Johnathan Jenkins Bio
Johnathan Jenkins (born July 11, 1989) is an American professional football nose tackle for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). The 6-foot-3, 360-pound defensive tackle began his professional career after being selected by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Over his career spanning more than a decade, Jenkins has established himself as a reliable run-stuffing nose tackle, contributing to multiple NFL franchises before joining the Ravens in 2025.
Jenkins has played for seven NFL teams during his career, including two separate stints with both the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins. His durability and experience at the demanding nose tackle position have made him a valued veteran in defensive line rotations throughout the league.
Early Life and Background
Johnathan Jenkins was born on July 11, 1989, in Stamford, Connecticut, and grew up in Meriden, Connecticut. He attended Francis T. Maloney High School, where he played for the Maloney Spartans football team. Jenkins lined up primarily as a defensive end during his high school career and also saw occasional duty as a fullback in short-yardage and goal-line situations. As a senior, he scored four touchdowns in his limited fullback appearances, showcasing his versatility and ability to contribute on both sides of the ball.
After graduating from high school, Jenkins attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Perkinston, Mississippi. At Gulf Coast, he developed into a formidable defensive player, recording 41 tackles and two quarterback sacks during his sophomore season. The Buccaneers posted a combined 19-5 record during his two seasons at the junior college level, establishing Jenkins as a Division I prospect.
Path to Professional Football
Jenkins earned an athletic scholarship to continue his football career at the University of Georgia. He played for the Georgia Bulldogs under head coach Mark Richt during the 2011 and 2012 seasons. The Bulldogs deployed a 3-4 defensive scheme, and Jenkins was recruited specifically to anchor the nose tackle position, rotating with Kwame Geathers. His performance in Georgia’s defensive system earned him recognition as a Second-team All-SEC selection in 2012, solidifying his status as an NFL prospect.
His collegiate career at Georgia prepared Jenkins for the physical demands of the professional level, particularly the demanding role of a nose tackle in run defense. The experience he gained facing high-caliber SEC competition proved invaluable as he transitioned to the NFL.
Johnathan Jenkins Career
New Orleans Saints (2013–2016)
Jenkins was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft with the 82nd overall pick. He signed his four-year rookie contract with the Saints on May 10, 2013, becoming the last of New Orleans’ five draft picks that year to sign. The Saints envisioned Jenkins as a foundational piece for their 3-4 defensive scheme, where his size and strength could anchor the middle of their defensive line.
Jenkins served as a rotational player and eventual starter at nose tackle during his three-plus seasons with the Saints. He contributed to a defense that competed for playoff positioning annually. On November 9, 2016, Jenkins was released by the Saints after more than three seasons with the franchise.
Journeyman Years (2016–2022)
Following his release from New Orleans, Jenkins quickly found a new home. On November 15, 2016, he was signed by the Seattle Seahawks, joining their defensive line rotation for the remainder of the season. Less than four months later, on March 17, 2017, Jenkins signed with the Chicago Bears. He appeared in eight games for the Bears during the 2017 season. Jenkins re-signed with Chicago on April 7, 2018, but was released on September 1, 2018, as part of final roster cuts.
The New York Giants claimed Jenkins off waivers on September 4, 2018. He re-signed with the Giants in May 2019 but was released again before the regular season. Jenkins joined the Miami Dolphins on September 2, 2019, seeing action at nose tackle during the latter portion of the season. In April 2020, he returned to the Bears on a one-year contract. He spent part of that season on the reserve/COVID-19 list and later on injured reserve before being activated. Jenkins signed with the Dolphins again in April 2021 and re-signed for another season in April 2022, completing his second stint with Miami.
Baltimore Ravens (2025–Present)
On May 16, 2025, Jenkins signed with the Baltimore Ravens, joining the defending AFC North champions. When starting nose tackle Nnamdi Madubuike suffered a season-ending neck injury early in the 2025 season, Jenkins assumed an expanded role as the Ravens’ primary nose tackle. His experience and reliability proved crucial for the defensive line rotation during a critical stretch of the season.
His strong performances during Madubuike’s absence earned Jenkins his first career contract extension. On January 2, 2026, he signed a one-year, $2 million deal to remain with the Ravens, a testament to the value he provided during his opportunity to start. The extension represented a meaningful milestone for a player who had spent his career as a journeyman and rotational player.
Playing Style and Strengths
Jenkins is primarily known as a run-stuffing nose tackle who occupies multiple offensive linemen at the point of attack. At 6 feet 3 inches and 360 pounds, he possesses the size and power to hold the point of scrimmage against double teams. His ability to free up linebackers and disrupt opposing ground games has been his most consistent contribution throughout his NFL career. Jenkins plays with fundamentally sound technique, using leverage and hand placement to control blockers rather than relying solely on athleticism.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jenkins achieved his first career defensive touchdown on December 14, 2024, while playing for the Las Vegas Raiders. In a 63-21 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, Jenkins recovered a fumble and returned it for a score, a memorable moment in a career built on consistent, unspectacular play. Earlier that season with the Raiders, he started all 17 games in 2023, recording a career-high 61 tackles along with four passes defensed and one sack.
Johnathan Jenkins Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2013 to 2025, Jenkins has been a reliable contributor at the nose tackle position, accumulating over 350 total tackles across the regular season. His experience with seven different franchises demonstrates his adaptability and sustained effectiveness in a demanding defensive role.
NFL Regular Season Statistics
Jenkins has appeared in over 150 career games with approximately 100 starts. His career-high 61 tackles came during his 2023 season with the Raiders. He has recorded 5.5 career sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 11 pass deflections, and one defensive touchdown. His consistency in recording multiple tackles per game while primarily focusing on run defense highlights his reliability as a defensive interior player.
Milestones and Achievements
Jenkins earned Second-team All-SEC honors during his senior season at Georgia in 2012. In the NFL, he was selected in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the 82nd overall pick. His 2025 season with the Ravens marked the first contract extension of his career, recognizing his contribution as a starting nose tackle following Madubuike’s injury. Jenkins’ 63-21 win with the Raiders in December 2024 featured his first professional touchdown.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season with the Baltimore Ravens represented a significant chapter in Jenkins’ career. After signing with the team in May, he initially served in a backup and rotation role. When Nnamdi Madubuike’s season-ending neck injury occurred early in the campaign, Jenkins was thrust into the starting nose tackle position for the first time in several seasons. The Ravens’ coaching staff trusted his experience and veteran presence to anchor their defensive line against the run-heavy offenses of their AFC North rivals.
Jenkins responded with consistent performances week after week, controlling the line of scrimmage and freeing up his linebackers to make plays. His professionalism and work ethic during the transition impressed teammates and coaches alike. The success of the Ravens’ run defense despite losing Madubuike was due in large part to Jenkins’ ability to step in seamlessly. His strong play earned him the first guaranteed contract extension of his career, a one-year, $2 million deal signed on January 2, 2026, securing his return for the 2026 season as the Ravens look to build on their playoff positioning.