Jacob Kibodi Bio
Jacob Kibodi is an American professional football running back who currently plays for the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League. Born on October 4, 1998, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he has built a reputation as a determined and versatile athlete despite facing significant challenges early in life. Kibodi played college football at three different programs before going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. He signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent and has since played for the Cleveland Browns before joining the Memphis Showboats in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Before Jacob Kibodi was born, doctors recommended that his mother consider terminating the pregnancy. Medical professionals indicated that the unborn child was not developing properly and might face significant physical limitations. His father encouraged his mother to continue the pregnancy, expressing confidence through their shared faith that everything would work out. Kibodi’s mother chose to have him, a decision that would eventually lead to a successful career in professional football.
Kibodi grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as one of three children. He attended Christian Life Academy, where he initially participated in the school band before switching to the football team. He joined the football squad midway through his freshman season. During his junior year at Christian Life Academy, Kibodi recorded 76 carries for 842 yards and 12 touchdowns, complementing his rushing performance with 18 receptions for 324 yards and five touchdowns through the air.
Path to American Football
As a senior at Christian Life Academy, Kibodi continued his strong performance by rushing for 1,208 yards and 12 touchdowns. His outstanding play earned him all-region recognition. Rated as a three-star recruit, he attracted attention from multiple college programs and ultimately chose to continue his football career at Texas A&M University.
Kibodi committed to play for the Texas A&M Aggies, beginning his collegiate journey in 2017. He redshirted during the 2020 season after transferring to Incarnate Word, as that season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, he transferred once again, joining the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns as a walk-on player. He saw no playing time during his first season with Louisiana but worked his way onto the field in subsequent years, ultimately becoming a contributor to the team’s offensive attack.
Jacob Kibodi Career
College Career (2017–2023)
At Texas A&M, Kibodi appeared in five games as a freshman during the 2017 season. He ran for 121 yards and scored one touchdown during limited playing time. In 2018, he appeared in just two games and recorded 26 rushing yards. During his junior season in 2019, Kibodi started two games and finished with 31 rushes for 123 yards and one touchdown, adding six receptions to his stat line.
After transferring to Incarnate Word for the 2020 season, Kibodi did not play due to the season’s cancellation. His persistence paid off at Louisiana, where he gradually earned playing time. In 2022, he appeared in nine games and was fifth on the team with 37 rushes for 169 yards. As a senior in 2023, Kibodi delivered his best collegiate season, carrying the ball 129 times for 729 yards and seven touchdowns while catching nine passes for 79 yards.
New Orleans Saints (2024)
Despite a productive senior season at Louisiana, Kibodi went unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Following the draft, he signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. He competed for a roster spot during training camp but was waived on August 27, 2024. The Saints re-signed him to their practice squad, where he continued to develop while learning the professional playbook and system.
Cleveland Browns (2024)
Kibodi remained on the Saints practice squad for much of the season before being released on December 3, 2024. He did not stay unemployed for long, as the Cleveland Browns signed him to their practice squad on December 18, 2024. This brief stint allowed him to gain additional experience in a different organizational environment before the season concluded.
Memphis Showboats (2025–Present)
On January 27, 2025, Kibodi signed with the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League. The Memphis Showboats joined the UFL for the 2025 season, giving Kibodi an opportunity to compete at a high level in a spring professional football league. He was released by the team on April 28, 2025, but remains associated with the organization as a player in the league.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kibodi brings a combination of size and mobility to the running back position. Listed at 6 feet 1 inch and 225 pounds, he possesses the frame to handle between-the-tackles running while also demonstrating enough speed to break outside. His collegiate career at Louisiana showcased his ability to contribute as both a rusher and receiver, demonstrating versatility that NFL teams value in backup running backs. His professional journey through multiple organizations demonstrates his determination and ability to adapt to different systems and coaching styles.
Jacob Kibodi Career Statistics
Across his collegiate career spanning four programs, Kibodi established himself as a reliable offensive contributor. His most productive season came at Louisiana in 2023, where he emerged as a significant part of the Ragin’ Cajuns offense.
College Highlights
At Louisiana, Kibodi concluded his collegiate career on a strong note. In his senior season of 2023, he rushed for 729 yards and seven touchdowns on 129 carries while adding nine receptions for 79 yards. Over his entire college career, including time at Texas A&M and Louisiana, he accumulated 1,168 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 211 carries. He also caught 19 passes for 132 yards and one receiving touchdown, demonstrating his dual-threat capability.
NFL Statistics
During his brief time in the NFL during the 2024 season, Kibodi appeared in limited action. He recorded 24 rushing yards on five carries, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt. He also caught one reception for 15 receiving yards while on the Saints roster.
| Competition | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Receptions | Receiving Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College Career (2017–2023) | 1,168 | 9 | 19 | 132 |
| NFL 2024 Season | 24 | 0 | 1 | 15 |
Jacob Kibodi Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kibodi was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to parents who demonstrated remarkable faith and determination before his birth. Doctors advised his mother to consider terminating the pregnancy due to concerns about his development. His father encouraged his mother to continue the pregnancy, reassuring her that everything would be fine through their shared religious beliefs. His mother ultimately chose to have Jacob, defying the medical recommendations. This early adversity shaped Kibodi’s character and contributed to the resilience that has defined his football journey.
Personal Life
Growing up as one of three children in the Kibodi household, Jacob benefited from a supportive family environment in Baton Rouge. His parents’ decision to have him despite medical concerns set the foundation for a life defined by perseverance. Before focusing on football, young Kibodi participated in his high school band, showcasing diverse interests during his formative years.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a pivotal chapter in Jacob Kibodi’s professional career. After beginning the year with the Memphis Showboats in the United Football League, Kibodi aims to demonstrate the skills that impressed coaches during his final collegiate season at Louisiana. His journey from Texas A&M through Incarnate Word to Louisiana provided him with a diverse football education that he continues to draw upon as a professional.
Kibodi’s path through multiple organizations has tested his adaptability and mental toughness. From undrafted free agent to practice squad player with two NFL franchises and now a UFL roster member, he has shown the persistence that characterized his earliest days when his parents chose faith over medical fear. The 2025 season offers him an opportunity to secure a more permanent role in professional football.
At 27 years old, Kibodi enters his prime years as a professional athlete. His combination of size, speed, and receiving ability makes him a valuable asset in modern offensive schemes that favor versatile running backs. Whether with the Memphis Showboats or future teams, his career trajectory demonstrates that dedication and adaptability can overcome the obstacles that once seemed insurmountable.