Anthony Averett Bio
Anthony Averett is an American professional football cornerback who currently plays in the National Football League. Born on November 30, 1994, in Woodbury, New Jersey, Averett built a reputation as a dynamic defensive back through his collegiate career at the University of Alabama and subsequent NFL journey. He was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft and has since played for multiple franchises, including the Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. Averett is a two-time College Football Playoff national champion, having won championships with the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2015 and 2017.
Early Life and Background
Anthony Averett grew up in Woodbury, New Jersey, where he attended Woodbury Junior-Senior High School. During his high school years, he excelled in both football and track and field. At the 2012 Penn Relays, Averett finished second in the long jump competition. His senior year, he established himself as one of the premier high school long jumpers in the country, achieving a personal best of 25 feet, two inches, which ranked as the second-longest jump in New Jersey history at that time.
In addition to his track achievements, Averett demonstrated impressive speed in sprinting events. He ran 10.6 seconds in the 100-meters, 6.46 seconds in the 55 meters, and high jumped 6 feet, 4 inches. On the football field, Averett played defensive back and quarterback, showcasing his versatility and athletic ability. His standout performances earned him a scholarship offer from the University of Alabama, where he committed to continue his football career.
Path to the NFL
Averett arrived at the University of Alabama in 2013 as a highly-touted prospect. He redshirted his freshman season and saw limited action in 2014, playing in only one game. His breakthrough came in 2015 when he played primarily on special teams, recording two tackles while contributing to the Crimson Tide’s national championship run.
Becoming a starter in 2016, Averett showcased his potential by playing in all 15 games. He finished that season with 48 tackles, one interception, and one sack. His consistent performances helped solidify Alabama’s defensive backfield. Following his collegiate career, Averett entered the 2018 NFL Draft, where his combination of speed, size, and experience made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams.
Anthony Averett Career
Baltimore Ravens (2018–2021)
Anthony Averett was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round, with the 118th overall pick, in the 2018 NFL Draft. His selection marked the culmination of his journey from Woodbury, New Jersey, to the NFL. Averett joined a Ravens organization that valued defensive versatility and contributed immediately as a depth player in the secondary.
During his time with the Ravens, Averett continued to develop his skills. On October 22, 2020, he was placed on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury. He returned to action on December 8, 2020, demonstrating his resilience. One of his most memorable moments came on October 3, 2021, when he intercepted Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock in the end zone, helping the Ravens secure a 23–7 victory. Later that season, on December 26 in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Averett suffered a fractured rib after taking a hit from Bengals tight end C.J. Uzomah, ending his season on injured reserve.
Las Vegas Raiders (2022)
Following his tenure with the Ravens, Averett signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on March 17, 2022. The move represented a fresh start with a new franchise. However, his inaugural season with the Raiders was disrupted by injuries. He was placed on injured reserve on September 12, 2022, after suffering a broken thumb in Week 1. Averett was activated from injured reserve on October 22 but was placed back on the list on November 29, limiting his contributions for the season.
San Francisco 49ers (2023)
On August 3, 2023, Averett signed with the San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately, his stint with the 49ers was brief and unfortunate. Just eight days after joining the team, he was placed on injured reserve. He was subsequently released on August 17, 2023, before appearing in a regular-season game for the franchise.
Detroit Lions (2023)
Seeking another opportunity, Averett joined the Detroit Lions’ practice squad on October 10, 2023. He spent time developing with the organization but was released on November 14, 2023, ending his tenure with the Lions.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2024)
On May 12, 2024, Averett signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year deal. The move provided him with another chance to contribute at the NFL level. He was released during final roster cuts on August 20 but later rejoined the team on the practice squad. His time with the Steelers ended when he was released on October 28, 2024.
Houston Texans (2025–Present)
Anthony Averett joined the Houston Texans on January 6, 2025, when he was signed to the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the team on January 21, 2025, securing his spot on the roster for the 2025 season. This move marked a new chapter in his NFL career as he looked to contribute to a Texans team that had been building a competitive roster. He was released by the Texans on March 17, 2025.
Playing Style and Strengths
Anthony Averett is a cornerback known for his speed, agility, and competitive nature. His collegiate experience at Alabama, playing in a program known for its defensive excellence, prepared him for the demands of professional football. Averett demonstrates solid coverage skills and has shown the ability to make plays on the ball, including interceptions and pass deflections. His experience playing multiple roles in the secondary adds versatility to his game.
Notable Moments and Milestones
Among Averett’s notable career moments, his end-zone interception against the Denver Broncos in 2021 stands out as a defining play that showcased his ability to make critical plays in key situations. His journey through multiple NFL teams demonstrates his persistence and ability to earn opportunities at the professional level despite the challenges of injuries and roster changes.
Anthony Averett Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career, Anthony Averett has accumulated meaningful statistics across multiple seasons with various teams. His career totals reflect his contributions as a defensive back in the league.
NFL Career Highlights
Averett’s NFL career has been characterized by his ability to contribute across multiple franchises. His three career interceptions demonstrate his playmaking ability in the secondary. With 23 career pass deflections, he has shown consistency in disrupting opposing passing attacks. His 114 career tackles reflect his contributions against the run and in underneath coverage.
College Achievements
Prior to his professional career, Averett achieved significant success at the collegiate level. As a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide, he was part of two national championship teams in 2015 and 2017. These championships highlighted his ability to perform on the biggest stage and contributed to his development as a professional player.
| Stat Category | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 114 |
| Pass Deflections | 23 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
Anthony Averett Family
Family Background
Anthony Averett comes from a family with strong football connections. He is the nephew of Bryant McKinnie, a Pro Bowl left tackle who enjoyed a successful NFL career. This family connection to professional football likely influenced Averett’s path toward the sport and provided him with insights into what it takes to succeed at the highest level of the game.
Personal Life
While Anthony Averett maintains a public profile through his NFL career and social media presence, detailed information about his personal life beyond football remains private. He continues to work toward his goals in professional football while balancing his career with his family connections in the sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a pivotal year in Anthony Averett’s professional career as he joined the Houston Texans organization. Signed to the practice squad on January 6, 2025, Averett worked to earn a spot on the active roster and contribute to the Texans’ defensive plans. His experience from playing with multiple NFL franchises provides him with valuable perspective and adaptability.
Following his release from the Texans in March 2025, Averett continues to pursue opportunities in professional football. His journey through six NFL teams demonstrates his resilience and determination to maintain a professional career despite roster changes and injuries. The 2025 season serves as a testament to his ongoing commitment to the sport.