Pierre Strong Jr. Bio
Pierre Strong Jr. (born December 10, 1998) is an American professional football running back for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He plays the running back position and has established himself as a versatile offensive weapon throughout his professional career. Strong began his NFL journey after being selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and has since contributed for multiple franchises including the Cleveland Browns before joining the Packers organization.
Throughout his football career, Strong has demonstrated exceptional speed, elusiveness, and receiving ability out of the backfield. His collegiate career at South Dakota State University positioned him as one of the most productive running backs in FCS football history, setting the foundation for his professional aspirations. Strong continues to compete at the highest level of American football while representing the Green Bay Packers organization.
Early Life and Background
Pierre Strong Jr. was born on December 10, 1998, in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States. He attended John L. McClellan High School in his hometown, where he developed into a highly decorated high school football player. During his junior season, Strong rushed for an impressive 2,248 yards and scored 30 touchdowns, leading McClellan to the Class 5A state championship game.
Despite suffering a season-ending injury during Little Rock McClellan’s final drive of the 2016 regular game against Pulaski Academy, Strong bounced back to record 1,423 total yards and 25 touchdowns during his senior year. Over his final two seasons at McClellan High School, he accumulated 4,268 rushing yards and scored 57 touchdowns combined. His outstanding performances earned him recognition as a Landers Award finalist during his senior year.
Path to Professional Football
Despite receiving very few NCAA Division I football scholarship offers, Strong received an opportunity from South Dakota State University, a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC). He made his verbal commitment to the program in January 2017, choosing to continue his football career at the FCS level with the Jackrabbits.
Strong redshirted his true freshman season at South Dakota State to adjust to the collegiate level. He then emerged as a dominant force in the MVFC, earning conference Freshman of the Year honors after rushing for 1,116 yards and 11 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman. His continued development positioned him as a premier running back prospect heading into his upperclassman seasons.
Pierre Strong Jr. Career
College Career (2017–2021)
Pierre Strong Jr. played for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits from 2017 to 2021. After his redshirt freshman season in which he earned MVFC Freshman of the Year honors, Strong continued to elevate his play. As a redshirt sophomore, he recorded 1,018 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 143 carries, earning first-team All-MVFC recognition for the first of three consecutive seasons.
The 2021 season, delayed to the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Strong rush for 707 yards during the abbreviated campaign. In his redshirt senior season, he delivered his most prolific statistical performance, accumulating 1,686 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns while also catching 22 passes for 150 yards. Additionally, Strong showcased his versatility by completing 4-of-4 pass attempts for 62 yards and four touchdowns. His exceptional collegiate career culminated in being named a first-team FCS All-American in 2021.
New England Patriots (2022)
Pierre Strong Jr. entered the NFL when the New England Patriots selected him with the 127th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He joined a Patriots team looking to bolster their running back room with his speed and dual-threat capabilities. Strong appeared in games during his rookie season while learning the offensive system under head coach Bill Belichick.
Strong recorded his first career NFL touchdown on December 12, 2022, scoring on a three-yard rushing attempt in a 27–13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He finished his rookie campaign with the Patriots appearing in games and recording 10 carries for 100 yards and one rushing touchdown. His limited but promising opportunities demonstrated his potential to contribute at the professional level.
Cleveland Browns (2023–2024)
On August 27, 2023, the Cleveland Browns acquired Pierre Strong Jr. in a trade with the New England Patriots, sending offensive lineman Tyrone Wheatley Jr. to New England in exchange. The trade provided Strong with an opportunity for increased playing time with the Browns organization. He appeared in all 17 games during the 2023 season, including one start, and became a regular contributor on offense and special teams.
In his first full season with Cleveland, Strong recorded 63 rush attempts for 291 yards and one touchdown while also contributing in the passing game with receptions. The 2024 season saw his role fluctuate as he appeared in 14 games, logging 26 carries for 108 yards. On August 26, 2025, the Browns waived Strong with an injury designation as part of their final roster cuts, concluding his tenure with the organization.
Green Bay Packers (2025–Present)
Following his release from the Cleveland Browns, Pierre Strong Jr. signed with the Green Bay Packers practice squad on September 8, 2025. The Packers recognized his abilities and provided him an opportunity to continue his NFL career with their organization. He worked to learn the Packers offensive scheme while contributing on special teams during his time on the practice squad.
