Curtis Jerome Jacobs Jr. is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays for the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions from 2020 to 2023. Jacobs entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024 and has since spent time with the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants. His journey through professional football demonstrates his resilience and adaptability as he continues to pursue opportunities at the highest levels of the sport.
Curtis Jerome Jacobs Jr. Bio
Curtis Jerome Jacobs Jr. was born on February 18, 2002, in Glen Burnie, Maryland. He attended McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland, where he excelled as a dual-threat player, lining up at both wide receiver and defensive back. His versatility and performance caught the attention of college scouts nationwide, leading him to become a selected participant in the prestigious 2020 Under Armour All-America Game. Jacobs ultimately chose to continue his athletic and academic career at Penn State University, where he would develop into a formidable linebacker.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Glen Burnie, Jacobs demonstrated exceptional athletic ability from an early age. His time at McDonogh School positioned him among the top high school prospects in the country. Playing both offensive and defensive positions gave him a unique understanding of the game that would later benefit his transition to linebacker at the collegiate level. His selection to the Under Armour All-America Game, an honor reserved for the nation’s elite high school players, underscored his potential and laid the groundwork for his future success.
Jacobs chose Penn State over several other prominent programs, citing the university’s strong football tradition and academic reputation. This decision proved instrumental in his development as a player and student-athlete. The McDonogh School, known for producing quality collegiate athletes, provided him with the foundation necessary to compete at the Division I level.
Path to American Football
Upon arriving at Penn State in 2020, Jacobs faced the challenge of adapting to college-level competition while transitioning to the linebacker position. He appeared in eight games as a true freshman, recording nine tackles. This modest beginning allowed him to learn the complexities of defensive schemes while adjusting to the increased speed and physicality of collegiate football. Despite limited playing time, his performance indicated promise for future contributions.
The 2021 season marked a turning point in Jacobs’s college career when he earned a starting role. Over 12 games, he accumulated 61 tackles, three sacks, and one interception. These statistics demonstrated his ability to make plays both against the run and in pass coverage. His breakthrough season established him as a key component of Penn State’s defensive unit and showcased the skills that would eventually attract NFL attention.
Curtis Jerome Jacobs Jr. Career
College Career at Penn State (2020–2023)
Jacobs continued his development during the 2022 season, starting 12 games and recording 52 tackles along with four sacks. Notably, he returned one interception for a touchdown, displaying his playmaking ability in the secondary. His consistent production and versatility made him a valuable asset within Penn State’s defense. Rather than entering the 2022 NFL Draft following this strong campaign, Jacobs chose to return for another season in State College.
The 2023 season represented the culmination of Jacobs’s collegiate journey. His decision to stay an additional year demonstrated his commitment to personal growth and team success. Throughout his four-year tenure with the Nittany Lions, he evolved from a rotational player into a reliable starter, accumulating significant statistical achievements that would catch the eyes of professional scouts.
Kansas City Chiefs (2024)
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Jacobs signed as a free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs. This opportunity allowed him to continue his professional aspirations while joining an organization with a strong defensive tradition. He also received recognition from the United Football League, being selected by the DC Defenders in the eighth round of their draft on July 17, 2024. However, his time with the Chiefs concluded when he was waived on August 27, 2024, opening the door to his next opportunity.
New England Patriots (2024–2025)
The New England Patriots claimed Jacobs off waivers on August 28, 2024, immediately following his release from Kansas City. This move positioned him with a storied franchise known for developing defensive talent. Jacobs appeared in nine games during the 2024 season, recording four combined tackles. His contributions, while limited in statistical output, provided him with invaluable experience in the complexities of the NFL game. The Patriots released Jacobs on March 21, 2025, but his tenure with the organization served as a meaningful chapter in his professional development.
