Nesta Jade Silvera

Nesta Jade Silvera Bio

Nesta Jade Silvera is an American professional football defensive tackle who has competed in the National Football League and United Football League. Born on January 23, 2000, in Pembroke Pines, Florida, Silvera developed into a highly decorated high school prospect before playing college football for the Miami Hurricanes and Arizona State Sun Devils. The Las Vegas Raiders selected Silvera in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 231st overall pick. Throughout his professional career, he has been affiliated with multiple organizations, including the Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Chargers, and most recently the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League.

Early Life and Background

Silvera grew up in Pembroke Pines, Florida, where he attended American Heritage School. During his high school career, he helped lead the school to back-to-back state championships while compiling an impressive 27-game winning streak. Silvera was recognized as a consensus four-star recruit and delivered standout performances as a senior, recording 79 tackles, 25 tackles-for-loss, and 12 sacks. His exceptional play earned him the Florida High School Defensive Player of the Year award from USA Today. He was selected to participate in the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, a prestigious event featuring the nation’s top high school football prospects. Rankings from 247Sports placed Silvera as the 54th-best prospect nationally in his class. Silvera is of Panamanian and Jamaican descent, reflecting his diverse heritage.

Silvera’s success at American Heritage School attracted attention from numerous college programs across the country. He ultimately chose to continue his football career close to home, committing to play college football for the University of Miami Hurricanes over various other scholarship offers.

Path to American Football

Upon arriving at the University of Miami, Silvera immediately contributed as a freshman during the 2018 season. He appeared in 10 games, posting 13 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, and blocking a punt, demonstrating his ability to make an impact early in his collegiate career. The following year, Silvera faced a setback when he missed the first four matches of the 2019 season due to injury. He returned for the final nine games and finished the year with 19 tackles and one sack, showing resilience in overcoming adversity.

Silvera’s performance earned him a starting role beginning in the 2020 season. He appeared in 11 games, starting all but one, and recorded 35 tackles with 8.0 tackles-for-loss. His strong play throughout the season earned him honorable mention all-conference honors. Silvera remained a starter in 2021, tallying 38 tackles with 8.5 tackles-for-loss as he continued to develop as a defensive playmaker.

Seeking a new opportunity, Silvera transferred to Arizona State University for the 2022 season. In his only season with the Sun Devils, he started 10 of the 12 games he appeared in, recording 56 tackles and 4.5 tackles-for-loss. His impressive showing earned him an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine, where he tested among the top prospects at his position. Silvera became the only Arizona State player selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, solidifying his status as a professional prospect.

Nesta Jade Silvera Career

Las Vegas Raiders (2023–2024)

Silvera’s professional journey began when the Las Vegas Raiders selected him in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 231st overall pick. He joined a Raiders organization looking to build depth along their defensive line. Silvera worked through his rookie season, eventually making his NFL debut in Week 4 of the 2023 season. He recorded one tackle during that appearance, marking the beginning of his professional career. The Raiders released Silvera on December 20, 2023, but quickly re-signed him to their practice squad two days later, indicating the team’s continued interest in his development. He ultimately signed a reserve/future contract with the Raiders on January 8, 2024, securing his spot on the roster for the following season. However, the Raiders waived Silvera on October 21, 2024, ending his tenure with the organization.

San Francisco 49ers (2024)

Following his release from the Raiders, Silvera quickly found a new opportunity. On October 24, 2024, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers practice squad. Joining a franchise known for its strong defensive culture, Silvera continued his development while adapting to a new system and coaching staff. His time with the 49ers provided valuable experience in the NFL environment.

Green Bay Packers (2025)

Silvera’s journey through the NFL continued when he signed a reserve/futures contract with the Green Bay Packers on January 14, 2025. This signing came shortly after the conclusion of the 2024 NFL season and represented an opportunity for Silvera to compete for a roster spot during the 2025 season. However, the Packers released Silvera on July 18, 2025, as the team made roster decisions during training camp.

Los Angeles Chargers (2025)

Silvera signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on August 4, 2025, marking another chapter in his professional career. He competed for a position on the Chargers’ defensive line during the preseason. Unfortunately, Silvera was released on August 26, 2025, as part of the team’s final roster cuts ahead of the regular season.

St. Louis Battlehawks (2026)

On January 14, 2026, Silvera was selected by the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League, a spring professional football league featuring players seeking to showcase their skills for NFL opportunities. This move represented a new path for Silvera as he continued his football career following his time in the NFL. He was released by the Battlehawks on March 19, 2026.

Playing Style and Strengths

Silvera’s physical profile makes him a formidable presence on the defensive line. Standing 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 304 pounds, he possesses the size and strength necessary to occupy blockers and create pressure in the backfield. His collegiate career demonstrated consistent ability to disrupt opposing offenses, with multiple seasons of eight or more tackles-for-loss highlighting his disruptive nature. Silvera’s experience playing in multiple defensive schemes at both Miami and Arizona State suggests adaptability and football intelligence.

Notable Events and Milestones

Among Silvera’s career highlights are his back-to-back state championships at American Heritage School, where he played a pivotal role in the program’s 27-game winning streak. His selection as USA Today’s Florida High School Defensive Player of the Year represented the culmination of an outstanding high school career. Being the only Arizona State player selected in the 2023 NFL Draft was another significant milestone, demonstrating his status as a top professional prospect among his collegiate peers.

Nesta Jade Silvera Career Statistics

Across his professional career in the NFL, Silvera has compiled 10 total tackles. His career has included stints with four NFL franchises and one UFL team, providing him with diverse experience in professional football environments.

Professional Career Stats

Silvera made his NFL debut during the 2023 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, recording his first tackle in Week 4. He appeared in games with the Raiders during his rookie season before joining the practice squads and rosters of the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, and Los Angeles Chargers in subsequent years. His transition to the St. Louis Battlehawks in the UFL represented a new opportunity to continue his football career.

Nesta Jade Silvera Family

Family Background

Silvera was born and raised in Pembroke Pines, Florida. He is of Panamanian and Jamaican descent, reflecting his rich cultural heritage. His family background has contributed to his identity as an athlete and individual.

Personal Life

Silvera attended American Heritage School in Plantation, Florida, where he excelled both academically and athletically. His path from Florida high school football standout to professional athlete represents years of dedication and hard work. Throughout his professional career, Silvera has demonstrated resilience in navigating the challenges of professional football, including roster transitions across multiple organizations.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked a significant period of transition for Silvera in his professional career. After beginning the year with the Green Bay Packers, he was released during training camp in July, prompting him to seek new opportunities. Silvera subsequently signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in early August, competing for a roster spot during the latter part of the preseason. His release from the Chargers in late August as part of final roster cuts ended his NFL tenure for the season. Silvera’s ability to remain in professional football, including his selection by the St. Louis Battlehawks in January 2026, demonstrates his continued commitment to the sport. His journey through multiple organizations reflects the competitive nature of professional football and the challenges players face in establishing themselves at the highest level.