Derek Rivers

Derek Rivers Bio

Derek Rivers is an American professional football defensive end who has played for multiple NFL franchises since entering the league in 2017. Born on May 9, 1994, in Augusta, Maine, Rivers attended Kinston High School in North Carolina before becoming a standout college player at Youngstown State University. He was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft and has since been a member of the Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, and Indianapolis Colts organizations. Rivers earned a Super Bowl championship as a member of the Patriots during the 2018 season.

Throughout his professional career, Rivers has demonstrated resilience in overcoming significant injuries while contributing as a rotational defensive end. His career NFL statistics include 16 total tackles and 3.5 sacks across regular-season play. Rivers continues to pursue his professional football career as of 2025, having carved out a reputation as a durable depth player capable of contributing on special teams and defensive rotations.

Early Life and Background

Derek Rivers was born in Augusta, Maine, but his family relocated to North Carolina when he was just five months old. Growing up in Kinston, North Carolina, Rivers attended Kinston High School, where he first began developing his skills as a football player. His early exposure to the sport in the Tar Heel State would set the foundation for his future career path.

After graduating from Kinston High School, Rivers made the decision to attend Fork Union Military Academy for a year. This post-secondary preparatory program helped refine his academic and athletic abilities before transitioning to collegiate football. The experience at Fork Union Military Academy served as a critical stepping stone in his development as a student-athlete.

Path to American Football

Following his year at Fork Union Military Academy, Rivers enrolled at Youngstown State University in Ohio. He played for the Youngstown State Penguins football team from 2013 to 2016, quickly establishing himself as one of the most dominant pass rushers in the Football Championship Subdivision. During his collegiate career, Rivers accumulated a school record 41 career sacks, including 14 sacks during his senior season in 2016.

His impressive statistical output included 56.5 tackles for loss, 47 quarterback hurries, and 119 solo tackles over his four-year career. Rivers was a three-time First Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection and earned FCS All-American honors twice. As a senior, he led one of the top statistically rated defenses in the FCS to the National Championship game, where Youngstown State fell to James Madison University by a score of 24-14.

Rivers concluded his collegiate career ranked fifth all-time in FCS history in career sacks. His dominance at the FCS level made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams, leading to his selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Derek Rivers Career

New England Patriots (2017–2020)

Derek Rivers was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round with the 83rd overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. His professional career began with significant adversity, as he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during training camp. The injury forced him to be placed on injured reserve on September 2, 2017, ruling him out for his entire rookie season before he could appear in a regular-season game.

Rivers made his NFL debut in Week 3 of the 2018 season against the Detroit Lions. He recorded his first career sack in Week 17 of that season, taking down rookie quarterback Sam Darnold during a victory against the New York Jets. Rivers played in six regular-season games during the 2018 campaign, recording two solo tackles and one sack. He also participated in his first career postseason game on January 13, 2019, helping the Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Chargers en route to Super Bowl LIII. Although Rivers was inactive for the Super Bowl, he earned a championship ring as the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3.

The 2019 season brought another setback for Rivers, as he suffered a knee injury during Week 2 of the preseason and was placed on injured reserve on August 31, 2019, missing the entire season. In 2020, Rivers made the Patriots 53-man roster following a shortened preseason due to league protocols. He was active in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins and recorded his first sack since 2018, taking down quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Rivers was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on October 17, 2020, but was activated five days later. The Patriots released him on November 21, 2020. During his nearly four seasons with New England, Rivers appeared in 14 regular-season games, recording six tackles and 2.5 sacks while also playing in one postseason game.

Los Angeles Rams (2020)

On November 23, 2020, Rivers was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams. He provided depth for the defensive line during the final stretch of the regular season. As a member of the Rams, Rivers appeared in two regular-season games and both of the team’s postseason contests. The Rams’ playoff run ended with a 32-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round.

Houston Texans (2021–2023)

Rivers signed with the Houston Texans as a free agent on March 23, 2021. He was released during final roster cuts on August 31 but was signed to the practice squad the following day. Rivers was promoted to the active roster on November 24, 2021. On December 9, the Texans signed him to a two-year contract worth $1 million. His lone sack of the 2021 season came on December 19 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, when he sacked rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Rivers appeared in five consecutive games to close out the season, starting from November 21.

