A.J. Terrell

Aundell Terrell Jr. Bio

Aundell Terrell Jr., widely known as A.J. Terrell, is an American professional football cornerback who currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. Born on September 23, 1998, in Rochester, New York, Terrell has established himself as one of the premier defensive backs in the NFL since being selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His journey from high school standout in Atlanta to college national champion at Clemson and now NFL starter showcases his dedication to the sport of football.

Early Life and Background

Aundell Terrell Jr. was born in Rochester, New York, to parents Aundell Terrell Sr. and Aliya Terrell. He was the second of four children in the family. In 2001, when Terrell was just three years old, his family relocated from Rochester to Atlanta, Georgia, where he would later become a highly decorated high school athlete. His father Aundell Terrell Sr. and mother Aliya provided the foundation for his future success in athletics.

Terrell attended Westlake High School in Atlanta, Georgia, where he played both cornerback and wide receiver. His exceptional performance on the field earned him a five-star recruit rating, making him one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in the country. During his high school career, he showcased his versatility and playmaking ability, demonstrating the skills that would carry him to the next level. His standout performances led him to play in the prestigious 2017 Under Armour All-America Game, further solidifying his reputation as an elite talent.

Path to Professional Football

Following his remarkable high school career, Terrell received scholarship offers from numerous college programs across the country. He ultimately decided to commit to Clemson University to play college football under head coach Dabo Swinney. This decision proved instrumental in his development as a player, as Clemson’s football program had established itself as a national powerhouse with a track record of developing NFL talent.

At Clemson, Terrell quickly made an impact as a true freshman in 2017. He appeared in 14 games, recording 15 tackles and one interception while learning the intricacies of playing cornerback at the collegiate level. His sophomore season in 2018 saw him take a significant leap forward, starting all 15 games and accumulating 53 tackles, three interceptions, and a touchdown. That season, Clemson captured the College Football Playoff National Championship, with Terrell delivering a memorable performance in the title game against Alabama.

In the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship, Terrell recorded a signature moment when he returned an interception 44 yards for a touchdown against Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. This play demonstrated his ability to make game-changing contributions in high-pressure situations. Following his junior season, during which he earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors, Terrell made the decision to forgo his senior season and declare for the 2020 NFL Draft. His college career concluded with him being recognized as one of the top cornerback prospects in the country.

Aundell Terrell Jr. Career

Pre-Draft Process

Leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft, Terrell established himself as one of the top cornerback prospects available. NFL analysts consistently ranked him among the best at his position, with projections placing him as a potential first-round selection. Kevin Hanson of Sports Illustrated ranked him as the sixth-best cornerback prospect, while NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah listed him fourth among cornerbacks and 32nd overall. His draft stock continued to rise throughout the pre-draft process, and he was widely projected as a first-round pick by the majority of NFL draft analysts.

Professional scouts praised Terrell’s combination of size, speed, and technique. Analysts noted his effectiveness in press coverage, where he used an effective one-hand jam before turning and opening up to make plays on the ball. His ability to handle vertical routes with his speed and his competence in various coverage techniques made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams seeking a complete cornerback.

Atlanta Falcons (2020-Present)

The Atlanta Falcons selected Terrell in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 16th overall pick. He was the third cornerback drafted in 2020, following Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson. Upon being selected, Falcons officials expressed enthusiasm about Terrell’s potential, comparing him favorably to established veterans and noting his rare combination of athleticism and work ethic. On July 20, 2020, Terrell signed a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $14.30 million with a signing bonus of $7.96 million.

Throughout training camp, Terrell competed with Darqueze Dennard and Isaiah Oliver for the starting cornerback position. Head coach Dan Quinn named Terrell the number one starting cornerback to begin the season. He made his professional regular season debut on September 13, 2020, earning his first career start in the Falcons’ home opener against the Seattle Seahawks, recording six combined tackles in the game.

During his rookie season, Terrell continued to develop his craft while adjusting to the speed of the NFL. He missed two games in Weeks 3 and 4 after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list but returned to make significant contributions. A memorable moment came in Week 6 when he recorded his first career interception during a victory over the Minnesota Vikings, picking off a pass thrown by Kirk Cousins. He finished his rookie season with 74 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, and one interception in 14 games with 14 starts.

2021 Breakthrough Season

The 2021 season marked a significant breakthrough for Terrell as he established himself among the league’s top cornerbacks. Starting all 16 games at his position, he recorded 81 combined tackles, 16 pass deflections, and three interceptions. One of the highlights of his season came on January 2, 2022, when he made his first career sack and recorded his third interception of the season during a game against the Buffalo Bills. His performance throughout the season earned him second-team All-Pro honors, validating his status as one of the NFL’s premier defensive backs.

Terrell’s Pro Football Focus grade of 82.7 ranked second among all qualifying cornerbacks in 2021, underscoring his elite performance level. His ability to consistently make plays on the ball while limiting opposing receivers made him a cornerstone of the Falcons’ defense. The coaching staff credited his preparation, work ethic, and football IQ for his rapid development into an impact player.

