Michael Ford Jr. Bio
Michael Ford Jr. (born August 4, 1995) is an American professional football cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks from 2013 to 2017. Ford has built a career spanning multiple NFL teams since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2018, showcasing his versatility and resilience at the cornerback position.
Early Life and Background
Ford was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up in Alton, Illinois. He attended Marquette Catholic High School, where he played both running back and defensive back for the Explorers football team. His dual-position prowess was evident from an early stage, demonstrating his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball.
During his senior year at Marquette Catholic, Ford delivered an exceptional performance that earned him first-team all-conference honors on both offense and defense. He was also named All-State at running back after rushing for 1,614 yards and 28 touchdowns. Additionally, he scored five touchdowns on returns and recorded 69 tackles with two fumble recoveries and three interceptions on defense, highlighting his all-around impact on the field.
Path to Professional Football
Ford continued his football journey at Southeast Missouri State University, where he spent five seasons with the Redhawks. He redshirted his freshman year and played wide receiver as a redshirt freshman before being moved to defensive back at the beginning of that season, a transition that would define his professional career.
His breakthrough came during his redshirt sophomore season, his first as a starter. Ford recorded 44 tackles, five interceptions, and seven pass breakups, earning second-team All-Ohio Valley Conference recognition. As a redshirt senior, he continued to develop, posting 32 tackles with two sacks, one interception, and 14 passes broken up. His collegiate career demonstrated consistent growth and the ability to make plays in the secondary.
Michael Ford Jr. Career
Detroit Lions (2018–2020)
Ford signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent on April 28, 2018. He failed to make the active roster out of training camp and was subsequently re-signed to the Lions practice squad on September 2. Ford was promoted to the active roster on November 14 after offensive guard T.J. Lang was placed on injured reserve.
He made his NFL debut on November 18, 2018, starting at cornerback and playing on special teams in a 20-19 victory over the Carolina Panthers, recording two tackles. In his rookie season, Ford played in seven games with four starts, accumulating 25 tackles. During the 2019 season, he appeared in 15 games with two starts, recording 12 tackles and two passes defended before being placed on injured reserve on September 6 and later activated on October 24. Ford signed a contract extension with the Lions on March 8, 2021, but was waived on August 30 of that year.
Denver Broncos (2021)
On September 1, 2021, Ford was claimed off waivers by the Denver Broncos. He appeared in limited action before being placed on injured reserve on October 16. Ford was activated on November 6, completing his brief tenure with the Broncos.
Atlanta Falcons First Stint (2022)
Ford signed with the Atlanta Falcons on April 8, 2022. This move marked his second opportunity with the Falcons organization, where he looked to establish himself as a reliable depth piece in the secondary.
Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans (2023–2024)
On March 21, 2023, Ford signed with the Cleveland Browns. He remained with the Browns into the 2024 season before signing with the Houston Texans on March 15, 2024, on a two-year contract. Ford was released by the Texans on August 27, 2024, and subsequently signed to the Browns practice squad on August 29. He was promoted to the active roster on September 11, 2024, returning to Cleveland for a second stint that season.
Atlanta Falcons Second Stint (2025–Present)
On March 17, 2025, Ford returned to the Atlanta Falcons, signing a two-year contract. This marked a homecoming for Ford, who rejoined the organization where he previously played during the 2022 season. The deal through 2027 indicated the Falcons confidence in his abilities and experience.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ford has demonstrated versatility throughout his NFL career, lining up as a traditional cornerback while also contributing on special teams. His collegiate transition from wide receiver to defensive back shaped his understanding of offensive schemes, potentially benefiting his coverage abilities. His experience across multiple teams has provided him with diverse defensive systems knowledge and the adaptability required to contribute in various defensive backfield roles.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ford made his NFL debut in a close victory over the Carolina Panthers in 2018, immediately contributing as a starter in his first professional game. His interception and pass deflection totals across his career reflect his ability to make plays on the ball when given opportunities. The five-interception season during his redshirt sophomore year at Southeast Missouri State remains one of the standout statistical achievements of his career.
Michael Ford Jr. Career Statistics
Ford has accumulated playing time across seven NFL seasons with multiple organizations, contributing primarily as a reserve and special teams performer. His career statistics reflect consistent tackling ability and occasional turnover creation from the cornerback position.
NFL Career Highlights
Through the 2025 season, Ford has recorded 130 career total tackles in NFL regular-season play. He has contributed two fumble recoveries, six pass deflections, and one interception throughout his professional career. His rookie season saw his most extensive starting action with four starts in seven games, while subsequent seasons have featured him in depth roles with occasional starting opportunities.
College Career Statistics
At Southeast Missouri State, Ford demonstrated playmaking ability in the secondary. His redshirt sophomore season featured five interceptions, the highest single-season total of his career. He earned second-team All-Ohio Valley Conference recognition in 2015, validating his status as an impactful starter at the FCS level.
| Competition | Years | Total Tackles | Interceptions | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career | 2018–Present | 130 | 1 | 6 |
| College (SEMO) | 2013–2017 | 76 | 6 | 21 |
Michael Ford Jr. Family
Personal Life
Ford was born on August 4, 1995, in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up in Alton, Illinois. He attended Marquette Catholic High School in Alton before pursuing his college football career at Southeast Missouri State University. Ford maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his verified accounts. His professional football career has taken him across multiple states and organizations, reflecting the mobile nature of NFL roster building.
2025 Season Performance
Ford returned to the Atlanta Falcons in March 2025, signing a two-year contract through the 2027 season. This homecoming provided him with an opportunity to re-establish himself within a familiar defensive system and organization. The Falcons secondary sought experienced depth at the cornerback position, and Ford’s seven seasons of NFL experience made him a viable candidate for rotational duties and special teams contributions.
Throughout the 2025 season, Ford worked to carve out a role within the Falcons defensive backfield. His familiarity with the organization from his 2022 stint potentially accelerated his integration into the team’s schemes and culture. The contract structure through 2027 suggested the team viewed him as a longer-term piece rather than a short-term replacement option.
Ford’s career trajectory demonstrates the resilience required to maintain an NFL roster spot over multiple seasons despite roster changes and transitions between teams. His ability to adapt to different defensive schemes and contribute on special teams has been instrumental in extending his professional career beyond his initial undrafted status.