Ameer Abdullah Bio
Ameer Abdullah is an American professional football running back currently signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 13, 1993, in Homewood, Alabama, Abdullah was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round with the 54th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Nebraska from 2011 to 2014, where he became one of the most productive running backs in school history, rushing for 4,588 career yards and earning First-team All-Big Ten honors in 2013. Throughout his NFL career spanning over a decade with six different teams, Abdullah has established himself as a versatile dual-threat back with reliable hands, contributing significantly in the running game, passing game, and on special teams. He has amassed 2,054 career rushing yards, 1,567 receiving yards, and 20 total touchdowns across his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Ameer Abdullah grew up in Homewood, Alabama, as the youngest of nine children. His father, Kareem Abdullah, serves as an imam and has remained a spiritual advisor throughout his son’s athletic career. Abdullah attended Homewood High School, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. During his senior year, he recorded 1,800 yards rushing, 515 yards receiving, and four punt returns for touchdowns. He earned the 2010 South region player of the year award and scored the winning touchdown in overtime during the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Classic.
Beyond football, Abdullah demonstrated exceptional speed on the track. At the 2011 AHSAA 6A Section 3 Championships, he posted a career-best time of 11.15 seconds in the 100 meters and finished seventh in the preliminary rounds. He also competed in the long jump with a career-best leap of 6.60 meters. This track speed would later translate directly to his football performance, making him a dangerous weapon in open space.
Path to the NFL
When selecting a college, Abdullah received football scholarship offers from several programs, but schools such as Alabama and Auburn wanted him to play cornerback while he preferred to remain a running back. Nebraska coach Bo Pelini offered him the opportunity to play his preferred position and maximize his talent. Pelini’s vision for Abdullah proved decisive, leading him to commit to the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
At Nebraska from 2011 to 2014, Abdullah developed into one of the most complete running backs in the Big Ten Conference. He combined elusiveness, speed, and tackle-breaking ability with reliable hands out of the backfield. Over his four collegiate seasons, he accumulated 4,588 rushing yards, placing him second in Nebraska history and within 200 yards of the school record held by Heisman Trophy winner Mike Rozier. He also contributed over 1,000 career receiving yards. Abdullah earned First-team All-Big Ten recognition in 2013 and Second-team All-Big Ten honors in both 2012 and 2014. He was considered a legitimate contender for the Heisman Trophy heading into his senior season.
Ameer Abdullah Career
Detroit Lions (2015-2018)
The Detroit Lions selected Abdullah in the second round with the 54th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract worth $4.15 million with $1.85 million guaranteed and a $1.28 million signing bonus. As a rookie, Abdullah appeared in all 16 games with 9 starts, finishing with 597 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns while adding 183 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown. He also led the NFL with 1,005 kickoff return yards. The Lions recognized him as their Rookie of the Year, and he earned a Pro Bowl selection as a return specialist. His second season in 2016 began with promise before a foot injury in Week 2 ended his campaign after just one game.
In 2017, Abdullah took over as the Lions’ primary starting running back and posted his best statistical season with 552 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, adding 162 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown. The Lions released him in November 2018 after he fell behind LeGarrette Blount and rookie Kerryon Johnson on the depth chart.
Minnesota Vikings (2018-2021)
The Minnesota Vikings claimed Abdullah off waivers on November 7, 2018. His primary role with the Vikings centered on special teams and return duties. He re-signed with the team in March 2019 and March 2020, continuing his contributions primarily on special teams. In the 2019 season, he appeared in 16 games and recorded 115 rushing yards and 88 receiving yards with 1 receiving touchdown. His production remained limited in 2020 with just 100 scrimmage yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. He was released in August 2021 before joining the Carolina Panthers later that October.
Las Vegas Raiders (2022-2024)
Abdullah signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on March 18, 2022. He emerged as a reliable receiving option out of the backfield, catching 25 passes for 211 yards and 1 touchdown in the 2022 season while maintaining his role on special teams. He re-signed with the Raiders in March 2023 and appeared in all 17 games during the 2023 season, continuing his contributions on offense and special teams.
In the 2024 season, Abdullah enjoyed his most productive rushing performance in years, compiling 311 yards and 2 touchdowns on 66 carries while adding 261 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns on 40 receptions across 17 games. His re-signed with the Raiders in March 2024 before joining the San Francisco 49ers in 2025.
San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts (2025)
Abdullah signed with the San Francisco 49ers on July 31, 2025. However, his tenure was brief as he was placed on injured reserve on August 11 and subsequently waived on August 19. He joined the Indianapolis Colts practice squad on September 8, 2025, and was promoted to the active roster on October 18 amid injuries to backup running backs. With the Colts, Abdullah appeared in 13 games and contributed 14 carries for 60 yards and 1 rushing touchdown, along with 16 receptions for 99 receiving yards.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2026-Present)
On May 11, 2026, Abdullah signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joining his sixth NFL franchise. His veteran experience and versatility provide depth and leadership to the Jaguars running back room.
Playing Style and Strengths
Abdullah excels as a zone-read running back known for his lateral agility, quick cuts, and ability to find rushing lanes. His receiving ability out of the backfield has made him a valuable asset in the passing game throughout his career, with reliable hands and the skill to turn short passes into chunk gains. His experience as a return specialist has contributed to his longevity in the NFL, demonstrating value on special teams beyond offensive contributions.
Ameer Abdullah Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Abdullah has accumulated significant statistics across multiple franchises. He has recorded 2,054 career rushing yards, 1,567 receiving yards, 4,437 return yards, and 20 total touchdowns. His most notable professional achievement came in his rookie season of 2015 when he led the NFL in kickoff return yards and earned Pro Bowl recognition. He was named the Detroit Lions Rookie of the Year that same season. In college at Nebraska, he broke the school record for career all-purpose yards with 5,762 yards. He earned First-team All-Big Ten honors in 2013 and was a two-time Second-team All-Big Ten selection. His single-season rushing totals of 1,690 yards in 2013 and over 1,600 yards in 2014 rank among the best in Nebraska history.
Ameer Abdullah Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Abdullah was born and raised in Homewood, Alabama, to Kareem and Aisha Abdullah. He is the youngest of nine siblings, growing up in a large family that emphasized faith and community. His father, Kareem Abdullah, serves as an imam and has remained a spiritual influence and advisor throughout his son’s professional career.
Personal Life
Abdullah practices Islam and maintains a strong commitment to his faith. He prays five times daily and observes Ramadan fasting, including during football season. He has spoken publicly about how fasting builds mental discipline and focus, stating that the end of Ramadan leaves him at his best mentally, which helps him enter training camp with clarity and strength. He majored in History at Nebraska and has emphasized the importance of education throughout his career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a year of transition for Abdullah as he navigated roster changes with two organizations. After a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers during the preseason, he found his footing with the Indianapolis Colts. Signed to the practice squad in September, he earned a promotion to the active roster in October when the team needed depth at running back. While his offensive touches remained limited, his veteran experience provided stability in the locker room and valuable depth during a challenging stretch of the season. His move to Jacksonville in 2026 presents a fresh opportunity with a new organization as he continues his NFL journey.