C.J. Ravenell Bio
C.J. Ravenell is an American professional football defensive tackle who currently plays for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 7, 2000, in Santa Clarita, California, Ravenell emerged as a standout defensive player at the NCAA Division II level with the Missouri Western Griffons before entering the professional ranks. He went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft but was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent. Following his time with the Ravens organization, Ravenell joined the Titans via waiver claims and has continued to develop his craft at the highest level of American football.
Early Life and Background
C.J. Ravenell was born on July 7, 2000, in Santa Clarita, California. He attended Golden Valley High School in his hometown, where he began developing the athletic foundation that would eventually carry him to the collegiate and professional levels. His upbringing in the California sunshine provided him with opportunities to hone his skills during his formative years, setting the stage for his future in football.
During his high school career at Golden Valley, Ravenell developed into a promising defensive prospect. His performance on the field caught the attention of college scouts, leading him to pursue his college football career at the NCAA Division II level. This decision would prove instrumental in his development as a player and his eventual path to the NFL.
Path to Professional Football
After completing high school, Ravenell enrolled at Missouri Western State University, where he joined the Missouri Western Griffons football program in 2018. He redshirted his true freshman season in 2018, using that year to adapt to the collegiate level of play and develop his skills within the Griffons system. This patient approach allowed him to grow physically and technically before competing for significant playing time.
Ravenell steadily improved over his five seasons with the Missouri Western Griffons from 2018 through 2023. His dedication to the sport and consistent performance earned him recognition within the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). He accumulated three academic awards during his time at the Division II program, demonstrating his ability to balance athletic commitments with academic responsibilities. His on-field production translated into All-MIAA honors, including a third-team selection in 2021 and consecutive second-team selections in 2022 and 2023.
C.J. Ravenell Career
Baltimore Ravens (2024–2025)
Despite not being selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, C.J. Ravenell earned an opportunity with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent. This achievement represented the culmination of his journey from California high school football to Division II college success and ultimately to the NFL. He joined the Ravens organization with determination to prove himself at the highest level of professional football.
During the 2024 preseason with the Ravens, Ravenell made an immediate impact by recording a sack on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett. This sack demonstrated his ability to translate his collegiate success to the professional game and showcased the pass-rushing skills that defined his game. Following the preseason, Ravenell signed a reserve/futures contract with the Ravens on February 12, 2025, indicating the team’s confidence in his potential and performance.
Ravenell continued with the Ravens through the early portion of the 2025 season. However, on August 26, 2025, he was waived by the Ravens as part of final roster cuts. This marked the end of his tenure with the organization that gave him his first professional opportunity, but it also opened a new chapter in his career.
Tennessee Titans (2025–Present)
Less than 24 hours after being waived by the Ravens, Ravenell was claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans on August 27, 2025. This swift transition to a new organization demonstrated his value as a player and the interest he generated around the league. Joining the Titans provided Ravenell with a fresh opportunity to continue his NFL career and contribute to a new defensive unit.
With his contract set to expire after the 2025 season, Ravenell proved his worth to the Titans organization. He re-signed with the team on March 5, 2026, securing his place with the franchise for the foreseeable future. This re-signing indicated the Titans’ belief in his contributions and his fit within their defensive schemes moving forward.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ravenell lines up as a defensive tackle and brings size at 6 feet 5 inches and 300 pounds to the interior of the defensive line. His collegiate career at Missouri Western showcased his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, whether as a pass rusher or in stopping the run. His experience in the MIAA against Division II competition helped him develop techniques that he has begun translating to the NFL level. The sack he recorded against Kenny Pickett during the preseason demonstrated his quickness off the line and his ability to pressure the quarterback.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant milestone in Ravenell’s young career remains his transition from undrafted free agent to NFL roster player. Being signed by the Baltimore Ravens in 2024 represented the fulfillment of his lifelong dream to play professional football. His subsequent waiver claim by the Titans and re-signing in 2026 demonstrated his resilience and ability to remain in the league despite roster changes.
C.J. Ravenell Career Statistics
Through his early NFL career, Ravenell has accumulated limited but notable statistics while playing for both the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans. His rookie season and early portion of his second year provided glimpses of his potential at the professional level.
Career NFL Statistics
During his time with the Ravens and Titans organizations, Ravenell has recorded 5 total tackles at the NFL level. He also forced 1 fumble, showcasing his ability to create turnovers and change momentum for his defensive unit. These statistics, while modest through his first two seasons, represent a foundation upon which he can build as he gains more experience and playing time in the league.
College Achievements
Ravenell’s most decorated statistical period came during his five seasons at Missouri Western. He earned three academic awards in addition to his on-field accomplishments. His All-MIAA selections spanned three seasons, including a third-team honor in 2021 followed by consecutive second-team recognitions in 2022 and 2023. These accolades reflected his consistent performance and growth as a collegiate player.
C.J. Ravenell Family
Personal Life
Outside of football, Ravenell maintains a presence on social media platforms where he connects with fans. He is represented on Instagram under the handle @cjravenell. Details regarding his family background, including parents, siblings, or personal relationships, have not been made publicly available through verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for C.J. Ravenell in his NFL career. After beginning the season with the Baltimore Ravens organization, he was waived during final roster cuts on August 26, 2025. His immediate claim by the Tennessee Titans just one day later provided him with continuity in his professional career and a new environment in which to contribute.
Joining the Titans defense mid-season required Ravenell to quickly adapt to new schemes, teammates, and coaching strategies. His ability to join a new team and contribute demonstrates the versatility and football intelligence he developed during his time at Missouri Western. The Titans coaching staff saw enough value in his skill set to claim him off waivers, indicating their belief in his potential to impact their defensive line rotation.