The organization promoted Strong to the active roster for Weeks 7 and 15 of the 2025 season, providing him opportunities to contribute in actual game situations. His performance during these elevated periods earned him a reserve/future contract with Green Bay on January 12, 2026, securing his place on the roster heading into the 2026 season. This contract marked a significant milestone in Strong’s career as he solidified his standing with the Packers franchise.
Driving Style and Strengths
Pierre Strong Jr. possesses exceptional speed that allows him to reach the second level of defenses quickly and create explosive plays in the running and passing game. His elusiveness enables him to make defenders miss in tight spaces, while his receiving ability out of the backfield provides quarterbacks with a reliable check-down option. Strong’s versatility allows coaching staffs to deploy him in multiple offensive formations and packages, maximizing his utility in various game situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Strong achieved several significant milestones throughout his football career. His selection in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft represented the realization of his professional football dreams after a standout collegiate career. His first career NFL touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in December 2022 marked his official arrival in the league. The trade to Cleveland in 2023 provided him expanded opportunities, while his eventual signing with the Green Bay Packers and subsequent contract extension demonstrated his resilience and ability to persist at the NFL level.
Pierre Strong Jr. Career Wins
Throughout his football career spanning college and professional competition, Pierre Strong Jr. has accumulated notable achievements and production across multiple levels of the sport. His collegiate career at South Dakota State produced exceptional statistical totals, while his professional tenure has shown consistent contributions when given opportunities.
College Football Highlights
At South Dakota State, Strong established himself as one of the most productive running backs in program and conference history. He earned Missouri Valley Football Conference Freshman of the Year honors in 2018 after his 1,116-yard, 11-touchdown debut season. He repeated first-team All-MVFC recognition three consecutive years from 2019 through 2021, highlighting his sustained excellence. His crowning collegiate achievement came in 2021 when he was named a first-team FCS All-American, representing the pinnacle of FCS football achievement.
Professional Career Statistics
Through his first several NFL seasons, Strong has accumulated 499 rushing yards on 99 carries with an impressive 5.0 yards-per-carry average and two rushing touchdowns. He has also contributed as a receiver with 26 receptions for 193 yards, demonstrating his dual-threat capability. On special teams, Strong has contributed 570 return yards throughout his professional career, showcasing his value as a multi-dimensional player.
| Competition Level | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Receptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career (2022–2025) | 499 | 2 | 26 |
| South Dakota State (Career) | 4,527+ | 37+ | 22+ |
Pierre Strong Jr. Family
Family Background
Specific details regarding Pierre Strong Jr.’s family background, including his parents, siblings, or extended family information, are not extensively documented in publicly available sources. He grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he attended John L. McClellan High School and developed his football skills before pursuing his collegiate and professional career.
Personal Life
Pierre Strong Jr. maintains an active public presence and engages with fans through social media platforms including Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). He wears jersey number 22 with the Green Bay Packers. Beyond his football career, information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children remains private and is not publicly documented. Strong continues to focus on his professional football career as he progresses through his time with the Packers organization.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marked a transitional year for Pierre Strong Jr., beginning with the Cleveland Browns before ultimately leading to his signing with the Green Bay Packers organization. After being waived by the Browns during final roster cuts in late August, Strong quickly found an opportunity with the Packers, joining their practice squad on September 8, 2025.
Strong demonstrated his readiness during his elevations to the active roster, contributing on offense and special teams during Weeks 7 and 15 of the season. His performance during these opportunities showcased the speed, elusiveness, and versatility that characterized his collegiate career at South Dakota State. The Packers coaching staff recognized his abilities and work ethic, leading to his promotion from the practice squad to a reserve/future contract on January 12, 2026.
Looking ahead, Strong enters the 2026 season with a clear opportunity to establish himself within the Green Bay Packers organization. His contract situation provides stability heading into the upcoming campaign, while his demonstrated special teams value and offensive versatility make him a valuable depth piece for the roster. The partnership between Strong and the Packers represents a promising opportunity for both parties as he continues his professional football career.