Brent Urban

Brent Urban Bio

Brent Urban is a Canadian professional football defensive end who currently plays for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League. Born on May 5, 1991, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Urban stands at 6 feet 7 inches and weighs 309 pounds. He was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft after playing college football at the University of Virginia. Urban has built a reputation as a reliable defensive presence throughout his NFL career, demonstrating versatility across multiple teams and defensive schemes.

Early Life and Background

Before pursuing football, Urban was a notable hockey player. At age 15, he played on the 2006 AAA Mississauga Ice Dogs team that won the Ontario bantam championship and competed internationally. He skated alongside four future NHL draftees on that team, showcasing his athletic ability in a different sport before transitioning to football.

Urban attended Lorne Park Secondary School in Mississauga, Ontario. As a freshman, he began playing Canadian football and quickly developed his skills. As a junior, he recorded 16 tackles for loss, 10 tackles, and eight pass break-ups. He earned Toronto Star All-Star selections in both years of his junior and senior seasons. He was considered a two-star recruit by Rivals.com coming out of high school.

Path to Professional Football

Urban accepted a football scholarship from the University of Virginia, joining the Cavaliers program. As a redshirt freshman in 2010, he appeared in only three games as a backup defensive end in a 4-3 defense after suffering a torn left ACL, failing to record any statistics. He bounced back as a sophomore in 2011, appearing in all 13 games and registering 15 tackles including 2.5 for loss.

Urban switched to defensive tackle as a junior in 2012 and started all 12 games. He recorded 20 tackles including 2.5 for loss, two sacks, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown, returning it 16 yards for a score in the season finale against Virginia Tech. As a senior in 2013, he was the starter at defensive tackle but suffered a high right ankle sprain that forced him to miss four games. He still managed 40 tackles including 11.5 for loss and led the nation in passes broken up by defensive linemen with nine despite not playing a full season.

Prior to the NFL Draft, Urban was selected by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League in the second round, 15th overall, of the 2013 CFL Draft. He was also drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round, 134th overall, of the 2014 NFL Draft, becoming the 26th Canadian ever selected in the NFL Draft. He dropped in the draft due to his injury history but proved his durability throughout his professional career.

Brent Urban Career

Baltimore Ravens (2014-2018)

Urban joined the Ravens as a rookie and played at defensive end in a 3-4 defense. Unfortunately, he sustained a torn ACL in training camp and was placed on injured reserve on August 25, 2014, ending his rookie season before it truly began. On August 8, 2015, he tore his biceps muscle in training camp and was again placed on injured reserve with the designation to return. He returned to practice on November 9 and was officially added to the active roster on November 25, 2015.

In his first NFL game in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns, Urban made an immediate impact by blocking a potential game-winning field goal as time expired. His teammate Will Hill recovered the ball and returned it for a game-winning touchdown. He appeared in the final six games of the season as a backup defensive end, making 11 tackles and one sack. In 2016, Urban played in all 16 games as a backup defensive end, recording 10 tackles, two sacks, and two passes defended.

In 2017, he started the first three games at right defensive end but suffered a Lisfranc foot injury in Week 3 that required surgery. He was placed on injured reserve on September 27, 2017, ending his season. On March 6, 2018, Urban signed a one-year contract extension with the Ravens for $2.35 million. He started all 16 games at right defensive end that season, posting 27 combined tackles, 0.5 sacks, and two passes defensed.

Tennessee Titans (2019)

On April 26, 2019, Urban signed with the Tennessee Titans, reuniting with defensive coordinator Dean Pees who had held the same role with the Ravens. He appeared in four games as a backup defensive end in a 3-4 defense, making four tackles and recording three quarterback pressures. He was released on October 19, 2019.

Chicago Bears (2019-2020)

Two days after being released by the Titans, Urban signed with the Chicago Bears on October 21, 2019, to replace injured defensive end Akiem Hicks. He appeared in the final nine games of the season as a backup defensive end in a 3-4 defense, tallying 16 tackles. He re-signed with the Bears on March 26, 2020. He appeared in all 16 games in 2020, starting the last eight at defensive end in place of an injured Roy Robertson-Harris, making 36 tackles, 2.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries, and one pass defensed.

