Genard Avery Bio
Genard Avery is an American professional football defensive end who entered the NFL in 2018 after a standout college career at the University of Memphis. The Cleveland Browns selected Avery in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, and he has since played for multiple NFL franchises including the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Indianapolis Colts. Through the 2023 season, Avery has recorded 106 career tackles, 8.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and five pass deflections across his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Genard Avery was born on April 26, 1995, in Grenada, Mississippi. He attended Grenada High School in his hometown, where he quickly established himself as a dominant high school football player. Avery was named to the Clarion-Ledger 2013 All-State Team and earned MVP honors in the Mississippi 6A Region. He played in the prestigious Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game and was recognized on The Clarion-Ledger’s Targeted 22 list, which highlighted the top prospects in the state.
As a junior at Grenada High School, Avery recorded 111 tackles, six sacks, and forced five fumbles, earning Class 6A All-State honors. During his senior season, he tallied 75 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles while also seeing time on offense. He rushed for 72 yards on 18 carries and scored five offensive touchdowns. Avery recorded a season-high 10 tackles, including nine solo stops, in a 51-14 victory over DeSoto Central. His athletic abilities extended beyond football, as he was a Class 6A state champion powerlifter and a four-year letter-winner in track and field.
Path to the NFL
Avery’s success at Grenada High School earned him a scholarship to play college football at the University of Memphis. He played for the Memphis Tigers from 2014 to 2017, appearing in 50 career games with 34 starts. He started every game during his final two seasons, demonstrating consistency and durability at the collegiate level.
His collegiate career was marked by impressive statistical achievements. Avery recorded 232 career tackles, which ranks fifth all-time in Memphis history. He accumulated 45.5 career tackles for loss, ranking second in the program record books behind only Tim Harris. His 21.5 career sacks place him third in Memphis history, trailing Martin Ifedi and Tramont Lawless. During his senior season, Avery set a Memphis single-season record with 22 tackles for loss, further cementing his legacy as one of the most productive defensive players in school history.
Avery earned First-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in both 2016 and 2017, recognizing his consistent excellence at the collegiate level. He also added four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, seven passes defended, and two interceptions to his career totals. He graduated from the University of Memphis in December 2017, completing his degree in Organizational Leadership in just three and a half years.
Genard Avery Career
Cleveland Browns (2018–2019)
The Cleveland Browns selected Genard Avery in the fifth round with the 150th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He signed his rookie contract on May 13, 2018, a deal worth just under $2.7 million that included a $280,000 signing bonus. Avery made an immediate impact in his NFL debut during the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording one strip sack and four total tackles. He finished his rookie season with 40 tackles and 4.5 sacks while playing in every game and earning five starts.
During his second season with the Browns in 2019, Avery saw his role diminish under the new defensive scheme implemented by coordinator Steve Wilks. Through the first seven games of the season, he was active for only two games and played just five defensive snaps.
Philadelphia Eagles (2019–2021)
On October 28, 2019, one day before the trade deadline, the Browns traded Avery to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He made his Eagles debut in Week 9 against the Chicago Bears, recording two tackles and half a sack during the 22-14 victory. Avery appeared in the final seven games of the 2019 season but did not record additional statistics.
In Week 4 of the 2020 season, Avery recorded five quarterback hits and one sack during a 25-20 win against the San Francisco 49ers. He was placed on injured reserve on October 30, 2020, with an elbow injury and was activated on November 30. He finished the 2020 season with 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Avery entered the 2021 season with an expanded role as a starting outside linebacker. In Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers, he recorded eight tackles in the 21-18 victory, marking the most tackles in a single game in his career up to that point. He was placed on the COVID-19 list on January 3, 2022, and was activated on January 10. He finished the 2021 season with 43 tackles and one sack while playing in 16 games with 12 starts, missing only one game when the Eagles rested their starters.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2022)
On March 28, 2022, Avery signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was released on August 23, 2022, before the regular season began.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2022)
Avery was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 25, 2022. He was released on August 30 and signed to the practice squad the following day. He was promoted to the active roster on October 11. He was placed on season-ending injured reserve on December 23 due to an abdomen injury suffered in Week 14.
Indianapolis Colts (2023–2024)
On June 1, 2023, Avery signed with the Indianapolis Colts. He was placed on injured reserve on August 18, 2023, due to a training camp injury. He re-signed with the Colts on March 13, 2024. He was released in August 2024 and signed to the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on September 17. He was waived on November 23, 2024.
Playing Style and Strengths
Avery is known for his relentless pass-rushing ability and versatility along the defensive line. His quick first step and hand technique allow him to beat offensive linemen consistently. He has demonstrated the ability to play both inside and outside linebacker roles, making him a valuable depth piece for defensive coordinators seeking flexibility in their packages.
Notable Events and Milestones
Avery’s most productive statistical seasons came during his rookie year with the Browns and his tenure with the Eagles. His strip sack in his NFL debut against the Steelers showcased his ability to make game-changing plays. The eight-tackle performance against the Panthers in 2021 represented his single-game high for tackles in his professional career.
Genard Avery Career Statistics
Through the 2023 NFL season, Avery has appeared in 69 career games across six seasons with five different franchises. His career totals include 106 tackles, 8.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and five pass deflections. His rookie season with the Browns represented his most productive year statistically, as he recorded 40 tackles and 4.5 sacks while earning five starts.
College Highlights
Avery’s collegiate career at Memphis remains a significant part of his football legacy. He played 50 games with 34 starts over four seasons. His 232 career tackles rank fifth in Memphis history, while his 45.5 career tackles for loss rank second in program history. His 21.5 career sacks place him third all-time in Memphis football history. His senior-season record of 22 tackles for loss in a single season still stands as the Memphis standard. He earned First-team All-AAC honors in both 2016 and 2017, recognizing his consistent dominance at the conference level.
Career Milestones
Avery was selected 150th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, fulfilling his dream of playing professional football. He signed his rookie contract worth nearly $2.7 million with the Browns in May 2018. His trade to the Eagles in October 2019 represented his first mid-season transaction, beginning his journeyman career through multiple franchises. His recovery from an elbow injury in 2020 demonstrated his resilience and determination to return to the field.
Genard Avery Family
Family Background
Avery grew up in Grenada, Mississippi, where his football accomplishments at Grenada High School laid the foundation for his collegiate and professional career. His athletic family legacy continued through his cousin, C.J. Avery, who also played college football at the University of Memphis. The Avery family’s connection to Memphis football created a shared path through the Tigers program.
Personal Life
Avery graduated from the University of Memphis in December 2017 with a degree in Organizational Leadership, completing his studies in three and a half years. He maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his verified accounts. His journey from Grenada, Mississippi to the NFL has served as an inspiration to young athletes in his home state.
2025 Season Outlook
As of the 2025 season, Genard Avery remains a free agent available for signing by NFL teams. His experience as a versatile defensive end who can play multiple linebacker positions makes him an attractive option for franchises seeking experienced depth along their defensive front. Avery has demonstrated the ability to contribute in various defensive schemes throughout his career, having played for five different teams since entering the league in 2018.