Jacoby Windmon Bio
Jacoby “Coby” Tyrion Windmon is an American professional football linebacker currently affiliated with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). Born in Marrero, Louisiana, Windmon played college football at UNLV and Michigan State before entering the 2024 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent. His collegiate career included a standout junior season at UNLV where he earned second-team All-Mountain West honors while leading the Rebels in tackles. Windmon has navigated an unconventional path through professional football, signing with multiple organizations and spending time on practice squads before earning his current roster spot.
Early Life and Background
Jacoby Windmon grew up in Marrero, Louisiana, a community located in Jefferson Parish just outside New Orleans. He attended John Ehret High School in the area, where he developed as a football player during his high school years. Windmon was rated as a three-star recruit coming out of high school, attracting attention from several college programs. His performance at the high school level positioned him to continue his football career at the collegiate stage.
Upon completing high school, Windmon received scholarship offers from multiple universities. He ultimately chose to commit to play college football at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), selecting the Rebels over other suitors including South Alabama and Tulane. His decision to join UNLV marked the beginning of his journey toward professional football.
Path to Professional Football
Windmon arrived at UNLV as an early enrollee in the program and initially expected to play tight end for the Rebels. However, during his freshman season, coaches transitioned him to defensive end, a move that would define his collegiate career. He appeared in all 12 games during his first year with the team, gaining valuable experience at the FBS level of college football.
His sophomore season saw Windmon continue developing as a defender, earning honorable mention All-Mountain West Conference recognition after recording 39 tackles, two passes broken up, and one forced fumble. The following junior season represented his breakthrough performance, as he elevated his game significantly and became one of the conference’s top linebackers. His 118 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks led the entire UNLV team, earning him second-team All-Mountain West honors. Following that standout campaign, Windmon entered the NCAA transfer portal to explore opportunities at another program.
Windmon ultimately transferred to Michigan State University, joining the Spartans defense for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Coaches immediately inserted him into the starting lineup at defensive end entering his first season with the program. After the 2023 season concluded, he made the decision to enter the transfer portal again before ultimately choosing to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft rather than continue his collegiate career.
Jacoby Windmon Career
Rookie Season and Early Professional Journey (2024)
Windmon entered the 2024 NFL Draft without being selected in the seven-round process. Despite going undrafted, his collegiate production attracted interest from NFL teams. On April 27, 2024, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent, joining the organization with an opportunity to compete for a roster spot at linebacker. His rookie training camp provided an initial evaluation period with the Steelers.
The Steelers waived Windmon on August 27, 2024, during final roster cuts. Rather than pursuing opportunities elsewhere, he remained with the organization by signing to the Steelers practice squad on October 2, 2024. This practice squad stint allowed him to continue developing within Pittsburgh’s defensive system while waiting for an opportunity on the active roster. On October 15, 2024, the Carolina Panthers signed Windmon off the Steelers practice squad to their active roster, providing his first regular-season NFL experience.
Multi-Team Journey (2024-Present)
Windmon’s time with the Panthers began with his elevation from the Steelers practice squad to their 53-man roster. He appeared in games during the latter portion of the 2024 season, accumulating playing time and experience as a professional linebacker. The Panthers released him on November 5, 2024, before re-signing him to the practice squad three days later. He earned a promotion back to the active roster on December 17, 2024, finishing the season with Carolina.
Following the 2024 season, Windmon continued his football journey through multiple organizations. The Panthers waived him on August 25, 2025. He returned to Pittsburgh by signing with the Steelers practice squad on October 8, 2025, only to be released less than a month later on October 28. Windmon then signed with the Panthers practice squad again on November 19, 2025. He signed a reserve/future contract with Carolina on January 12, 2026, but was waived on May 7, 2026.
Windmon then joined the Columbus Aviators of the United Football League (UFL) on May 14, 2026, expanding his professional experience to include spring football at the highest level of alternative professional leagues. On June 16, 2026, he returned to the NFL by signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, beginning his third stint with the organization. This path demonstrates Windmon’s persistence and determination to establish himself at the professional level despite the challenges of being an undrafted player navigating roster transactions.
Playing Style and Strengths
Windmon operates as a linebacker at the professional level, a position where his speed, instincts, and tackling ability translate from his collegiate experience at both UNLV and Michigan State. His collegiate production at UNLV demonstrated his capacity to be a high-volume tackler and effective pass rusher from the linebacker position. His experience playing multiple positions along the defensive front, including defensive end in college, provides versatility in different defensive schemes. His ability to play in multiple systems and contribute on special teams enhances his value as a depth player on NFL rosters.
Notable Events and Milestones
Windmon’s most significant career milestone came during his junior season at UNLV when he led the Rebels with 118 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks, earning second-team All-Mountain West recognition. This production established him as one of the top linebackers in the conference and laid the foundation for his professional opportunities. His journey from undrafted free agent to securing multiple NFL contracts represents another notable aspect of his career trajectory, as he has demonstrated resilience in pursuing his NFL dreams through unconventional routes including practice squad assignments and spring football leagues.
Jacoby Windmon Career Statistics
Through his early NFL career, Windmon has accumulated limited but meaningful statistical production during his appearances with the Steelers and Panthers. His rookie season provided the foundation for his professional statistics as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of NFL competition.
NFL Career Highlights
Windmon’s NFL statistics through the 2024 season include 22 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 2 pass deflections. These numbers represent his contributions in a limited role as a rookie linebacker navigating his first professional season. His 1.5 sacks demonstrate his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, while his two pass deflections show his awareness in pass coverage situations. The 22 total tackles reflect his active participation on defense when called upon during his time on active rosters.
College Career Achievements
Windmon’s most productive statistical season came during his junior year at UNLV when he led the team with 118 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. His sophomore season production of 39 tackles with two passes broken up and one forced fumble showed his developing ability to make plays on the ball. His three seasons of college film demonstrated consistent improvement and the versatility to contribute as both a run defender and pass rusher from multiple alignments.
| Competition Level | Season | Tackles | Sacks | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNLV (College) | Junior | 118 | 6.5 | – |
| UNLV (College) | Sophomore | 39 | – | 2 |
| NFL | 2024 | 22 | 1.5 | 2 |
Jacoby Windmon Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Public records regarding Windmon’s family background, including information about his parents, siblings, or any family connections to professional athletics, have not been extensively documented in available sources. His upbringing in Marrero, Louisiana, and attendance at John Ehret High School in Jefferson Parish represent the publicly known details about his formative years and family situation.
Personal Life
Windmon maintains a public profile on social media platforms including Instagram, where he engages with fans and shares updates about his football career. Born on August 20, 2001, he is currently 24 years old as of 2025. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children has not been made publicly available. His professional football career continues as he navigates the challenges and opportunities of life as an NFL player, with his journey through multiple organizations demonstrating his commitment to succeeding at the sport’s highest level.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a year of transitions and continued development for Windmon as he navigated the roster instability that often characterizes the career of an undrafted player. After beginning the season with the Panthers organization, he experienced roster moves that included being waived and re-signed multiple times with both the Panthers and Steelers. This period tested his resilience and commitment to his professional goals while providing valuable experience in different defensive systems. His performance during limited appearances showcased the tackling ability and football instincts that earned him recognition at the collegiate level, even as opportunities remained inconsistent throughout the season.