Dallas Cowboys (2021)

On March 22, 2021, Urban signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys to play defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense. He was placed on injured reserve on October 26, limiting his contributions that season.

Baltimore Ravens Second Stint (2022-Present)

On May 20, 2022, Urban signed with the Ravens for a second stint. He was released during final roster cuts on August 30 in what was described as a handshake deal, only to be re-signed the next day after rookie linebacker David Ojabo was placed on injured reserve. Urban served as the backup behind defensive tackle Calais Campbell, collecting 21 tackles and one sack in 16 games.

On February 15, 2023, Urban re-signed with the Ravens. He played in 17 games with three starts, recording 22 tackles and a career-high three sacks. On March 13, 2024, he re-signed with the Ravens once again, continuing his tenure with the team that originally drafted him. On August 2, 2025, Urban re-signed with the Ravens. He was released as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the next day before being promoted to the active roster on September 27, 2025.

Driving Style and Strengths

Urban’s 6-foot-7 frame provides him with exceptional length that disrupts passing lanes and makes him a handful for opposing offensive tackles. His versatility allows him to play multiple positions along the defensive line, adapting to both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes. His ability to read plays and collapse pockets has made him an effective interior pass rusher. As a run defender, he uses his size and leverage to anchor against blocks and fill running lanes. His consistency in staying on the field, particularly in recent seasons, has made him a valuable veteran presence on the Ravens defensive line.

Notable Events and Milestones

The defining moment of Urban’s early career came in Week 12 of the 2015 season against the Cleveland Browns. With the Ravens clinging to a slim lead, Urban blocked a potential game-winning field goal attempt as time expired. The ball bounced into the hands of teammate Will Hill, who returned it for a game-winning touchdown. The play secured a dramatic victory and announced Urban as a clutch performer. His career-high three sacks in 2023 demonstrated his continued development as a pass rusher deep into his career.

Brent Urban Career Wins

Throughout his NFL career, Brent Urban has accumulated solid statistics across multiple seasons with various teams. His longevity in the league speaks to his durability and value as a rotational and starting defensive lineman.

NFL Highlights

Urban’s most productive season came in 2020 with the Chicago Bears, where he recorded 36 tackles and 2.5 sacks across 16 games with eight starts. His 2023 season with the Ravens was equally impressive, as he posted a career-high three sacks while appearing in 17 games with three starts. His 2018 season with the Ravens featured 27 tackles and 0.5 sacks while starting all 16 games at right defensive end.

Career Statistics

Across his NFL career, Urban has appeared in 80 regular season games with 19 starts. He has recorded 189 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, and 16 pass deflections. In 2015, he made his mark with 11 tackles and one sack in limited action, including his memorable blocked field goal. His early stints with the Titans in 2019 yielded four tackles, while his time with the Bears that same year added 16 tackles in nine games.

Brent Urban Family

Family Background

Urban grew up in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, where he developed his athletic abilities playing both hockey and football. His background as a multi-sport athlete helped shape his physical tools and competitive instincts before he committed fully to football at the collegiate level.

Personal Life

Despite his Canadian roots, Urban pursued his professional football career in the United States, attending the University of Virginia and subsequently entering the NFL. He maintains a presence on social media under the handle @urbanlegend96. His journey from international ice hockey to American football exemplifies his adaptability and willingness to pursue unconventional paths in sports.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 NFL season saw Brent Urban continue his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, the team that originally selected him in the 2014 NFL Draft. After being released during final roster cuts in August, Urban was immediately signed to the practice squad in what became a familiar routine for the veteran defensive lineman. His experience and reliability kept him in the organization plans. He was promoted to the active roster on September 27, 2025, rejoining the defensive line rotation.

Urban’s role remained that of a veteran presence and reliable backup along the defensive line. His ability to step in and contribute when called upon has been a hallmark of his career longevity. The Ravens valued his versatility and scheme familiarity as they navigated through the season. His professionalism and consistent performance kept him in the mix for playing time throughout the campaign.