Jon Feliciano Bio
Jon Feliciano is an American former professional football player who played as a guard in the National Football League (NFL) for 10 seasons. His NFL career included stints with the Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, and San Francisco 49ers. Feliciano played college football for the Miami Hurricanes and was drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Early Life and Background
Jon Feliciano was born on February 10, 1992, in East Meadow, New York. His father, Rafael Feliciano, is of Puerto Rican descent and worked as an MTA bus driver, while his mother is of Sicilian descent. In the mid-1990s, Feliciano moved with his mother and younger brother to South Florida. As a child, he was more interested in designing and playing video games and basketball than football.
In the early 2000s, Feliciano’s family relocated to Davie, Florida, where he attended Western High School. There, he played both basketball and football. During his adolescence, Feliciano faced significant family challenges, including his mother’s battle with cancer and financial difficulties. Despite these hardships, he remained in Davie to complete his high school education while his mother returned to New York in 2008.
Feliciano was recognized as a three-star recruit and ranked as the 19th best offensive guard by Scout.com. He received scholarship offers from several universities but was determined to play for the University of Miami. After attending the 2008 Miami spring scrimmage with his highlight tape, he earned a scholarship to join the Hurricanes football program.
Path to American Football
Feliciano began his college football career at the University of Miami, initially sitting out his true freshman season on the practice squad. He officially joined the team in 2011, playing in 10 games and starting eight, allowing zero sacks that season. Over the next three years, he became a consistent starter, playing multiple positions on the offensive line and earning All-ACC honorable mentions in 2012 and 2013.
He graduated in May 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management. His college career culminated in a strong performance in the Independence Bowl, helping the Hurricanes offense gain 422 total yards. His versatility and reliability on the offensive line set the stage for his entry into the NFL.
Jon Feliciano Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Jon Feliciano was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the fourth round, 128th overall, in the 2015 NFL Draft. He began his professional career with the Raiders, contributing as a guard over four seasons. During this period, he faced some injuries, including being placed on injured reserve in December 2017 and again in December 2018 due to a calf injury. In 2018, he played in 13 games and started four at left guard, filling in for an injured teammate.
Buffalo Bills Era (2019–2021)
In March 2019, Feliciano signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Buffalo Bills. He started all 16 games at right guard in his first season with the team and earned his first Pro Bowl ballot mention. The 2020 season was hampered by a shoulder injury and torn pectoral muscle, but he returned to start nine games and received his second Pro Bowl ballot mention. Feliciano was also honored with the Bills’ 2020 Ed Block Courage Award.
In March 2021, he signed a three-year, $17 million contract extension with the Bills. He began the 2021 season as the starting left guard but was placed on injured reserve in November due to a calf injury. He was activated again in December before being released by the Bills in March 2022.
New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers (2022–2024)
Feliciano signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants in March 2022. After one season with the Giants, he joined the San Francisco 49ers in March 2023 on a one-year deal. The 49ers announced he would play as a guard for the 2023 season. Feliciano started in Super Bowl LVIII, where the 49ers narrowly lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime.
He re-signed with the 49ers in March 2024 but was placed on injured reserve in August. On February 20, 2025, Jon Feliciano announced his retirement from the NFL, concluding a decade-long professional career.
Playing Style and Strengths
Jon Feliciano was known for his versatility along the offensive line, capable of playing multiple guard and tackle positions. His strength and technique allowed him to protect quarterbacks effectively and contribute to both pass protection and run blocking. His resilience and leadership were evident through his ability to overcome injuries and maintain a starting role on competitive teams.
Notable Events and Milestones
Feliciano’s career highlights include starting in Super Bowl LVIII and earning multiple Pro Bowl ballot mentions. He was recognized for his courage and perseverance, receiving the Ed Block Courage Award in 2020. His consistent starting roles across several NFL teams underscore his reliability and skill as a guard.
Jon Feliciano Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Jon Feliciano contributed to numerous team victories as a starting guard. While offensive linemen do not accumulate individual wins, his presence was integral to the offensive success of his teams, including playoff appearances and a Super Bowl start with the San Francisco 49ers.
Other Wins & Performances
Feliciano’s college career at the University of Miami featured strong offensive line performances that helped the Hurricanes achieve high offensive rankings in the Atlantic Coast Conference. His leadership and play were key factors in the team’s offensive production during his tenure.
Jon Feliciano Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jon Feliciano comes from a diverse cultural background with Puerto Rican and Sicilian heritage. His father, Rafael Feliciano, worked as an MTA bus driver. The family faced significant challenges during Jon’s youth, including his mother’s battle with cancer and financial difficulties, which shaped his resilience and determination.
Personal Life
Details about Jon Feliciano’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He maintains an active presence on social media platforms.
2025 Season Performance
Jon Feliciano announced his retirement from professional football in February 2025, concluding a 10-year NFL career. His final season was impacted by injury, leading to time on injured reserve. Feliciano’s career is marked by his adaptability, leadership, and contributions to multiple NFL teams, leaving a lasting legacy as a dependable offensive guard.