D’Onta Foreman Bio
D’Onta Foreman is an American professional football running back who has built a reputation as a powerful and reliable ball carrier throughout his NFL career. Born on April 24, 1996, in Texas City, Texas, Foreman emerged as a dominant force at the University of Texas before the Houston Texans selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft. Over his professional career spanning eight teams, Foreman has demonstrated his ability to grind out yards between the tackles while contributing as a receiver out of the backfield. His journey from a highly decorated college running back to an NFL veteran reflects his resilience and adaptability in professional football.
Early Life and Background
D’Onta Foreman grew up in Texas City, Texas, where he attended Texas City High School and played for the Stingarees football team. During his high school career, Foreman rushed for 4,382 yards at an impressive 8.2 yards-per-carry average, scoring 61 total touchdowns. His senior season in 2013 proved particularly spectacular as he accumulated 2,102 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns on just 202 carries, averaging 10.4 yards per attempt.
Foreman’s exceptional performance earned him second-team 4A All-State honors from the Associated Press and District 24-4A MVP honors, which he shared with his twin brother Armanti Foreman. He participated in the prestigious Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl and received recognition from major recruiting services, including being ranked as the 67th best running back nationally by 247Sports. His standout high school career attracted scholarship offers from multiple Division I programs, and he ultimately chose to continue his football journey at the University of Texas.
Path to the NFL
Foreman committed to play for the Texas Longhorns under then-head coach Charlie Strong. During his true freshman season in 2014, he appeared in seven games and rushed 15 times for 73 yards while earning honorable mention All-District recognition. His sophomore year in 2015 saw increased production as he played in 10 games, rushing for 681 yards and scoring five touchdowns, including a season-high 157-yard performance against Kansas.
The 2016 season marked Foreman’s breakthrough campaign as the Longhorns’ starting running back. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark mid-season and went on to rush for 2,028 yards and 15 touchdowns on 323 carries. His career-defining performance came against Texas Tech on November 5, 2016, when he exploded for 341 rushing yards on 33 carries with three touchdowns in Lubbock. Foreman’s outstanding season earned him the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back, along with Consensus All-American honors, First-team All-Big 12 recognition, and the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award. Following the season, he declared for the 2017 NFL draft, forgoing his final year of collegiate eligibility.
D’Onta Foreman Career
Houston Texans (2017-2018)
The Houston Texans selected D’Onta Foreman in the third round (89th overall) of the 2017 NFL draft, making him the seventh running back chosen that year. He signed a four-year, $3.25 million contract with a $759,484 signing bonus. Foreman made his NFL debut in the season-opening loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and saw increased playing time in subsequent weeks. During a Week 11 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, he recorded his first two career touchdowns, but suffered a torn Achilles on his second scoring run, which ended his rookie season.
Foreman spent the beginning of the 2018 season on the physically unable to perform list as he recovered from his Achilles injury. He was activated in December and made his season debut in Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles, catching two passes for 28 yards and scoring a touchdown in the narrow loss.
Tennessee Titans (2020-2021)
After sitting out the 2019 season following his release from the Indianapolis Colts, Foreman caught on with the Tennessee Titans in 2020. He joined the practice squad in September and was promoted to the active roster in November. Foreman appeared in six games as a backup to Derrick Henry, finishing the season with 95 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown.
Foreman returned to the Titans in November 2021 following Henry’s foot injury and became a significant contributor down the stretch. During Week 12 against the New England Patriots, he rushed for 109 yards, becoming part of the first Titans duo to both surpass 100 rushing yards in a game since 2008. He closed the season strong with three consecutive 100-yard games, including a 132-yard performance against the Miami Dolphins. Foreman finished 2021 with 566 rushing yards and three touchdowns while helping the Titans win the AFC South division title and reach the playoffs.
Carolina Panthers (2022)
Foreman signed with the Carolina Panthers in March 2022 and assumed a larger role in the offense following the mid-season trade of Christian McCaffrey. During Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he posted 118 rushing yards in a victory. Two weeks later against the Atlanta Falcons, Foreman rushed for 118 yards and three touchdowns in an overtime thriller. His breakout performance came in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions, where he galloped for a career-high 165 yards and a touchdown in an upset victory.
Foreman finished the 2022 season with career-highs in carries (203), rushing yards (914), and rushing touchdowns (5) while appearing in 17 games with nine starts.
Chicago Bears (2023)
In March 2023, Foreman signed with the Chicago Bears and initially served as a backup before becoming the starter in Week 6 due to injuries. During Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders, he delivered a versatile performance with 89 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and a receiving touchdown, earning FedEx Ground Player of the Week honors. Foreman finished the 2023 season with 425 rushing yards and four touchdowns to go along with 77 receiving yards and a score in nine games and eight starts.
Cleveland Browns (2024-Present)
Foreman joined the Cleveland Browns in March 2024. He appeared in 11 games with three starts during the 2024 season, recording 232 rushing yards on 71 attempts while contributing 54 receiving yards. His tenure with the Browns continued his pattern of serving as a reliable depth piece and occasional starter throughout his NFL journey.
Driving Style and Strengths
Foreman has established himself as a between-the-tackles runner with exceptional power and leg drive. Standing at 6 feet and weighing 235 pounds, he excels at converting short-yardage situations and breaking tackles in the red zone. His ability to contribute as a receiver out of the backfield has kept him valuable to multiple offenses throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Foreman’s career has been marked by dramatic comebacks and resilience. His 2021 season with the Titans, where he helped the team secure a playoff berth after Derrick Henry’s injury, stands as a testament to his durability and team-first mentality. His 165-yard performance against the playoff-hopeful Lions in 2022 demonstrated his ability to take over games when given the opportunity.
D’Onta Foreman Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Foreman has accumulated significant production across multiple franchises, establishing himself as a reliable contributor at the running back position. His career totals include over 2,500 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, along with 396 receiving yards and 3 receiving touchdowns.
Career Highlights
Foreman’s most productive NFL season came in 2022 with the Carolina Panthers, where he rushed for 914 yards and 5 touchdowns while setting career-highs in carries and starts. His 2021 campaign with the Titans showcased his ability to step up in crucial moments, as he averaged 4.3 yards per carry and contributed significantly to the team’s playoff push. His 566 rushing yards in that abbreviated stint demonstrated his breakaway ability and vision.
College Achievements
Foreman’s collegiate career at Texas remains his most decorated chapter. His 2,028-yard sophomore season earned him the Doak Walker Award,确立ing him as the nation’s premier running back. His 341-yard performance against Texas Tech stands as one of the best single-game rushing performances in Longhorns history. He became the first Texas running back to surpass 1,000 rushing yards since Jamaal Charles in 2007.
| Level | Att | Yards | Avg | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career | 625 | 2,558 | 4.1 | 14 |
| College (2016) | 323 | 2,028 | 6.3 | 15 |
Family
Family Background and Personal Life
D’Onta Foreman has a twin brother, Armanti Foreman, who also played college football at the University of Texas as a wide receiver. The brothers shared District 24-4A MVP honors during their senior year of high school. While attending the University of Texas, D’Onta was named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll in the fall of 2014, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence alongside his athletic pursuits.
2025 Season Performance
Foreman enters the 2025 season as a veteran presence in the NFL, having played for eight different franchises over his eight-year career. His journey reflects the nature of professional football, where depth players must adapt quickly to new systems and teammates. With the Cleveland Browns, Foreman brings experience and reliability to the running back room, offering a powerful running style that complements younger ball carriers.