Shannon “Beanie” Bishop Jr. Bio
Shannon “Beanie” Bishop Jr. (born December 17, 1999) is an American professional football cornerback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Western Kentucky, Minnesota, and West Virginia, demonstrating remarkable versatility and athleticism throughout his career. Bishop entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2024, signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he quickly established himself as a playmaking defensive back before joining the Saints organization.
Early Life and Background
Beanie Bishop Jr. was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on December 17, 1999. His nickname originated at his birth when his godmother referred to him as “my beanie baby,” and the moniker “Beanie” remained with him throughout his life. Growing up in Louisville, Bishop developed a passion for football at an early age, ultimately attending Pleasure Ridge Park High School in his hometown.
During his high school career, Bishop served as team captain and showcased his exceptional athleticism by playing multiple positions, including wide receiver, defensive back, and return specialist. His standout performances earned him Class 6A All-District honors. He also participated in the Best of the Bluegrass All-Star Game, where he was named Greater Louisville Offensive Player of the Game. Despite his success, Bishop was rated only as a two-star recruit coming out of high school, and Western Kentucky was the only Football Bowl Subdivision program to extend him an offer.
Path to the NFL
Bishop accepted Western Kentucky’s offer and joined the Hilltoppers program in 2018. As a true freshman, he appeared in four games and redshirted during the season. The following year, he played 13 games and recorded 17 tackles with one pass breakup. In the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Bishop appeared in six games with one start and tallied 15 tackles alongside four pass breakups.
His breakthrough came during the 2021 season when Bishop earned first-team All-Conference USA honors as a cornerback while also receiving honorable mention all-conference recognition as a kick returner. He posted 40 tackles, three interceptions, and two pass breakups in 11 games. Following the season, Bishop entered the NCAA transfer portal seeking new opportunities at a different program.
He transferred to the University of Minnesota for the 2022 season, joining the Golden Gophers. Bishop appeared in all 13 games and recorded 29 tackles, one pass breakup, and one sack. He entered the transfer portal once again in 2023 and signed with West Virginia to complete his college career. At West Virginia, Bishop led the nation in both pass breakups and passes defended, earning first-team All-American and first-team All-Big 12 honors in his final collegiate season.
Beanie Bishop Jr. Career
Pittsburgh Steelers (2024–2025)
Bishop signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2024. His journey to make an NFL roster was remarkable given that he went undrafted, yet he notably made the Steelers’ 53-man roster out of training camp. His impressive offseason performance earned him a starting job in the Steelers’ secondary, demonstrating the coaches’ confidence in his abilities.
During a Week 7 matchup against the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football, Bishop intercepted two passes from Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Both interceptions led to touchdowns for Pittsburgh, contributing significantly to the Steelers’ 37–15 victory. The following week in a Monday Night Football game against the New York Giants, Bishop secured a game-ending interception against quarterback Daniel Jones, helping the Steelers win 26–18. His exceptional October performance, which included 16 tackles, five pass deflections, three interceptions, and two tackles for loss, earned him Defensive Rookie of the Month honors.
On August 26, 2025, Bishop was waived by the Steelers as part of final roster cuts before the regular season. He was subsequently signed to the Steelers’ practice squad. He was later released from the practice squad on November 3, 2025.
New Orleans Saints (2025–Present)
On December 2, 2025, Bishop was signed to the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad, joining his hometown NFL franchise. He signed a reserve/future contract with New Orleans on January 5, 2026, securing his place on the Saints’ roster for the 2026 season. This move represented a new chapter in Bishop’s professional career, providing him the opportunity to continue developing as a cornerback in the NFL.
Playing Style and Strengths
Bishop’s game is characterized by his exceptional ball skills and instincts as a defensive back. His college career statistics, particularly his nation-leading pass breakups and passes defended at West Virginia, highlight his ability to disrupt opposing passing attacks. His experience as both a cornerback and return specialist demonstrates versatility that translated well to the professional level. Bishop’s capacity to read quarterbacks and react quickly was evident during his rookie season with the Steelers, where he recorded multiple interceptions in high-pressure situations including primetime games.
Notable Performances and Statistics
Through his first two NFL seasons, Bishop has accumulated 45 total tackles, seven pass deflections, and four interceptions. He has also recorded half a sack. His most memorable performances came during his rookie campaign with Pittsburgh, where his two-interception game against Aaron Rodgers on Sunday Night Football announced his arrival as a playmaker in the league.
Beanie Bishop Jr. Career Highlights
Across his collegiate and professional career, Bishop has established himself as a defensive back with exceptional playmaking ability. His progression from a two-star high school recruit to an NFL cornerback and All-American selection demonstrates his dedication and continuous improvement throughout his football journey.
College Achievements
Bishop’s collegiate career was highlighted by consistent improvement and eventual dominance at the cornerback position. His first-team All-Conference USA selection at Western Kentucky in 2021 marked his emergence as a top-tier defensive back. The highlight of his career came during his single season at West Virginia in 2023, where he led the nation in pass breakups and passes defended, earning first-team All-American and first-team All-Big 12 honors. These accolades placed him among the elite defensive backs in college football.
Professional Achievements
In his rookie NFL season, Bishop quickly made an impact with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His standout performances against quality opponents, including two interceptions against future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, showcased his ability to compete at the highest level. He was recognized as the AFC Defensive Rookie of the Month for October, validating his impressive start to his professional career. Through the 2025 season, Bishop has recorded four career interceptions and 45 total tackles while contributing seven pass deflections.
| Competition Level | Total Tackles | Interceptions | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career (2024–2025) | 45 | 4 | 7 |
| College (West Virginia 2023) | Led Nation | Multiple | Nation Leader |
Beanie Bishop Jr. Family
Family Background
Beanie Bishop Jr. was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. His nickname “Beanie” originated from his godmother, who referred to him as “my beanie baby” at his birth. This early connection to family members played a significant role in shaping his identity throughout his life and athletic career.
Personal Life
Bishop attended Pleasure Ridge Park High School in Louisville, where he balanced his academic responsibilities with his athletic pursuits. His journey from a relatively unknown two-star recruit to an NFL player exemplifies his work ethic and determination. Bishop has maintained connections to his Kentucky roots throughout his collegiate and professional career, eventually signing with the New Orleans Saints organization located relatively close to his hometown.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season represented a transitional year for Bishop following his impressive rookie campaign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After making the initial 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent in 2024, he faced the challenges of a second NFL season, which included roster moves and adaptation to different team dynamics. Bishop’s season with the Steelers saw him contribute defensively while continuing to develop his craft as a professional cornerback.
Throughout the 2025 season, Bishop accumulated additional statistical contributions that built upon his rookie year performance. His experience playing in the Steelers’ secondary against elite competition provided valuable lessons that he carried forward in his professional development. The opportunity to play significant snaps in multiple games throughout the season further refined his instincts and technique at the NFL level.
Bishop’s career trajectory demonstrates the potential for undrafted players to make significant impacts at the professional level. Following his release from the Steelers’ practice squad in November 2025, he quickly found an opportunity with the New Orleans Saints, signing to their practice squad in December before securing a futures contract in January 2026. This resilience and ability to remain in the league through roster changes reflects his value as an NFL player and his determination to continue his football career at the highest level.