Derion Rayshawn Kendrick Bio
Derion Rayshawn Kendrick is an American professional football cornerback who currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). Kendrick has played college football for the Clemson Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs before being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Early Life and Background
Derion Rayshawn Kendrick was born on August 24, 2000, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA. He attended South Pointe High School in his hometown, where he played multiple positions including quarterback and wide receiver. As a senior, he achieved remarkable success by passing for 2,683 yards and 30 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,194 yards and 20 touchdowns. These outstanding performances earned him the prestigious South Carolina Gatorade Football Player of the Year award during his high school career.
Path to American Football
Kendrick played in the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Game and was a finalist for the U.S. Army Player of the Year Award, demonstrating his exceptional talent at the high school level. His impressive performances led him to commit to Clemson University to play college football. Early in his career, Kendrick showed versatility by playing both offensive and defensive positions, which would later prove valuable in his transition to professional football as a cornerback.
Derion Rayshawn Kendrick Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Derion Kendrick began his college career at Clemson University in 2018 as a wide receiver. As a true freshman that season, he played in 15 games, recording 15 receptions for 210 yards. Prior to his sophomore season in 2019, he transitioned into a cornerback on an emergency basis. After impressing coaches with his performance, he moved to the position full-time and earned a starting job during his sophomore year. In 15 starts, he recorded 43 tackles, two interceptions and a touchdown. Kendrick continued to excel, earning Second-team All-ACC honors in 2019 and First-team All-ACC recognition in 2020.
Georgia Bulldogs Breakthrough (2021)
In February 2021, Kendrick was dismissed from Clemson University due to disciplinary issues. Later that year, he transferred to the University of Georgia where he joined their football program. Despite the challenges, Kendrick quickly established himself with the Bulldogs. In his lone season at Georgia, he earned Second-team All-SEC honors in 2021 and contributed significantly to the team’s success. Most notably, Kendrick helped Georgia win the CFP national championship in 2021, adding to his earlier championship with Clemson in 2018, making him a two-time national champion during his college career.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2026–Present)
On March 24, 2026, Derion Kendrick signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys, marking his fourth NFL team. Kendrick wears number 15 for the Cowboys and continues to serve as a valuable cornerback in the secondary. The move represents a fresh start for Kendrick as he looks to build upon his professional experience and establish himself as a consistent contributor in the NFL. His career with the Dallas Cowboys marks a new chapter in his professional journey after previous stints with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks.
Playing Style and Strengths
Derion Kendrick is known for his versatility having played both offensive and defensive positions during his career. As a cornerback, he combines good size with athleticism, allowing him to effectively cover receivers and support in run defense. His transition from wide receiver to cornerback gives him unique insights into offensive strategies, which he uses to anticipate plays and position himself effectively. Kendrick’s experience in high-profile college programs has prepared him for the competitive demands of professional football.
Notable Events and Milestones
Derion Kendrick has achieved significant milestones throughout his career, including winning two CFP national championships in 2018 and 2021. He has earned recognition as both a First-team All-ACC selection (2020) and a Second-team All-SEC selection (2021). Professionally, Kendrick was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams and has since played for multiple teams, including the Seahawks and Cowboys, demonstrating his value as a versatile defensive back in the league.
Derion Rayshawn Kendrick Career Wins
Derion Kendrick has accumulated an impressive record of achievements throughout his football career, particularly at the collegiate level where he earned numerous accolades and championships. His professional career has shown his ability to adapt to different teams and continue contributing at the highest level of competition.
NFL Performance Highlights
Kendrick’s professional career began when he was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round, 212th overall, of the 2022 NFL draft. During his rookie season, he appeared in 15 games, starting six of them. He recorded 43 total tackles (36 solo) and four passes defended. After spending several seasons with the Rams, he briefly joined the Seattle Seahawks in 2025 where he recorded 5 passes defensed and 2 interceptions in 10 games. Kendrick has continued to develop as a professional, bringing his experience and versatility to each team he joins.
College Achievements
During his college career, Kendrick achieved remarkable success. He won two CFP national championships in 2018 and 2021, establishing himself as a winner at the highest level of college football. His individual accolades include being named First-team All-ACC in 2020 and Second-team All-ACC in 2019. After transferring to Georgia, he earned Second-team All-SEC honors in 2021, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level despite changing programs.
| Series | Wins | Top Tens | Poles |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFB National Championship | 2 | 2 | 0 |
Derion Rayshawn Kendrick Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Information about Derion Kendrick’s family background and potential football lineage is not publicly available. While Kendrick has achieved success in his football career at both the collegiate and professional levels, details about his parents, siblings, and family involvement in sports have not been disclosed in public records or media coverage.
Personal Life
Derion Kendrick maintains a private personal life, with limited public information available about his relationships outside of football. His focus has primarily been on his football career, moving through different programs and teams while continuing to develop as a professional athlete. Kendrick has faced some off-field challenges during his career, including legal issues in 2023, but has continued to persevere and maintain his professional commitments.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season proved to be a transitional year for Derion Kendrick as he experienced multiple team changes. After starting the season with the Los Angeles Rams, Kendrick was waived in August but later claimed by the Seattle Seahawks in late August. During his time with the Seahawks, he played in 10 games, recording 5 passes defensed and 2 interceptions along with 7 total tackles. His performance with Seattle demonstrated his ability to contribute immediately despite the instability of moving between teams. Mid-season, Kendrick was released by the Seahawks but quickly claimed by the Los Angeles Rams again, where he finished the season. The multiple team movements showed Kendrick’s resilience and value as a versatile defensive back capable of contributing to different schemes and organizations in the league.