Tennessee Titans (2025)
Jacobs joined the Tennessee Titans on March 24, 2025, after being claimed off waivers. His initial stint with the Titans lasted until August 27, 2025, when he was waived. However, his connection with the organization did not end there. Jacobs returned to the Titans on September 26, 2025, signing with their practice squad. This second opportunity reflected the Titans’ continued interest in his potential as a linebacker. He was subsequently waived from the practice squad on October 21, 2025.
New York Giants (2025)
Following his time with the Titans, Jacobs signed with the New York Giants practice squad on September 16, 2025. This move provided him with an opportunity to join another historic NFL franchise and continue his development. He was released by the Giants on September 23, 2025, but the experience expanded his familiarity with different defensive systems and coaching philosophies.
DC Defenders (2026–Present)
On January 14, 2026, Jacobs was selected by the DC Defenders of the United Football League. This selection marked a new chapter in his professional career, positioning him with a team in his home region of the Mid-Atlantic. The UFL provides Jacobs with an opportunity to showcase his talents on a consistent basis while continuing to pursue his goal of returning to the NFL.
Playing Style and Strengths
Jacobs brings versatility to the linebacker position, having demonstrated the ability to contribute in both run defense and pass coverage throughout his career. His experience playing multiple positions in high school and his development at Penn State have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of defensive schemes. His capacity to blitz the quarterback effectively, evidenced by his seven career sacks at Penn State, adds a pass-rushing dimension to his skill set.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his collegiate and professional career, Jacobs has demonstrated consistent production and adaptability. His four-year tenure at Penn State resulted in over 120 tackles, seven sacks, and two interceptions across 40-plus games. His journey through multiple NFL organizations within his first two professional seasons highlights his resilience and determination to succeed at the highest level of football.
Curtis Jerome Jacobs Jr. Career Statistics
Jacobs has competed at various levels, from the NFL to the UFL, amassing meaningful experience across different defensive systems. His collegiate career at Penn State represents his most extensive body of work, while his professional tenure has provided him with invaluable exposure to the speed and complexity of professional football.
College Statistics Highlights
During his four seasons at Penn State, Jacobs appeared in over 40 games, starting the majority of them. He accumulated more than 120 total tackles, seven sacks, and two interceptions. His 2021 season stood out as his most productive, with 61 tackles and three sacks over 12 games. His ability to create turnovers was evident in his two career interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown during the 2022 season.
Professional Statistics
In his brief NFL career, Jacobs has appeared in nine games, recording four combined tackles. These limited statistics reflect the challenges faced by undrafted free agents seeking to establish themselves at the professional level. His transition to the UFL with the DC Defenders presents an opportunity for increased playing time and statistical production.
| Competition Level | Games | Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State (2020–2023) | 40+ | 120+ | 7 | 2 |
| NFL (2024–2025) | 9 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Family
Family Background
Specific details regarding Curtis Jacobs’s family background, including his parents, siblings, or extended family, are not extensively documented in available sources. Like many professional athletes, Jacobs maintains a private personal life while focusing on his athletic career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a period of transition and opportunity for Jacobs. Following his release from the New England Patriots in March, he navigated through the waiver wire to join the Tennessee Titans. His ability to be claimed by multiple organizations within a short timeframe demonstrated that NFL teams recognized his potential value as a linebacker. Throughout the season, Jacobs split time between the Titans and Giants organizations, using each opportunity to refine his skills and make an impression on coaching staffs.
His performance during Titans practices and games allowed him to continue developing his craft within professional defensive schemes. The experience gained from playing under different coaching philosophies and alongside various teammates broadened his football knowledge. Although his statistics remained modest due to limited playing time, his work ethic and preparation positioned him for future opportunities.
The UFL selection in January 2026 marks a significant development in Jacobs’s career trajectory. Playing for the DC Defenders allows him to return to the Mid-Atlantic region while competing at a high level in spring football. This opportunity provides him with a platform to showcase his abilities on a weekly basis and potentially attract future interest from NFL organizations seeking linebacker depth.