Jermar Jefferson Bio
Jermar Jefferson is an American professional football running back currently playing for the Arizona Cardinals in the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 15, 2000, Jefferson played college football at Oregon State University before being drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Early Life and Background
Jermar Jefferson was born in Los Angeles, California. He began his high school football career at Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach, California, before transferring to Narbonne High School in Harbor City, California, for his senior year. During his senior year, Jefferson received scholarship offers from Oregon State University and the University of Southern California, ultimately committing to Oregon State.
Jefferson enrolled at Oregon State University in 2018, marking the start of his collegiate football career. His early exposure to competitive football in California helped shape his skills and prepared him for the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
Jefferson quickly established himself as a talented running back at Oregon State. His freshman year was marked by impressive performances, including a 238-yard rushing game in just his second collegiate match. He demonstrated his potential early, ranking third among all Division I FBS players in rushing yards during the first six games of his freshman season.
His success at Oregon State earned him recognition as the Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2018. Jefferson continued to develop his skills over the next two seasons, solidifying his position as a key player for the Beavers before declaring for the NFL Draft in 2021.
Jermar Jefferson Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Jefferson’s collegiate career at Oregon State was distinguished by consistent growth and notable achievements. In his freshman year, he rushed for 1,380 yards and scored twelve touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2020. His sophomore season saw him rush for 685 yards and eight touchdowns, while his junior year was cut short but productive, with 858 rushing yards and six touchdowns in six games.
These performances positioned Jefferson as a promising NFL prospect. He decided to forgo his senior year to enter the 2021 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round.
Detroit Lions Era (2021–2024)
Jefferson was drafted 257th overall by the Detroit Lions in 2021 and signed a four-year rookie contract. He scored his first NFL touchdown on October 31, 2021, an eight-yard rush against the Philadelphia Eagles. During his rookie season, Jefferson appeared in seven games, recording 74 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
In 2022, Jefferson was waived by the Lions but remained with the team on the practice squad and later signed a reserve/future contract. His time with the Lions included periods on injured reserve and practice squad assignments. In 2024, he was waived and re-signed to the practice squad, continuing to work towards a more permanent role on the active roster.
Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals Era (2025–Present)
In July 2025, Jefferson signed with the Tennessee Titans but was waived during final roster cuts and briefly joined their practice squad before being released. Shortly after, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad in October 2025. He was promoted to the active roster in November but was released and re-signed to the practice squad in early December 2025.
Playing Style and Strengths
Jermar Jefferson is known for his agility and vision as a running back. His ability to find gaps and accelerate through openings has been a key aspect of his playing style. Jefferson’s collegiate success demonstrated his capability to handle a significant workload and contribute effectively in both rushing and scoring.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jefferson’s first NFL touchdown in 2021 marked a significant milestone in his professional career. His recognition as the Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2018 remains a highlight of his early football journey.
Jermar Jefferson Career Wins
While Jefferson’s professional career is still developing, his collegiate achievements include multiple standout performances and awards. His transition to the NFL has involved contributions primarily in a supporting role with opportunities to prove his capabilities at the highest level of American football.
College Highlights
Jefferson’s 2018 season at Oregon State was particularly notable, rushing for 1,380 yards and earning Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors. His ability to produce high yardage games, such as the 254-yard rushing performance against Arizona State, underscored his potential as a top-tier running back.
Professional Highlights
In the NFL, Jefferson’s first touchdown and his persistence through practice squad assignments and roster changes demonstrate his resilience and commitment to his professional growth.
Jermar Jefferson Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Details about Jermar Jefferson’s family background and personal life remain private. There is no publicly available verified information regarding his parents, spouse, or children.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a period of transition for Jefferson, moving from the Tennessee Titans to the Arizona Cardinals. His time on practice squads and brief stints on active rosters reflect the competitive nature of NFL roster spots. Jefferson continues to work towards securing a stable position and contributing more significantly to his team’s offensive efforts.
His experience across multiple teams in 2025 highlights his adaptability and determination to succeed at the professional level. The outlook for Jefferson involves leveraging his collegiate success and professional experience to establish himself as a reliable running back in the NFL.