JL Skinner III Bio
JL Skinner III is an American professional football safety and special teamer for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Boise State Broncos from 2019 to 2022 before being selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Skinner was born on April 16, 2001, in San Diego, California, and attended Point Loma High School in his hometown before launching his collegiate career with the Broncos.
Early Life and Background
JL Skinner III was born on April 16, 2001, in San Diego, California. He grew up in the San Diego area where he attended Point Loma High School. During his time at Point Loma, Skinner developed into a promising football prospect, showcasing the athletic abilities and football instincts that would later carry him to the collegiate level.
Path to Professional Football
After completing high school at Point Loma, Skinner continued his football career at the collegiate level. He accepted a scholarship to play for Boise State University, joining the Boise State Broncos football program. Skinner quickly established himself as a defensive playmaker during his freshman season, appearing in all 14 of the team’s games and gaining valuable experience at the safety position.
JL Skinner III Career
Boise State Broncos (2019–2022)
Skinner arrived at Boise State in 2019 and immediately contributed as a freshman, playing in all 14 of the Broncos’ games during his debut season. His performance and dedication earned him increased responsibilities in subsequent years. During the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Skinner started all six of the team’s games and recorded 37 tackles with one interception, demonstrating his ability to make plays in the secondary.
His standout campaign came in 2021 when Skinner truly emerged as one of the Mountain West Conference’s top safeties. He was named Second-team All-Mountain West Conference after finishing the season with 92 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two interceptions, three passes defended, and two forced fumbles. Following that impressive season, Skinner considered entering the 2022 NFL Draft but ultimately decided to return to Boise State for his senior year to further develop his skills and improve his draft stock.
In 2022, Skinner continued his strong play and earned First-team All-Mountain West honors, cementing his status as one of the premier defensive backs in the conference. His four-year career at Boise State saw him develop from a freshman contributor into an NFL-ready safety prospect.
Denver Broncos Era (2023–Present)
Skinner was selected by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round, 183rd overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. The selection represented the culmination of his development journey from Point Loma High School to Boise State and ultimately to the professional ranks. As a rookie during the 2023 season, Skinner appeared in two games for the Broncos, working primarily on special teams while continuing to learn the NFL game.
Skinner entered the 2025 season with increased opportunities, appearing in all 17 games for Denver during the campaign. He recorded 12 combined tackles and one fumble recovery while serving as a key member of the Broncos’ special teams units. On February 18, 2026, Skinner revealed that he had dealt with a torn labrum during the 2025 season, an injury that ultimately required surgery. Despite the injury, he was able to complete the full season and contribute throughout the campaign.
Playing Style and Strengths
Skinner is listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 220 pounds, giving him exceptional size for the safety position in the NFL. His combination of height, speed, and physicality allows him to match up against larger receivers and tight ends while still possessing the coverage skills necessary to play in space. As a special teams contributor, Skinner has shown the hustle and tackling ability that coaches value on coverage units. His experience at Boise State, where he played both deep safety and in the box, provides him with versatility that can be deployed depending on defensive packages and opponent tendencies.
Notable Events and Milestones
Skinner’s career has been marked by steady progression and overcoming adversity. His decision to return to Boise State for his senior season rather than entering the 2022 NFL Draft proved beneficial, as he elevated his play to earn First-team All-Mountain West honors. Being selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, albeit in the sixth round, represented a significant milestone in his football journey from San Diego to the NFL. The torn labrum he played through during the 2025 season demonstrated his toughness and commitment to his team, even while dealing with a significant injury that would require offseason surgery.
JL Skinner III Career Statistics
Skinner has compiled his NFL statistics primarily through special teams contributions and depth roles on defense. His career totals reflect his contributions on special teams and in limited defensive snaps across his time with the Broncos.
Career NFL Statistics
As of Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season, Skinner has recorded 21 career tackles and 2 fumble recoveries across his time with the Denver Broncos. His rookie season in 2023 saw limited action with appearances in two games. The 2025 season marked his most extensive action, playing in all 17 games and recording 12 combined tackles with one fumble recovery.
College Achievements
At Boise State, Skinner earned significant recognition within the Mountain West Conference. He was named First-team All-Mountain West in 2022 after an outstanding senior season, following his Second-team All-Mountain West selection in 2021. These conference honors reflect his status as one of the top safeties in the Mountain West during his collegiate career.
| Competition Level | Tackles | Fumble Recoveries | All-Conference Honors |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL (2023–2025) | 21 | 2 | N/A |
| College (Boise State) | 141+ | 2+ | First-team (2022), Second-team (2021) |
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a significant step forward in Skinner’s NFL career. Appearing in all 17 games for the Denver Broncos, he saw increased playing time and contributed consistently on special teams while also providing depth at the safety position. Skinner finished the season with 12 combined tackles and one fumble recovery, demonstrating his ability to make plays when called upon.
The season was not without challenges, as Skinner revealed in February 2026 that he had played through a torn labrum throughout the campaign. The injury, which ultimately required surgery, speaks to his toughness and dedication to his team. Despite the physical adversity, he was able to remain on the field for the entire season and contribute to the Broncos’ defensive efforts.
Looking ahead, Skinner will focus on his recovery from surgery during the offseason while aiming to build upon his 2025 performance. His ability to stay healthy and continue developing his skills will be key factors in his progression within the Broncos’ defense. As a young player with multiple years of experience ahead of him, Skinner has the opportunity to establish himself as a reliable contributor and special teams standout for Denver.