Rayshawn Jenkins Bio
Rayshawn Sharodd Jenkins is an American professional football safety who currently plays for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. Born on January 25, 1994, in St. Petersburg, Florida, Jenkins has built a reputation as a versatile and reliable safety throughout his NFL career. He was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft and has since played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks before joining the Browns in 2025. Over his career, Jenkins has demonstrated his ability to make impactful plays in key moments, contributing both defensively and on special teams.
Early Life and Background
Rayshawn Jenkins grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he attended Admiral Farragut Academy. During his high school years, Jenkins developed into a standout football player, showcasing the athleticism and football IQ that would later carry him to the collegiate level. His performance at Admiral Farragut Academy positioned him as a promising prospect for college football programs.
Jenkins continued his football journey at the University of Miami, where he played for the Miami Hurricanes from 2012 to 2016. At Miami, he honed his skills as a safety and gained valuable experience against high-level competition in the ACC. His college career provided him with the foundation necessary to transition to professional football.
Path to the NFL
Before entering the NFL Draft, Jenkins participated in several pre-draft events that showcased his abilities to scouts. On December 5, 2016, he accepted an invitation to the 2017 Senior Bowl, where he faced some of the top college players in the country. At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Jenkins finished ninth in the broad jump and 22nd among all defensive backs in the 40-yard dash. He was projected as a third to fifth round pick and was ranked the fifth-best free safety by NFLDraftScout.com. These performances helped solidify his standing as a legitimate NFL prospect.
Rayshawn Jenkins Career
Los Angeles Chargers (2017–2020)
The Los Angeles Chargers selected Rayshawn Jenkins in the fourth round with the 113th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract worth $3.06 million on May 17, 2017. As a rookie, Jenkins appeared in 15 games primarily on special teams, recording 13 combined tackles. His first career tackle came during a kick return against the Kansas City Chiefs in September 2017.
In 2018, Jenkins saw increased playing time and earned his first career start in the season finale against the Denver Broncos. He finished that season with 23 combined tackles and half a sack in 15 games. The Chargers made the playoffs that year, and Jenkins started his first postseason game against the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round, making four combined tackles in the victory.
Jenkins became the starting free safety for the Chargers in 2019 after injuries to Derwin James and Nasir Adderley. In Week 2 against the Detroit Lions, he recorded his first career interception off Matthew Stafford. He led the team in defensive snaps that season, recording 54 tackles, four passes defensed, and a team-leading three interceptions through 16 starts. In 2020, Jenkins recorded his first career full sack on Teddy Bridgewater during a game against the Carolina Panthers.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2021–2023)
On March 17, 2021, Jenkins signed a four-year, $35 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars that included $16 million guaranteed. He immediately became the starting free safety and was on pace for a strong season before suffering a broken ankle in Week 15 that ended his year. He finished the 2021 season with 73 tackles and three passes defensed through 14 starts.
The 2022 season proved to be a career-defining year for Jenkins with the Jaguars. In Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, he recorded his first interception as a Jaguar. His most memorable performance came in Week 15 against the Dallas Cowboys, where he recorded a team-high 18 combined tackles, two interceptions, and returned one for a touchdown in overtime to win the game. In the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans, Jenkins forced a crucial fumble that teammate Josh Allen returned for a touchdown, helping the Jaguars clinch the AFC South title and a playoff berth.
On March 5, 2024, the Jaguars released Jenkins after three seasons with the team.
Seattle Seahawks (2024)
Jenkins signed with the Seattle Seahawks on March 13, 2024, agreeing to a two-year, $12 million contract. He made an immediate impact in Week 5 against the New York Giants, recording a 102-yard fumble return for a touchdown. However, he was placed on injured reserve in October and later activated in November before being released on March 4, 2025.
Cleveland Browns (2025–Present)
On May 12, 2025, Jenkins signed with the Cleveland Browns, continuing his NFL journey with his fourth franchise. His experience and versatility provide valuable depth and leadership to the Browns secondary.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jenkins is known for his versatility as a safety, capable of playing both free and strong safety positions. His strengths include solid coverage skills, physicality against the run, and the ability to make clutch plays in crucial moments. He has demonstrated a knack for creating turnovers throughout his career, with 11 career interceptions and the ability to return fumbles for touchdowns.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jenkins’ signature career moment came during the 2022 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His overtime interception return for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys helped secure a playoff berth, while his forced fumble in the season finale against the Tennessee Titans directly led to the game-winning score that clinched the AFC South division title. These plays exemplified his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
Rayshawn Jenkins Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2017 to 2025, Jenkins has established himself as a productive safety with significant contributions across multiple franchises. His career statistics reflect his consistency and playmaking ability at the professional level.
Career Highlights
Jenkins has recorded 562 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 34 pass deflections, 11 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns across his career. His best statistical season came in 2022 with Jacksonville, where his clutch performances helped guide the Jaguars to an AFC South championship and playoff appearance.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond his regular-season accomplishments, Jenkins has proven to be a reliable performer in the postseason. His first playoff start came in January 2019 with the Chargers against the Baltimore Ravens, where he recorded four combined tackles in the victory. His ability to elevate his play during critical moments has been a consistent theme throughout his career.
| Category | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 562 |
| Sacks | 5.5 |
| Forced Fumbles | 4 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 2 |
| Pass Deflections | 34 |
| Interceptions | 11 |
| Defensive Touchdowns | 2 |
Rayshawn Jenkins Family
Family Background
Publicly available information regarding Rayshawn Jenkins family background and personal relationships remains limited. He has maintained a private personal life away from the spotlight while focusing on his professional football career.
Personal Life
Jenkins continues to pursue his NFL career while residing in the cities where he has played. He maintains an active presence on social media under the handle @jenkz_26. His dedication to football has been evident throughout his career as he has continued to compete at a high level across multiple NFL franchises.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter in Rayshawn Jenkins career as he joins the Cleveland Browns organization. Signed in May 2025, Jenkins brings veteran experience and versatility to a Browns secondary looking to improve upon previous seasons. His track record of making plays in crucial moments adds valuable depth to the defensive backfield. As the season progresses, Jenkins aims to establish himself as a reliable contributor for the Browns while continuing his legacy as a durable and skilled NFL safety.