John Simpson Bio
John Simpson (born August 19, 1997) is an American professional football offensive guard who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He entered the NFL after a standout college career at Clemson University, where he helped the Tigers capture a national championship and earned recognition as a consensus All-American. The Charleston, South Carolina native was drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft and has since built a reliable professional career spanning multiple teams.
Early Life and Background
John Simpson grew up in the Dorchester-Waylyn neighborhood of North Charleston, South Carolina. He was raised by his mother in a single-parent household alongside his younger brother. Simpson attended Fort Dorchester High School, where he developed into a highly regarded football prospect. His performance on the field earned him a four-star recruiting rating, putting him among the most sought-after high school players in the country.
Simpson committed to play college football at Clemson University over numerous prestigious offers, including programs from Florida, LSU, South Carolina, and Alabama. His decision to join the Clemson Tigers set the stage for an impressive collegiate career that would include multiple championship appearances and individual accolades.
Path to Professional Football
Simpson arrived at Clemson as a highly-touted freshman prospect in 2016. He appeared in nine games during his true freshman season, logging 160 total snaps while helping the Tigers capture the College Football Playoff National Championship. His early development was momentarily interrupted by a foot injury that caused him to miss several weeks of action.
As a sophomore in 2017, Simpson appeared in 12 games, playing 300 total snaps as a key reserve on Clemson’s offensive line. His dedication and improvement throughout his first two seasons earned him the starting left guard position heading into his junior year. This transition marked a significant turning point in his collegiate career.
John Simpson Career
Clemson Tigers (2016–2019)
Simpson established himself as one of the top offensive linemen in college football during his junior season. He started all 15 games at left guard, playing a total of 858 snaps and helping Clemson capture the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship. His dominant performance earned him third-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honors and second-team All-American recognition from the Associated Press.
Entering his senior season, Simpson was named preseason first-team All-ACC and placed on the Outland Trophy watchlist, signaling his status as an elite college player. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper ranked him as the second-best offensive guard prospect for the 2020 NFL Draft. Simpson was named a first-team midseason All-American by the Associated Press and became the only offensive guard to earn consensus first-team All-American honors for the 2019 season. His memorable moment came at ACC media day when he wore a blonde wig to imitate star quarterback Trevor Lawrence, gaining national attention for his playful impersonation.
Las Vegas Raiders (2020–2022)
Simpson was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth round, 109th overall, of the 2020 NFL Draft. He made his NFL debut on Monday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints on September 21, 2020, entering the game at left guard in the second quarter to replace starter Richie Incognito after he suffered an injury. Simpson played the remainder of the game and earned his first career start the following week on September 27 against the New England Patriots. He continued to develop as a professional, eventually becoming a consistent starter on the Raiders’ offensive line.
Simpson’s tenure with the Raiders came to an end when he was waived on December 10, 2022. Despite the roster change, his time in Las Vegas provided valuable experience that prepared him for the next chapter of his NFL career.
Baltimore Ravens (2022–2023)
Following his release from Las Vegas, Simpson was signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad on December 19, 2022. He demonstrated his potential during the remainder of the 2022 season, which led to him signing a reserve/future contract with the Ravens on January 16, 2023. This move secured his place on the roster for the 2023 season and allowed him to continue his NFL career with a new team.
New York Jets (2024–2025)
On March 14, 2024, Simpson signed a two-year contract with the New York Jets. He quickly became a cornerstone of the Jets’ offensive line, starting all 34 games at left guard during his two seasons with the team. His durability and consistency were particularly impressive, as he played nearly every offensive snap during his tenure in New York. His performance with the Jets solidified his reputation as a reliable NFL starter.
Driving Style and Strengths
Simpson’s game is built on consistency, physicality, and durability. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 330 pounds, he possesses the size and strength necessary to anchor against defensive linemen in the NFL. His experience starting multiple consecutive games demonstrates his reliability and ability to stay healthy throughout a grueling NFL season. His versatility allows him to excel in both run-blocking and pass-protection schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Simpson has achieved several significant milestones. His selection in the 2020 NFL Draft marked his entry into professional football. His performance at Clemson, culminating in consensus All-American honors, established him as one of the top guard prospects in his draft class. In the NFL, his ability to start over 70 games speaks to his sustained excellence and durability at the professional level.
John Simpson Career Wins
Simpson has accumulated substantial experience across his NFL career, appearing in 86 games with 72 starts. His collegiate career included significant championship success, while his professional tenure has been marked by consistent playing time and reliable performance at the offensive guard position.
College Highlights
At Clemson, Simpson was a two-time College Football Playoff national champion, winning titles in 2016 and 2018. His 2019 season stands out as his most decorated, as he earned consensus All-American honors, first-team All-ACC recognition, and helped lead the Tigers to another national championship appearance. His consistency as a starter during his junior and senior seasons provided a strong foundation for his NFL career.
Professional Achievements
In the NFL, Simpson has built a reputation as a durable and dependable offensive lineman. His 72 career starts at the guard position demonstrate his value to multiple franchises. Starting all 34 games during his two seasons with the New York Jets showcased his ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level week after week.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Games Started |
|---|---|---|
| NFL Career | 86 | 72 |
John Simpson Family
Family Background
John Simpson was raised in the Dorchester-Waylyn neighborhood of North Charleston, South Carolina. He grew up in a single-parent household, raised by his mother alongside his younger brother. This background shaped his work ethic and determination to succeed at the highest levels of football.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Simpson was entering his second year with the New York Jets following his signing in March 2024. His role as the starting left guard was well-established after starting every game during the 2024 season. The Jets relied heavily on his consistency along the offensive line as they sought to improve their offensive production and protect their quarterback.
Simpson’s partnership with the Jets’ coaching staff allowed him to refine his technique and continue developing as a professional. His durability remained a key asset, as the team valued his ability to practice and play at a high level throughout the season. The continuity of having the same starting offensive lineman at left guard provided stability for the entire unit.
Looking ahead, Simpson’s future with the Jets or potential other opportunities remained a topic of interest. His consistent performance and experience made him a valuable asset in the NFL, and teams seeking offensive line stability could potentially target him in future seasons.