Cornell Powell Bio
Cornell Powell (born October 30, 1997) is an American professional football wide receiver who currently plays for the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Clemson Tigers. Powell is the first player in history to win championships in the NCAA (2), UFL, and NFL (2). He was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round (181st overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Early Life and Background
Cornell Powell was born on October 30, 1997, in Greenville, North Carolina. He attended JH Rose High School in Greenville, where he established himself as an exceptional high school football player. During his senior season at JH Rose, Powell recorded 65 receptions for 1,557 yards and 38 total touchdowns, showcasing the talent that would carry him to the collegiate level.
After his standout high school career, Powell committed to Clemson University to play college football for the Tigers beginning in 2016. His journey from Greenville to Clemson represented the first step toward his professional football career.
Path to Professional Football
Upon arriving at Clemson, Powell spent the 2016 to 2019 seasons developing as a backup receiver on a powerhouse program. He redshirted in 2018 after appearing in only four games that season. During his time as a reserve, he honed his skills while contributing to a program that consistently competed for national championships.
The 2020 season marked Powell’s breakthrough as he became a starter for the first time in his collegiate career during his redshirt senior year. This final college season proved to be his most productive, as he finished with 53 receptions for 882 yards and seven touchdowns. His performance earned him third-team All-ACC honors. Powell also contributed to Clemson’s national championship victories in 2016 and 2018.
Cornell Powell Professional Career
Kansas City Chiefs (2021-2024)
Powell was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round (181st overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft and signed his four-year rookie contract on May 13, 2021. He was waived on August 31 and re-signed to the practice squad the following day to begin his professional journey. Powell signed a reserve/future contract with the Chiefs on February 2, 2022, securing his spot for the 2022 season.
On August 30, 2022, Powell was again waived by the Chiefs and re-signed to the practice squad. He was placed on the practice squad/injured list on January 3, 2023. Powell won Super Bowl LVII when the Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles. He signed another reserve/future contract on February 15, 2023, and began the 2023 season on the practice squad for the third consecutive year after being waived and re-signed once more.
Powell won his second consecutive Super Bowl when the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. His contract expired when the team’s season ended on February 11, 2024. On February 21, 2024, Powell re-signed with the Chiefs. He was waived on August 27, re-signed to the practice squad on October 22, and released on November 19.
Seattle Seahawks (2024)
On November 26, 2024, Powell was signed to the Seattle Seahawks practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 6, 2025. Powell was waived by the Seahawks on February 22.
DC Defenders and UFL (2025)
On March 3, 2025, Powell signed with the DC Defenders of the United Football League. He led the league with seven receiving touchdowns, recording 418 yards on 29 receptions across nine games. Powell helped the DC Defenders capture the UFL championship that season. On August 19, 2025, he signed with the Houston Texans but was waived on August 26 as part of final roster cuts. On November 25, 2025, he was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad. He was released by the Steelers on December 2.
DC Defenders (2026-Present)
On January 15, 2026, Powell was selected by the DC Defenders in the 2026 UFL draft, beginning his second stint with the team. This return to the DC Defenders marks a reunion with the organization where he achieved his UFL championship and receiving touchdowns leadership in 2025.
Playing Style and Strengths
Powell has demonstrated his ability to be a productive downfield target throughout his professional career. His seven receiving touchdowns in the 2025 UFL season highlighted his red-zone efficiency and playmaking ability. His experience spanning the NFL, UFL, and college football has shown his versatility as a receiver capable of contributing in multiple offensive systems.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Powell’s championship collection stands unique in football history. He became the first player to win championships in the NCAA (2), UFL, and NFL (2). His two Super Bowl victories came with the Kansas City Chiefs in consecutive years (LVII and LVIII). In the UFL, he led the league in receiving touchdowns and won the championship with the DC Defenders.
Cornell Powell Career Wins
Powell has established himself as a championship-winning player across multiple leagues. He is the first player in history to win championships in the NCAA (2), UFL, and NFL (2). His career includes two Super Bowl championships with the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII (2023) and Super Bowl LVIII (2024). He won national championships with Clemson in 2016 and 2018. In 2025, he led the UFL with seven receiving touchdowns while helping the DC Defenders capture the UFL championship title.
College Highlights
In college, Powell’s standout season came in 2020 when he earned third-team All-ACC honors. He recorded 53 receptions for 882 yards and seven touchdowns as Clemson’s starting receiver. Over his entire collegiate career, he totaled 40 receptions for 329 yards and three touchdowns while contributing to two national championship teams.
Professional Highlights
During the 2025 UFL season with the DC Defenders, Powell led the league with seven receiving touchdowns while accumulating 418 receiving yards on 29 receptions across nine games. His performance helped secure the UFL championship. His NFL career included two Super Bowl victories with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023 and 2024.
Cornell Powell Family
Family Background and Early Influences
Cornell Powell was born and raised in Greenville, North Carolina. He attended JH Rose High School in his hometown, where his football talents began to flourish. His journey from JH Rose High School to Clemson University and eventually to the professional ranks reflects his deep roots in the Greenville community.
Personal Life
Powell maintains an active presence on social media with official accounts on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). He continues to pursue his professional football career as a member of the DC Defenders organization.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant chapter in Powell’s professional career as he transitioned to the United Football League. Signing with the DC Defenders on March 3, 2025, he quickly became a central figure in their offense. Powell led the UFL with seven receiving touchdowns throughout the season, demonstrating his ability to make an immediate impact in the spring football league.
His 418 receiving yards on 29 receptions across nine games showcased his reliability as a downfield target. The highlight of his season came when the DC Defenders captured the UFL championship, adding another title to Powell’s growing collection. Following the UFL season, Powell continued his professional journey by signing with the Houston Texans in August 2025. Though he was waived during final roster cuts, he later joined the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad in November 2025.
His 2025 body of work, particularly his UFL championship and receiving touchdowns leadership, reinforced his reputation as a player capable of contributing at the highest levels of the sport. Powell’s unique distinction as the first player to win championships in the NCAA, UFL, and NFL highlights his sustained excellence across different phases of professional football.