2022 and 2023 Seasons

The 2022 season saw Terrell continue his solid performance despite dealing with injuries. He appeared in 14 games with 14 starts, recording 47 combined tackles, nine pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. A hamstring injury in Week 7 sidelined him for three games, but he returned to contribute for the Falcons’ defense. Despite the injury setback, he maintained his status as the team’s number one cornerback.

In 2023, Terrell started all 17 games for the first time in his career. He recorded 45 combined tackles and 11 pass deflections while playing alongside various teammates in the Falcons’ secondary. His Pro Football Focus grade of 74.6 ranked 22nd among 127 qualifying cornerbacks, with his coverage grade also placing him among the league’s upper echelon at his position.

2024 Season and Contract Extension

Prior to the 2024 season, the Falcons made a significant commitment to Terrell by signing him to a four-year contract extension worth $81 million with $65.80 million guaranteed. This extension reflected the organization’s confidence in his abilities and their desire to build their defense around him for years to come. The new contract made Terrell one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league.

With Raheem Morris now serving as head coach and Jimmy Lake as defensive coordinator, Terrell remained the unquestioned number one cornerback. He started all 17 games during the 2024 season and recorded 66 combined tackles, six pass deflections, and two interceptions. His performance included multiple standout games, such as a seven-tackle effort against the Philadelphia Eagles and a two-interception game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons finished the season with a 7-10 record.

Defensive Style and Strengths

Terrell is known for his combination of size, speed, and technical refinement that makes him effective in various coverage schemes. His 6-foot-1 frame allows him to match up against taller receivers, while his fluidity enables him to transition smoothly in and out of breaks. He excels in press coverage, using his length to disrupt routes at the line of scrimmage. His ball skills are particularly noteworthy, as he demonstrates the ability to locate and make plays on the football throughout games. His football IQ and preparation have been cited repeatedly by coaches as factors in his rapid development.

Notable Events and Milestones

Several defining moments have punctuated Terrell’s career thus far. His interception return for a touchdown in the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship marked his arrival on the national stage. In the NFL, his first career interception against Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings in 2020 demonstrated his ability to make plays at the professional level. His 2021 second-team All-Pro selection and his $81 million contract extension in 2024 stand as testaments to his consistent excellence. His ability to remain healthy and productive despite the physical demands of his position has been a hallmark of his career.

Aundell Terrell Jr. Career Statistics

Terrell has accumulated impressive statistics across his first five NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. His consistency and durability have allowed him to rack up significant numbers while maintaining a high level of play. As of the 2025 season, he has established himself as one of the most reliable cornerbacks in the league.

Professional Career Highlights

Through his first five NFL seasons, Terrell has recorded 381 total tackles, six interceptions, 61 pass deflections, one sack, six forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. His best statistical season came in 2021 when he earned second-team All-Pro honors with 81 tackles, 16 pass deflections, and three interceptions. His 2024 season saw him record 66 tackles, six pass deflections, and two interceptions while starting all 17 games.

College Achievements

At Clemson University from 2017 to 2019, Terrell appeared in 44 games with 30 starts. He recorded 68 tackles, four interceptions, and one touchdown over his three collegiate seasons. His performance in the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship, where he returned an interception for a touchdown against Alabama, remains one of the memorable plays of his career. He was named first-team All-ACC in 2019 and third-team All-ACC in 2018, and he helped Clemson capture the national championship in 2018.

Aundell Terrell Jr. Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Terrell comes from a family with strong athletic connections. He is the son of Aundell Terrell Sr. and Aliya Terrell, and he grew up alongside three siblings. His family moved from Rochester, New York to Atlanta, Georgia in 2001 when he was three years old. The Terrell family has maintained a presence in professional football, with A.J.’s younger brother, Avieon Terrell, also playing for the Atlanta Falcons. This makes the Terrells one of the rare families with two brothers on the same NFL roster.

Personal Life

Off the field, Terrell is a father to a son named Aundell III, who was born in 2019. His social media presence, particularly on Instagram where he goes by ajterrell_8, provides glimpses into his life as both a professional athlete and a parent. Terrell has frequently spoken about the importance of his family in keeping him grounded throughout his football career. He has expressed gratitude for the support system provided by his parents and siblings as he navigated the challenges of transitioning from college to professional football.

2025 Season Outlook

Entering the 2025 season, Terrell remains the cornerstone of the Atlanta Falcons’ secondary. With a fully guaranteed contract running through 2028, the organization has clearly committed to building their defense around his abilities. His partnership with defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake continues to provide him with the framework to showcase his skills. As one of the more experienced cornerbacks in the league with five seasons of starting experience, Terrell is expected to continue his high level of performance while mentoring younger defensive backs in the Falcons’ secondary.

The Falcons’ defense will look to Terrell to provide stability and playmaking ability as they aim to improve upon their previous season results. His versatility in both man and zone coverage schemes gives the coaching staff flexibility in how they deploy him against opposing offenses. With continued health and consistent performance, Terrell appears poised to add to his career totals and potentially earn additional All-Pro recognition as he enters his prime years as a professional athlete.