Jordan Akins

Jordan Nikemian Akins Biography

Jordan Nikemian Akins is an American professional football tight end currently playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. Born on April 19, 1992, in Locust Grove, Georgia, Akins carved an unconventional path to the NFL that included a brief professional baseball career before he returned to football. He played college football at the University of Central Florida and was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Over his professional career, Akins has developed into a reliable tight end, accumulating over 2,200 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns while playing for five different NFL franchises.

Early Life and Background

Jordan Akins grew up in Locust Grove, Georgia, and attended Union Grove High School in McDonough, Georgia. During his high school career, Akins established himself as an exceptional athlete, earning All-State honors as both a junior and senior. He also received All-Conference recognition as a sophomore, demonstrating his early promise as a football player. His athletic abilities attracted attention from multiple major college programs.

Akins received scholarship offers from several prominent football programs, including LSU and Georgia. He ultimately committed to play at the University of Central Florida, choosing the Knights over these powerhouse programs. However, his collegiate football plans took an unexpected turn when he was selected by the Texas Rangers in the third round of the 2010 MLB Draft. Akins chose to pursue professional baseball instead of enrolling at UCF, putting his football career on hold.

Path to Professional Football

Akins spent four seasons in the Texas Rangers minor league system, but he struggled to find success at the plate. He compiled a career batting average of just .218 and never advanced beyond high-A ball. After the 2013 season, Akins made the decision to retire from baseball and return to football. He enrolled at UCF in 2014, redshirting the 2014 season to adjust to the sport again.

Upon returning to football, Akins quickly demonstrated his athletic abilities and football instincts at UCF. He played in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2014, catching 12 passes for 135 yards while also contributing as a kick returner with 363 return yards on 15 kickoffs. His sophomore season was cut short by a season-ending injury in the third game against Furman, forcing him to take a medical redshirt. Akins bounced back strongly in 2016, playing in all 13 games with 23 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns.

Jordan Nikemian Akins Career

UCF Knights Breakthrough (2017)

The 2017 season marked Akins’ emergence as a top collegiate tight end. He was named to the John Mackey Award watch list, recognizing the nation’s top tight ends. Akins played in 12 of UCF’s 13 games, recording 32 receptions for 515 yards and four touchdowns. His strong performance helped the Knights achieve an undefeated season and capture the Colley Matrix national championship. Following the season, Akins declared for the 2018 NFL Draft, ending his college football career with 79 receptions for 1,012 yards and six touchdowns across four seasons.

Houston Texans First Stint (2018–2021)

The Houston Texans selected Akins in the third round with the 98th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, making him the highest-drafted tight end in UCF history. On May 10, 2018, he signed a four-year contract worth $3.32 million with a signing bonus of $761,520. Akins made his NFL debut in the season opener against the New England Patriots, recording two receptions for 11 yards. He appeared in 16 games with six starts during his rookie season, finishing with 17 receptions for 225 yards.

Akins broke out during the 2019 season, recording his first professional touchdowns in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers. He caught three passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-20 road victory. Overall, he finished the 2019 season with 36 receptions for 418 yards and two touchdowns. In 2020, Akins continued to contribute, including scoring a touchdown in the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. He completed his first stint with the Texans in 2021, establishing himself as a reliable receiving option at the tight end position.

New York Giants and Return to Houston (2022)

On April 22, 2022, Akins signed with the New York Giants on a one-year contract. However, his tenure was short-lived as he was released on August 24, 2022, during final roster cuts. Several weeks later, on August 31, 2022, Akins joined the Houston Texans practice squad, returning to the franchise that originally drafted him. He was promoted to the active roster on October 12, 2022.

Akins’ most memorable moment of the 2022 season came in the regular season finale against the Indianapolis Colts. Trailing 31-24 with under a minute remaining and facing fourth-and-20 from the Colts’ 28-yard line, Akins caught a touchdown pass from Davis Mills and followed it up with a successful two-point conversion to give the Texans a 32-31 lead, which held as the final score. The dramatic victory had significant draft implications, as it cost the Texans the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, which instead went to the Chicago Bears.

Cleveland Browns (2023–2024)

On March 18, 2023, Akins signed a two-year contract with the Cleveland Browns. He became a steady contributor in the Browns’ offense over two seasons. In the 2023 season, Akins recorded 15 receptions for 132 yards. His role expanded in the 2024 season, as he posted career-high numbers with 40 receptions for 390 yards and two touchdowns. His improved production demonstrated his continued development as an NFL tight end.

Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2025–Present)

Akins joined the Jacksonville Jaguars in October 2025, signing with the practice squad. His move to Jacksonville represented another chapter in his journeyman NFL career, bringing his versatility and experience to a new team. Akins’ ability to contribute as both a receiver and blocker made him a valuable addition to the Jaguars’ tight end room.

Playing Style and Strengths

Akins possesses good size at 6 feet 3 inches and 250 pounds, making him a mismatch problem for opposing defenses. His background as a former baseball player contributes to his reliable hands and body control. Akins excels as a receiving tight end, showing the ability to create separation and make contested catches. His versatility allows him to line up in various positions across the offensive formation, providing quarterbacks with a reliable target in the passing game.

Notable Events and Milestones

Throughout his career, Akins has achieved several notable milestones. Being drafted as the highest-selected tight end in UCF history in 2018 marked the beginning of his professional journey. His dramatic fourth-and-20 touchdown catch against the Indianapolis Colts in 2022 showcased his clutch performance ability. Over seven NFL seasons, Akins has accumulated 206 career receptions for 2,277 yards and 10 touchdowns, demonstrating consistent production at the professional level.

Jordan Nikemian Akins Career Statistics

Akins has established himself as a productive NFL tight end across seven seasons with multiple teams. His career statistics reflect his reliability as a receiving option, with consistent contributions in each of his professional seasons.

NFL Career Highlights

Through the 2024 NFL season, Akins has recorded 206 receptions for 2,277 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. His best statistical season came in 2024 with the Cleveland Browns, where he recorded 40 receptions for 390 yards and two touchdowns. His most recent season with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025 marks his continued presence in the league as a veteran tight end.

College Achievements

Akins’ college career at UCF produced significant accomplishments. He was part of the Knights’ undefeated 2017 team that won the Colley Matrix national championship. His individual accolades include First-team All-AAC honors in 2017 and being named to the AAC Fifth Anniversary Team in 2018. He finished his UCF career with 79 receptions for 1,012 yards and six touchdowns.

Personal Life

Jordan Nikemian Akins maintains a private personal life. His full name includes the middle name Nikemian. As of his NFL career, Akins has not had any children. He continues to pursue his professional football career while maintaining connections to his Georgia roots. Information regarding his current residence is not publicly available.

2025 Season Outlook

Entering the 2025 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Akins brings veteran experience to a young team. His journey through five NFL franchises demonstrates his ability to adapt and contribute in different offensive systems. As a reliable receiving tight end with proven hands and route-running ability, Akins provides valuable depth and experience at the position. His professional approach and consistent production suggest he will continue to be a contributor in the Jaguars’ passing game as the season progresses.