The 2022 season was cut short due to injury when Rivers suffered a torn biceps tendon. He was placed on injured reserve on August 30, 2022, and missed the entire year. Rivers re-signed with the Texans on March 16, 2023. His tenure with Houston in 2023 featured numerous roster transactions. He was released from the active roster and signed to the practice squad on August 30. Over the following weeks, Rivers cycled between the active roster and practice squad before being released on November 1, 2023.

Indianapolis Colts (2023–2024)

Rivers joined the Indianapolis Colts on December 7, 2023, signing with their practice squad. He was not signed to a reserve/future contract after the season concluded, making him a free agent when his practice squad contract expired. Rivers was re-signed by the Colts on August 14, 2024, but was released less than two weeks later on August 25. He returned to the practice squad on September 24. The Colts released him on November 12, then re-signed him to the practice squad on November 19 before releasing him again on November 25, 2024.

Playing Style and Strengths

Derek Rivers operates primarily as a defensive end in the NFL, leveraging his 6-foot-5 frame and 250-pound build to penetrate offensive lines. His collegiate career at Youngstown State showcased his elite pass-rushing abilities, particularly his technique in collapsing the pocket and disrupting quarterback timing. Rivers has demonstrated the capacity to contribute on special teams units, which has helped him remain employed across multiple organizations throughout his career.

Notable Events and Milestones

The defining moment of Rivers’ career remains his participation in Super Bowl LIII as a member of the New England Patriots during the 2018 season. Although he was inactive for the game itself, earning a championship ring represented a significant career achievement. His college career milestone of finishing fifth all-time in FCS history in career sacks with 41 demonstrates the elite level he achieved before transitioning to professional football.

Derek Rivers Career Wins

Derek Rivers has accumulated modest but notable statistical achievements across his NFL career. His career totals include 16 total tackles and 3.5 sacks through the 2024 season. His most productive statistical season came in 2018 with the Patriots, when he recorded his first career sack and appeared in postseason play.

College Highlights

At the collegiate level, Rivers experienced tremendous success with the Youngstown State Penguins. He set the school record with 41 career sacks and earned recognition as a three-time First Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference performer. His 14-sack senior season in 2016 helped lead Youngstown State to the FCS National Championship game. Rivers was also a two-time FCS All-American, establishing himself as one of the premier pass rushers in the history of the Football Championship Subdivision.

Professional Highlights

His professional highlight came during the 2018 season with the New England Patriots when he recorded his first career regular-season sack and played in his first postseason games en route to a Super Bowl championship. Rivers has appeared in postseason play with both the Patriots and the Rams, demonstrating his ability to contribute on the biggest stages when opportunities arise.

Other Achievements

Beyond statistical accomplishments, Rivers’ ability to remain in the NFL for seven-plus seasons while experiencing multiple significant injuries speaks to his durability and determination. His journey through four different NFL organizations demonstrates his value as a depth player capable of stepping in and contributing when called upon.

Derek Rivers Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Specific details regarding Derek Rivers’ family background, including his parents’ names and any family connections to athletics, are not publicly available from verified sources. Rivers was born in Maine but grew up in North Carolina after his family relocated when he was an infant.

Personal Life

Derek Rivers maintains a public presence on Instagram under the handle d_rivers11. Beyond his football career, detailed information about his personal life, including marital status or children, is not publicly available through verified sources.

2025 Season Performance

As of 2025, Derek Rivers’ status with the Indianapolis Colts or any other NFL team remains uncertain following his release from the Colts practice squad in November 2024. His career trajectory shows a pattern of moving between active rosters and practice squads, suggesting he continues to work toward securing a stable role in the league. Rivers’ experience across four NFL organizations provides him with valuable familiarity in adapting to different defensive systems and team cultures. Whether he returns to the Colts, joins another organization, or transitions beyond professional football, Rivers’ career reflects resilience in overcoming injuries and adapting to the challenges of maintaining an NFL roster spot over multiple seasons.