Michael Jerrell Bio
Michael Jerrell is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Findlay Oilers and was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft. Jerrell became the fourth player in school history to be drafted and was the only Division II player chosen in that draft class. He has also earned a Master of Business Administration from Findlay alongside his undergraduate degree.
Early Life and Background
Michael Jerrell was born on August 18, 1999, in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he grew up in the western part of the city. His first sport was basketball before he decided to try out for football in sixth grade. Jerrell attended Pike High School in Indianapolis, where he initially played as a reserve tight end before making the switch to offensive tackle during his senior year. His performance at the position earned him All-Indiana and All-Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference honors.
Despite his success at Pike High School, Jerrell received limited attention from college recruiters at the NCAA Division I level. He received no offers from Division I programs but had several opportunities from Division II schools. Jerrell ultimately chose to continue his football career at the University of Findlay, selecting the Oilers over four other Division II programs.
Path to Professional Football
Jerrell arrived at Findlay in 2018 and saw action in eight games as a true freshman for the Oilers. He then appeared in no games over the next two seasons, which included the 2020 campaign being canceled entirely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This period allowed him to develop and prepare for an expanded role when competition resumed.
During the spring 2021 season, Jerrell began to establish himself as a standout lineman. He started all six games and helped the Oilers achieve the top scoring offense in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC), earning him first-team All-GMAC recognition. In the fall 2021 season, he continued his dominance by starting all 12 games and being chosen as third-team All-GMAC. His consistency and reliability along the offensive line became defining characteristics of his collegiate career.
Michael Jerrell Career
Findlay Oilers (2018–2023)
Jerrell emerged as one of the premier offensive linemen in Division II football during his middle seasons at Findlay. In 2022, he started all 11 games and earned first-team All-GMAC honors while also receiving second-team All-American recognition from D2Football.com. His performance demonstrated his ability to dominate at the Division II level and positioned him for consideration at the next stage.
For his final season in 2023, Jerrell delivered his most accomplished campaign. He earned first-team All-GMAC, first-team All-Super Region 1, and honorable mention All-American honors. Most notably, he was named the GMAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, the highest individual recognition for his position in the conference. By the end of his collegiate career, Jerrell had played in 48 games with 40 consecutive starts, ranking second-most for offensive linemen in program history. Throughout his time at Findlay, he received offers to transfer to larger schools but chose to remain loyal to his program.
Seattle Seahawks (2024)
Prior to the 2024 NFL draft, Jerrell competed in the Hula Bowl all-star game and impressed scouts with his performance at his pro day. These exhibitions helped raise his profile among NFL evaluators. The Seattle Seahawks selected Jerrell in the sixth round with the 207th overall pick, making him the fourth player in Findlay school history to be drafted and the only Division II player selected in that draft class.
Jerrell appeared in 11 games during his rookie season with the Seahawks, starting three of them. His first NFL start came on October 20, 2024, when he lined up at right tackle against the Atlanta Falcons. This debut represented the culmination of his journey from a basketball player in Indianapolis to a professional offensive tackle in the NFL.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2025–Present)
On August 27, 2025, Jerrell was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a conditional 2027 seventh-round draft pick. The move gave him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot with a different organization and continue developing his craft in the NFL. Jerrell joined the Falcons as they built their offensive line for the 2025 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Jerrell possesses the size and length typical of NFL offensive tackles at 6 feet 5 inches and 309 pounds. His experience at Findlay, where he logged 40 consecutive starts, demonstrates his durability and consistency as a blocker. His rapid rise from a lightly recruited high school player to a Division II standout to an NFL draft pick reflects his work ethic and ability to develop his skills over time. His college honors, particularly his GMAC Offensive Lineman of the Year award, indicate his capacity to perform at a high level against competitive opposition.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant milestones in Jerrell’s career include his first NFL start against his future team, the Atlanta Falcons, in October 2024, and his subsequent trade to that same franchise in August 2025. His draft selection also marked a historic moment for Findlay football, as he became only the fourth player in school history to hear his name called during the NFL draft.
Michael Jerrell Career Wins
Across his collegiate and professional career, Jerrell has accumulated numerous accolades that reflect his consistency and excellence along the offensive line. His awards span from conference-level recognition to All-American honors and ultimately to NFL selection.
College Football Highlights
Jerrell’s most prestigious collegiate award came in 2023 when he was named GMAC Offensive Lineman of the Year. He earned first-team All-GMAC honors four consecutive times from 2020 through 2023, demonstrating sustained excellence throughout his career. Additionally, he received third-team All-GMAC recognition in 2021 and second-team All-American honors from D2Football.com in 2022. His 40 consecutive starts rank second in Findlay football history for offensive linemen.
Professional Career Statistics
In his first NFL season during 2024, Jerrell appeared in 11 games and started 3 of them for the Seattle Seahawks. His debut start came in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons, marking his entry into regular NFL competition.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Games Started |
|---|---|---|
| NFL (2024–2025) | 11 | 3 |
| College (Findlay) | 48 | 40 |
Michael Jerrell Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Specific details about Michael Jerrell’s family background, including his parents and any family connections to professional football, are not publicly available in verified sources.
Personal Life
Jerrell completed both an undergraduate degree and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Findlay, demonstrating his commitment to academics alongside athletics. He maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle @mikejerrell_. Other personal details remain private and are not included in public records.
2025 Season Performance
Michael Jerrell enters the 2025 NFL season with the Atlanta Falcons following his mid-2025 trade from the Seattle Seahawks. The transaction provided him with a fresh opportunity to compete for playing time on a new team. His initial months with the Falcons have been spent integrating into the team’s offensive line rotation and adapting to a different coaching system and terminology. The conditional draft pick sent to Seattle in exchange for his services indicates the Falcons’ interest in developing him as part of their long-term plans along the offensive line.