Oshane Ximines Bio
Oshane Ximines is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays in the National Football League. Born on December 7, 1996, in Queens, New York, Ximines played college football for the Old Dominion Monarchs from 2014 to 2018. He was selected by the New York Giants in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft with the 95th overall pick. Ximines holds a unique distinction in NFL history as the only player to have played in the league with a last name beginning with the letter X. He is also the first player ever from Old Dominion University to be selected in an NFL Draft.
Early Life and Background
Ximines attended Hertford County High School in Ahoskie, North Carolina, where he established himself as a dominant defensive player. During his high school career, he recorded 145 tackles and 35 sacks, showcasing the pass-rushing ability that would define his future. His family immigrated to the United States from Jamaica before he was born, providing him with a multicultural background in New York. Ximines demonstrated his athletic potential early, and his performance at Hertford County High School attracted attention from college programs across the region.
After completing high school, Ximines committed to play college football at Old Dominion University. The transition from North Carolina to the collegiate level in Virginia marked the beginning of his journey toward professional football. His work ethic and natural talent positioned him as a prospect worth watching by NFL scouts.
Path to the NFL
Ximines transitioned to the defensive end position at Old Dominion, where he developed under the college program from 2014 to 2018. He quickly became a standout player for the Monarchs, demonstrating consistent improvement each season. His combination of size, speed, and technique made him an effective edge rusher in Conference USA.
During his four-year college career, Ximines accumulated 176 tackles, 32.5 sacks, and one interception. His production earned him recognition at the conference level, and his performance against collegiate competition showed promise for his future professional prospects. The experience gained at Old Dominion prepared him for the physical and mental demands of playing at the highest level.
Oshane Ximines Career
New York Giants (2019–2023)
Ximines began his professional career when the New York Giants selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft with the 95th overall selection. The Giants had acquired this draft pick as part of a significant trade that sent Odell Beckham Jr. and Olivier Vernon to the Cleveland Browns. Ximines entered the league with high expectations as the first Old Dominion player ever drafted into the NFL.
During his rookie season, Ximines made an immediate impact. In Week 3 of the 2019 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he recorded his first career sack on quarterback Jameis Winston during a dramatic 32-31 Giants victory. He continued to develop throughout his rookie year and showed flashes of his potential as a pass rusher.
In the 2019 season, Ximines also recorded two sacks against Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles in a Week 14 Monday Night Football matchup, though the Giants fell 23-17 in overtime. He demonstrated versatility by switching positions from defensive end to outside linebacker, adapting to the Giants’ defensive scheme.
The 2020 season presented challenges for Ximines. He entered the year as one of the Giants’ starting pass rushers but suffered a shoulder injury in Week 4. He was placed on injured reserve on October 9, 2020. While he was designated to return from injured reserve on November 23 and began practicing with the team, he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery the following week, cutting his sophomore campaign short.
During the 2021 season, Ximines served in a rotational role, averaging approximately 23 snaps per game. He recorded 13 tackles on the year. A notable moment came in Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs when an offsides penalty negated a potential fourth-quarter interception by teammate Darnay Holmes.
The 2022 season saw Ximines begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list due to a hamstring injury that sidelined him for most of the summer. He appeared in 506 total snaps during the regular season, recording 24 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery, demonstrating his ability to contribute when healthy.
In 2023, Ximines was re-signed by the Giants on May 5. However, he was released on August 29 and re-signed to the practice squad. He was elevated from the practice squad for the Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals before being released again on November 30, concluding his tenure with the organization that drafted him.
New England Patriots (2024–Present)
On April 30, 2024, Ximines signed with the New England Patriots, joining a new team for the 2024 season. This move represented an opportunity for the linebacker to revitalize his career with a different organization. The Patriots defensive scheme would provide Ximines with fresh opportunities to contribute as a pass rusher and linebacker.
Unfortunately, his debut season with the Patriots was cut short. Ximines was placed on injured reserve on September 18, 2024, ending his season before it could fully unfold. The injury marked an unfortunate pattern in his professional career, as shoulder issues had previously ended his 2020 season with the Giants.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ximines possesses the size and length typical of effective edge rushers in the NFL. At 6 feet 4 inches and 254 pounds, he combines physical tools with technical refinement developed during his college career. His primary strength lies in his ability to pressure the quarterback, as evidenced by his 32.5 career college sacks and his natural transition from defensive end to linebacker. His experience playing multiple positions along the defensive line and as a stand-up linebacker provides versatility that defensive coordinators value. Ximines demonstrates good instincts for diagnosing plays and pursuing the ball carrier.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ximines achieved several notable milestones during his career. His selection in the 2019 NFL Draft marked a historic moment for Old Dominion football, as he became the university’s first-ever NFL Draft pick. His first career sack against Jameis Winston in Week 3 of his rookie season provided an early career highlight. The dramatic 32-31 victory over Tampa Bay made the moment even more memorable. Throughout his career, his unique last name beginning with X has made him a distinctive figure in NFL record books as the only player in league history with his particular name characteristic.
Oshane Ximines Career Wins
Ximines has accumulated key statistical achievements across his college and professional career. His production at Old Dominion established him as one of the program’s most accomplished defensive players, and his NFL career has seen him contribute regularly despite injuries and role changes.
College Highlights
During his time at Old Dominion from 2014 to 2018, Ximines established himself as one of the premier defensive ends in Conference USA. He earned First Team All C-USA honors in both 2017 and 2018, recognizing his consistent excellence over multiple seasons. His 32.5 career sacks remain a testament to his ability to disrupt opposing offenses and pressure quarterbacks. These accomplishments laid the foundation for his professional career and demonstrated his capacity to perform at a high level against collegiate competition.
NFL Highlights
Through his first five NFL seasons with the Giants, Ximines recorded 72 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 6 pass deflections. His first career sack in Week 3 of the 2019 season against Jameis Winston marked a significant milestone in his professional development. The 2022 season represented one of his most productive NFL years, as he recorded 2 sacks and appeared in 506 defensive snaps. His ability to contribute across multiple seasons demonstrates durability and persistence despite the challenges he has faced with injuries throughout his career.
| Level | Games | Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College (Old Dominion) | 4 Seasons | 176 | 32.5 | – |
| NFL (2019–2024) | 5 Seasons | 72 | 6.5 | 1 |
Family
Family Background
Ximines was born to parents who immigrated to the United States from Jamaica before his birth. This Jamaican heritage provides cultural context for his background and early life in Queens, New York. The family’s immigrant story reflects the pursuit of opportunity that many professional athletes’ families experience when coming to America. Ximines grew up in the diverse environment of Queens, which contributed to his development as both an individual and athlete.
2025 Season Outlook
Entering the 2025 season, Ximines will look to recover fully from the injury that ended his 2024 campaign with the New England Patriots. His placement on injured reserve in September 2024 limited his opportunity to contribute during his first season with the team. The 2025 season represents a fresh start and an opportunity to demonstrate his health and effectiveness in the Patriots’ defensive system.
Health has been a recurring concern throughout Ximines’ professional career, with shoulder and hamstring injuries affecting multiple seasons. If he can remain healthy, his versatility as both a down lineman and stand-up linebacker provides value to a defensive unit. The Patriots coaching staff will likely evaluate his performance during offseason activities and training camp to determine his role for the upcoming season.
Ximines enters his seventh NFL season with 72 career tackles and 6.5 career sacks to his name. His experience as a former third-round draft pick and his unique distinction as the only NFL player with his last name initial provide motivation for a productive year. The 2025 season offers an opportunity for Ximines to establish himself as a consistent contributor with the Patriots and potentially earn a more prominent role in the defensive rotation.