. His ability to clog the middle of the defensive line has made him valuable to multiple teams. His versatility allows him to both stop the run and provide pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Ford’s consistency is evident in his ability to start games week after week, having started double-digit games in most of his NFL seasons.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ford’s journey from an undrafted rookie to a solid NFL contributor stands as a notable achievement. Winning the Big 12 Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year award in 2017 highlighted his dominance at the college level. His continued productivity in the NFL, appearing in over 80 career games with more than 270 total tackles and 13.5 sacks, demonstrates his longevity and reliability as a professional player. His 2025 contract worth $27.6 million represents a significant milestone in his career earnings and recognition.
Kaylon Nakia “Poona” Ford Jr. Career Statistics
Ford has accumulated impressive career statistics across his NFL tenure. His 276 career total tackles showcase his consistency and ability to make plays against the run. His 13.5 career sacks demonstrate his pass-rushing ability from the interior defensive line. Ford has also contributed with 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 10 pass deflections, and 1 interception throughout his professional career.
Regular Season Highlights
Ford’s best statistical seasons came with the Seattle Seahawks, where he served as a full-time starter. His 2021 season with Seattle was particularly productive, as he recorded 53 tackles and 2 sacks while starting all 17 games. His 2024 season with the Chargers was also notable, featuring 39 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 interception while starting all 17 games. His 2025 season with the Rams showed continued effectiveness with 47 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception across 17 games.
Career Totals
Through the 2025 season, Ford has played in over 80 career games with approximately 60 starts. His 276 total tackles represent strong production from the nose tackle position. His 13.5 career sacks and 10 career pass deflections showcase his ability to affect plays in multiple ways.
| Season | Team | Tackles | Sacks | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Seattle Seahawks | 21 | 0 | 11 |
| 2019 | Seattle Seahawks | 32 | 0.5 | 15 |
| 2020 | Seattle Seahawks | 40 | 2 | 16 |
| 2021 | Seattle Seahawks | 53 | 2 | 17 |
| 2022 | Seattle Seahawks | 35 | 3 | 17 |
| 2023 | Buffalo Bills | 9 | 1 | 8 |
| 2024 | Los Angeles Chargers | 39 | 3 | 17 |
| 2025 | Los Angeles Rams | 47 | 2 | 17 |
Kaylon Nakia “Poona” Ford Jr. Family
Family Background
Ford was born in Beaufort, South Carolina, to his grandmother, Cynthia Ford Williams, who played a significant role in his upbringing. It was Cynthia who gave him his distinctive nickname “Poona” during his childhood. The nickname originated from “Pooh Bear” when he was an infant and evolved as he grew older. Ford attended Hilton Head Island High School in South Carolina for his secondary education.
2025 Season Performance
Ford joined the Los Angeles Rams in March 2025 following an impressive career spanning multiple NFL teams. He quickly became a contributor on the Rams’ defensive line, appearing in all 17 games and starting 10. His 47 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception demonstrated his continued ability to make plays at the professional level. The Rams’ decision to acquire his services on a three-year, $27.6 million contract reflected their confidence in his abilities.
The 2025 season also saw a notable change for Ford regarding his jersey number. After wearing number 95 during the 2025 season, he agreed to switch to number 97 for the 2026 season following the Rams’ acquisition of defensive end Myles Garrett. This number change connects to his successful tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, where he wore number 97 throughout his five seasons with the team.
Ford’s transition to the Rams marked a new chapter in his career. At 30 years old, he brings experience from playing with four different NFL franchises. His ability to start games consistently and contribute across multiple statistical categories makes him a valuable asset on the Rams’ defensive front. The 2025 season established his role with his new team, and his performance metrics suggest he will continue to be a factor in the Rams’ defensive schemes going forward.