Eddie Goldman

Eddie Goldman Bio

Eddie Goldman (born January 6, 1994) is an American professional football defensive tackle currently playing for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League. A native of Washington, D.C., Goldman played college football at Florida State University before the Chicago Bears selected him in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. With a career spanning over a decade in professional football, Goldman has established himself as a reliable interior defender known for his strength and consistency against the run. He has also played for the Atlanta Falcons during his NFL career.

Early Life and Background

Eddie Goldman grew up in Washington, D.C., where he attended Friendship Collegiate Academy Public Charter School. During his high school years, Goldman played football alongside future NFL players Yannick Ngakoue and Teez Tabor. He also competed in basketball, which helped develop his agility and footwork that would later benefit his defensive line play. In football, Goldman distinguished himself as an All-American defensive lineman, showcasing the disruptive presence that would define his collegiate and professional career.

Considered a five-star recruit by major recruiting services, Goldman was ranked as the second-best defensive tackle in his class by ESPN and Rivales.com, trailing only Mario Edwards Jr. His impressive high school performance attracted scholarship offers from top programs across the country, ultimately leading him to choose Florida State University.

Path to the NFL

Goldman enrolled at Florida State University in 2012, joining a program that had established itself as a national powerhouse. During his three seasons with the Seminoles from 2012 to 2014, he recorded 262 tackles and six sacks while demonstrating the ability to collapse pockets and anchor against the run. His junior season in 2014 proved particularly impactful, as he earned First-team All-ACC honors for his dominant play along the defensive line.

Goldman played a key role in Florida State’s 2013 BCS national championship run, contributing to a defense that ranked among the nation’s best. His performance throughout his collegiate career solidified his reputation as one of the top interior defensive line prospects available in the 2015 NFL Draft. After his junior season, Goldman made the decision to forgo his senior year and enter the draft, where his combination of size, strength, and technique made him an attractive selection for NFL teams seeking defensive tackle help.

Eddie Goldman Career

Chicago Bears (2015–2021)

The Chicago Bears selected Eddie Goldman with the 39th overall pick in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, Goldman made an immediate impact by playing 15 games and recording 39 tackles with six tackles for a loss. He ranked fourth among all rookies with 4.5 sacks and earned recognition as a member of both Mel Kiper Jr.’s All-Rookie Team and the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie Team, establishing himself as a foundational piece for Chicago’s defensive future.

The 2016 season saw Goldman appear in six games with five starts before suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2. The injury forced him to miss six games, and upon his return in Week 10, he continued to be hampered by the ankle issue. The Bears ultimately placed him on injured reserve on December 23, 2016, limiting him to a season interrupted by injury.

Atlanta Falcons (2022–2025)

Following his release from the Bears in March 2022, Goldman signed with the Atlanta Falcons on July 6, 2022. However, just 13 days after joining the team, he announced his retirement from professional football. Goldman reversed course less than a year later, announcing his return from retirement on March 21, 2023, when the Falcons reinstated him to their active roster. He was placed on the exempt/left squad list in late July 2023.

Goldman spent the 2024 season with the Falcons, appearing in all 17 games with 10 starts at defensive tackle. He recorded 16 total tackles and one sack during the campaign. In April 2024, he was initially released from the Falcons’ reserve list before re-signing with the team the same day.

Washington Commanders (2025–Present)

On March 15, 2025, Goldman signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders, returning to his hometown area. He made 13 appearances with six starts for Washington, accumulating 26 combined tackles. On December 22, 2025, the Commanders placed Goldman on season-ending injured reserve due to a concussion he suffered in Week 15 against the New York Giants, prematurely ending his inaugural season with his hometown team.

Driving Style and Strengths

Goldman has built his reputation as a stout interior defender capable of occupying multiple blockers to free up linebackers to make plays. His 6-foot-3, 320-pound frame allows him to hold ground against power-running schemes while his technique enables him to generate push in passing situations. His ability to play multiple techniques along the defensive line has made him a versatile asset for various defensive coordinators throughout his career.

Notable Events and Milestones

One of the defining moments of Goldman’s career came during the 2018 season when he signed a four-year contract extension worth $42 million with $25 million guaranteed. That same season, he recorded a sack of Jared Goff in the end zone for a safety against the Los Angeles Rams, helping the Bears secure a 15-6 victory. Goldman earned an impressive 89.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in 2018, ranking as the 12th highest grade among all qualifying interior defenders that year.

Eddie Goldman Career Wins

Throughout his NFL career, Goldman has accumulated significant statistics across multiple seasons with the Bears, Falcons, and Commanders. His durability has allowed him to contribute across numerous campaigns, with his rookie season and 2018 contract year standing out as particularly notable periods of production and recognition.

NFL Highlights

Goldman’s most productive statistical season came during his 2015 rookie campaign when he recorded 39 tackles and 4.5 sacks while appearing in 15 games. His 2017 season saw him play 15 games with 14 starts, compiling 44 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, five quarterback hits, and one fumble recovery. The 2018 season marked his career year in terms of accolades, highlighted by his $42 million contract extension and standout performance against top competition.

Other Achievements

Beyond his NFL accomplishments, Goldman won a BCS national championship with Florida State in 2013 and earned First-team All-ACC honors in 2014. His college career produced 262 total tackles and six sacks over three seasons, demonstrating the productive track record that made him a second-round selection in the 2015 draft.

Eddie Goldman Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

No verified information regarding Goldman’s family background or racing lineage is publicly available. While he grew up in Washington, D.C., details about his parents, siblings, or any familial connections to athletics beyond his documented high school teammates are not contained in verified sources.

Personal Life

Goldman has maintained a relatively private personal life away from the football field. As of available records, no public information indicates he is married or has children. His decision to retire briefly in 2022 before returning to the Falcons in 2023 demonstrated his thoughtful approach to his professional career and priorities.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked Goldman’s transition to his hometown team as he joined the Washington Commanders on a one-year deal in March. He appeared in 13 games with six starts, compiling 26 combined tackles throughout the campaign. His early-season production showed promise as he adapted to a new defensive system and teammates. The Commanders utilized Goldman primarily as a rotational interior defender, leveraging his experience to mentor younger players while contributing to the defensive line rotation.

Goldman’s season took a significant turn when he suffered a concussion during Week 15 against the New York Giants. The injury prompted the Commanders to place him on season-ending injured reserve on December 22, ending his campaign prematurely. Despite the unfortunate ending, his 2025 performance demonstrated he remained a viable contributor in the NFL after more than a decade of professional play. His return to the Washington area provided a fitting chapter to a career that began in the city where he was born and developed as a football player.