Willie Tre Herndon III Bio
Willie “Tre” Herndon III is an American professional football cornerback who has played for multiple NFL teams since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2018. Born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Ooltewah, Tennessee, Herndon played college football at Vanderbilt University before signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars. His career has included stints with the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills. Known for his agility and tenacity, Herndon has established himself as a reliable defensive back with solid tackling ability and coverage skills.
Early Life and Background
Willie Tre Herndon III was born on March 5, 1996, in Detroit, Michigan. His family later relocated to Ooltewah, Tennessee, a suburb of Chattanooga, where he attended East Hamilton High School. His parents are Willie Herndon, Jr. and Sabrina Herndon, both of whom worked at Unum. Herndon has a sister and was the first football player from East Hamilton High School to receive a scholarship from a Southeastern Conference school.
At East Hamilton High School, Herndon developed into a promising football prospect, earning a 3-star recruit rating. His performance on the field attracted attention from college programs across the country. In 2013, he made the decision to commit to Vanderbilt University, choosing to continue his football and academic career with the Commodores.
Path to the NFL
Herndon enrolled at Vanderbilt University in 2013 and played for the Vanderbilt Commodores football team from 2014 to 2017. During his collegiate career, he majored in Sociology while developing his skills as a cornerback. His tenure at Vanderbilt provided him with the opportunity to compete against high-level competition in the SEC, which helped prepare him for the professional level.
After his senior season in 2017, Herndon entered the 2018 NFL Draft. Despite showing promise during his college career, he went undrafted. However, his performances caught the attention of NFL teams, and he ultimately signed as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional football journey with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018.
Willie Tre Herndon III Career
Jacksonville Jaguars (2018–2023)
On April 30, 2018, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Herndon to a three-year, $1.71 million contract that included $17,700 guaranteed and a $5,000 signing bonus. He entered training camp competing for a roster spot as a backup cornerback against several other players. Herndon earned the fifth and final cornerback spot on the roster after impressing coaches during the preseason. Head coach Doug Marrone named him the fifth backup cornerback behind Jalen Ramsey, A.J. Bouye, D.J. Hayden, and Tyler Patmon.
After the Jaguars traded their starting cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Los Angeles Rams in 2019, Herndon was promoted to the starting lineup. Earlier that season, he had already been getting starts while Ramsey was dealing with a back injury. In Week 8 of the 2019 season against the New York Jets, Herndon recorded his first career multi-interception game, picking off quarterback Sam Darnold twice in a 29-15 victory.
In Week 9 of the 2020 season against the Houston Texans, Herndon recorded his first career sack on quarterback Deshaun Watson during a 27-25 loss. He continued to be a reliable presence in the Jaguars secondary over the following seasons. Herndon signed a contract extension with the Jaguars on March 12, 2021. He subsequently re-signed with the team on March 17, 2022, and again on March 18, 2023, demonstrating the organization’s continued confidence in his abilities.
New York Giants (2024)
On June 12, 2024, Herndon signed with the New York Giants. He competed for a spot on the roster during the offseason program and training camp. However, he was released by the Giants on August 27, 2024, before the regular season began.
New Orleans Saints (2024)
Following his release from the Giants, Herndon continued his NFL career by joining the New Orleans Saints organization. On October 29, 2024, he was signed to the Saints practice squad, where he continued to develop and stay ready for potential opportunities.
Indianapolis Colts (2025)
In 2025, Herndon joined the Indianapolis Colts. He signed with the team on July 31, 2025. His tenure with the Colts was brief, as he was released on August 9, 2025, after approximately a week and a half with the organization.
Buffalo Bills (2025)
Shortly after his release from the Colts, Herndon signed with the Buffalo Bills on August 12, 2025. He joined the Bills roster looking to earn a spot in their secondary. He was released by the Bills on August 24, 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a cornerback, Herndon has showcased solid coverage abilities and physicality in the secondary. His experience playing in multiple systems has allowed him to adapt to different defensive schemes. His career-high two-interception game against the Jets demonstrated his ability to read quarterbacks and make plays on the ball when given the opportunity.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Herndon has achieved several notable milestones. His promotion to starting cornerback with the Jaguars following the Jalen Ramsey trade marked a significant step in his development. The two-interception performance against Sam Darnold remains one of the standout moments of his career. His first career sack on Deshaun Watson showcased his versatility as a defensive player capable of contributing in multiple ways.
Willie Tre Herndon III Career Statistics
Across his NFL career spanning from 2018 to 2025, Herndon has compiled impressive statistical totals while playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills.
NFL Career Highlights
Throughout his professional career, Herndon has recorded 243 total tackles, 3 interceptions, and 32 pass deflections. He has also contributed 1 sack and forced 2 fumbles while recovering 1 fumble. His most productive statistical performances came during his tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he served as a starter for multiple seasons and accumulated the majority of his career totals. The two-interception game against Sam Darnold in 2019 stands as his career highlight, while his first career sack against Deshaun Watson in 2020 demonstrated his ability to pressure the quarterback when needed.
Career Totals
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 243 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Pass Deflections | 32 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Forced Fumbles | 2 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 1 |
Willie Tre Herndon III Family
Family Background
Willie Tre Herndon III comes from a supportive family background. His father is Willie Herndon, Jr., and his mother is Sabrina Herndon. Both of his parents worked at Unum, a financial services company. Herndon also has a sister who has been part of his support system throughout his football journey.
Personal Life
Beyond his football career, Herndon pursued higher education at Vanderbilt University, where he majored in Sociology. This academic background demonstrates his interest in understanding social structures and human behavior, complementing his athletic pursuits. Herndon is a practicing Muslim, which shapes aspects of his personal life and worldview. His journey from East Hamilton High School to becoming a Vanderbilt scholarship recipient and eventual NFL player has been marked by determination and perseverance.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented another year of transition for Herndon in the NFL. After signing with the Indianapolis Colts in late July, he was released in early August, demonstrating the competitive nature of roster decisions in professional football. He subsequently joined the Buffalo Bills organization in mid-August, looking to secure a spot on their roster. His brief tenure with the Bills ended later that month when he was released again before the regular season.
Despite these roster changes, Herndon continued to demonstrate his readiness to contribute when given the opportunity. His experience spanning multiple teams and seasons has provided him with valuable versatility and adaptability. As a veteran cornerback with over 240 career tackles and consistent coverage skills, Herndon remains a viable option for teams seeking experienced defensive backfield depth. His journey through multiple organizations in 2025 highlights both the challenges and opportunities that professional football players face in maintaining their careers in the league.