Michael Dunn Bio
Michael Dunn is an American professional football guard who has played in the National Football League since 2020. Born in Bethesda, Maryland, he played college football for the Maryland Terrapins before going undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft. Dunn has since built a steady NFL career spanning multiple teams, most notably the Cleveland Browns, where he made his first career start in the 2020 playoffs against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is currently a free agent after playing for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Michael Dunn was born on August 28, 1994, in Bethesda, Maryland, to parents David and Tamara Dunn. He grew up in Bethesda alongside his two siblings, Renee and Eitan. Dunn is Jewish, and his faith has been an important part of his identity throughout his life. He attended Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, where he played both offensive tackle and guard for the school’s football team.
As a senior at Walt Whitman High School, Dunn earned second-team all-county honors, demonstrating his talent as a collegiate prospect. His performance in high school helped him attract attention from college programs, setting the stage for his next chapter at the University of Maryland.
Path to the NFL
Dunn accepted a scholarship to play at the University of Maryland, where he would spend four seasons (2012-2016) with the Maryland Terrapins football program. He appeared in 48 games for the Terrapins, starting 37 consecutive games at one point during his college career. His consistency and reliability on the offensive line earned him recognition both on and off the field.
Dunn received honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in both 2015 and 2016 seasons. He was also recognized for his academic achievements, earning All-Big Ten Academic Selection honors three times (2014, 2015, and 2016). He graduated from Maryland in 2016 with a degree in Economics. Following his senior season, Dunn underwent labrum surgery, which impacted his preparation for the NFL Draft and ultimately contributed to him going undrafted in 2017.
Michael Dunn Career
Early Career (2017-2019)
After going undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft, Dunn attended a rookie minicamp tryout with the Los Angeles Rams in May 2017. The Rams signed him to a contract on June 15, 2017, but he was waived during final roster cuts that September. He immediately joined the Rams practice squad but was released just days later. Dunn re-signed with the Rams in February 2018 but was waived again in June 2018.
Dunn then signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in July 2018. He spent time on both the active roster and practice squad during that season before his contract was terminated. Seeking more playing opportunities, he joined the Birmingham Iron of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) in January 2019. When the AAF suspended operations mid-season, Dunn signed with the Miami Dolphins in April 2019 but was waived during final roster cuts that August.
Seattle Dragons XFL Period (2020)
Dunn was selected by the Seattle Dragons in the XFL draft in October 2019. The XFL provided him with valuable game experience during the 2020 season. However, his tenure ended when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020, due to unforeseen circumstances. This event led Dunn to sign with the Cleveland Browns in August 2020, marking the beginning of his most sustained NFL tenure.
Cleveland Browns Era (2020-2024)
Dunn signed with the Cleveland Browns on August 9, 2020. He was waived during initial roster cuts but joined the practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster four times during the 2020 season, playing in games against the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Giants. Dunn was signed to the Browns active roster permanently on December 23, 2020.
His defining moment came on January 10, 2021, when he made his first career start in the Browns playoff victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dunn stepped in for starting left guard Joel Bitonio, who had tested positive for COVID-19. In that playoff game, Dunn delivered an exceptional performance, not allowing a single pressure in pass protection. He was placed on injured reserve shortly after due to an injury sustained during that game.
Dunn continued with the Browns through the 2021 and 2022 seasons, earning a spot on the 53-man opening day roster in 2021. He was tendered as an exclusive-rights free agent in March 2022 but was placed on injured reserve in November 2022. The following season, he was released and re-signed to the practice squad multiple times, navigating roster fluctuations while battling injuries including a calf injury that landed him on injured reserve in October 2023.
Dunn re-signed with the Browns in March 2024. He began the 2024 season on the reserve/non-football illness list before being activated in October, continuing his journeyman NFL career with the organization that gave him his first real opportunity to establish himself in the league.
San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers (2025)
In August 2025, Dunn signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. He was released during final roster cuts as the team made its initial roster decisions. Weeks later, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad in September 2025, seeking to continue his NFL career with a new organization. He was released by the Chargers in October 2025, making him a free agent as he continues his professional football journey.
Playing Style and Strengths
Dunn has built his NFL career as a reliable and consistent guard. His performance in his first career start against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs showcased his ability to handle high-pressure situations. His background playing multiple positions along the offensive line in college gave him versatility that has helped him navigate the roster churn typical of journeyman NFL players. His intelligence and football IQ, reflected in his academic honors at Maryland, have contributed to his ability to pick up new schemes with different teams.
Michael Dunn Career Statistics
Across his NFL career, Dunn has appeared in 53 games with 9 starts through the 2025 season. His most significant contributions have come in situational roles and as a reliable depth player along the offensive line. His playoff experience with the Cleveland Browns in the 2020 postseason remains a highlight of his professional career.
| Competition | Games Played | Games Started |
|---|---|---|
| NFL (Career) | 53 | 9 |
Michael Dunn Personal Life
Family Background
Dunn grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, as the son of David and Tamara Dunn. His family has been supportive throughout his football journey from high school through his professional career. He has two siblings, Renee and Eitan, who have followed his career. His Jewish heritage has been an important part of his identity throughout his life and career.
Personal Life
Dunn married Marissa Morris, a podcast producer for The Athletic, in February 2022. The couple began dating in 2016 while Dunn was still playing college football at Maryland. They welcomed their first child, a daughter, in 2023. Dunn maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his verified accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked another transitional year for Dunn in the NFL. After signing with the San Francisco 49ers in August, he was released during final roster cuts, a common occurrence for veteran depth players competing for limited roster spots. He quickly found another opportunity with the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad in September but was released again in October. These moves reflect the competitive nature of the NFL and the challenges that journeyman players face in maintaining consistent roster spots. As a free agent, Dunn continues to work toward securing a stable role with an NFL team for the remainder of the 2025 season and beyond.