Jaylon Carlies Bio
Jaylon Carlies (Pronounced: “CAR-lize”) is an American professional football linebacker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 13, 2001, Carlies began his football career at the collegiate level with the Missouri Tigers before being drafted by the Colts in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Early Life and Background
Jaylon Carlies was born in Orlando, Florida, where he grew up and attended West Orange High School. During his high school years, he excelled in both football and track and field, earning letters in both sports. Known as an elite sprinter, Carlies initially played as a wide receiver for his high school football team. At the time of his high school graduation, he stood 6-foot-1 but continued to grow during his college years, eventually reaching just under 6-foot-3.
Path to American Football
Rated as a three-star recruit coming out of high school, Carlies committed to play college football at the University of Missouri. His transition from a high school wide receiver to a collegiate defensive player marked a significant step in his football development. At Missouri, he quickly established himself as a versatile and impactful player in the Tigers’ defense.
Jaylon Carlies Career
Early Career (2020–2023)
Jaylon Carlies began his college football career in 2020, recording eight tackles during his freshman season. His breakout came in 2021 when he earned his first career start in week two, contributing four tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble against Kentucky. That season, he totaled 67 tackles, including three for loss, and led the team with four interceptions. In 2022, Carlies improved his performance with 81 tackles, a sack, four pass deflections, three interceptions, and a forced fumble.
In the 2023 Cotton Bowl, Carlies led Missouri with 11 tackles, helping secure a victory over Ohio State. He finished the 2023 season with 64 tackles, including four and a half for loss, two sacks, five pass deflections, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a forced fumble. Over his collegiate career, Carlies played in 49 games with 39 starts, amassing 221 tackles, three sacks, 17 pass deflections, nine interceptions, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2024–Present)
Jaylon Carlies was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 151st overall pick in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Prior to the offseason camp, the Colts announced Carlies would transition from safety to linebacker. By the end of rookie training camp, he had advanced to third on the Colts’ linebacker depth chart behind starters Zaire Franklin and E. J. Speed. During his rookie season, Carlies appeared in 10 games with six starts, recording 36 tackles, one sack, and one pass deflection.
In April 2025, Carlies underwent surgery to repair a shoulder injury. He was activated from injured reserve in December 2025, making his season debut in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This return marked a significant step in his ongoing professional development with the Colts.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jaylon Carlies is known for his versatility and athleticism, combining speed and strength to excel in coverage and run defense. His background as a sprinter contributes to his quickness and ability to cover ground effectively. The transition from safety to linebacker showcases his adaptability and football intelligence, making him a valuable asset in multiple defensive schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Carlies’ collegiate career featured key performances such as his interception and forced fumble in his first start and his leadership in tackles during the 2023 Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State. His selection in the 2024 NFL Draft and immediate impact as a rookie linebacker highlight his rapid progression and potential in the NFL.
Jaylon Carlies Career Wins
While primarily a defensive player, Jaylon Carlies’ career highlights include significant contributions to team victories at the collegiate level, notably the Missouri Tigers’ win in the 2023 Cotton Bowl. His individual defensive statistics reflect his impact on the field rather than traditional scoring metrics.
Missouri Tigers Highlights
Carlies’ tenure with the Missouri Tigers was marked by consistent defensive production, including a team-leading four interceptions in 2021 and a standout performance in the 2023 Cotton Bowl with 11 tackles. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses through interceptions, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles made him a key defensive player throughout his college career.
Other Wins & Performances
Jaylon Carlies’ athleticism was also evident during his high school years as an elite sprinter, contributing to his overall athletic profile and football performance. His defensive skills have been recognized as he transitioned to the professional level with the Indianapolis Colts.
Jaylon Carlies Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Jaylon Carlies’ family background and lineage have not been publicly disclosed.
Personal Life
Information regarding Jaylon Carlies’ personal life, including marital status and children, is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season for Jaylon Carlies has been marked by recovery and return from shoulder surgery. After undergoing surgery in April, he was placed on injured reserve but was activated in December to make his season debut in Week 14. His return is expected to bolster the Colts’ linebacker corps as he continues to develop his professional career. The Colts and Carlies aim to build on his rookie season momentum, with a focus on strengthening team defense and his role within the linebacker unit.