Cody Ford Bio
Cody Ford is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners from 2015 to 2018. Ford entered the NFL as a second-round pick, 38th overall, in the 2019 NFL Draft selected by the Buffalo Bills. He has since played for the Arizona Cardinals before joining the Bengals in 2023. Ford has appeared in 95 career NFL games with 42 starts across his six seasons in the league.
Early Life and Background
Cody Ford was born on December 28, 1996, in Pineville, Louisiana. He attended Pineville High School in his hometown, where he developed into a highly regarded offensive line prospect. Ford’s size and athleticism made him a standout at the high school level, setting the foundation for his collegiate career at a major program.
Path to the NFL
Ford originally committed to play college football at TCU before flipping his commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners. He redshirted during the 2015 season, using that year to develop and adjust to the college level. In 2016, Ford earned a starting role and opened the season as Oklahoma’s left guard, starting the first three games before suffering a broken fibula against Ohio State that ended his season prematurely.
After recovering from the injury, Ford returned to become a dominant force on Oklahoma’s offensive line. During his redshirt junior season in 2018, he was named a third-team All-American and earned first-team All-Big 12 honors as part of an offensive line that won the prestigious Joe Moore Award, given annually to the nation’s top offensive line unit. Ford was ranked as the number three guard available in the 2019 NFL Draft by analyst Mel Kiper Jr. when he declared for the draft after the season.
Cody Ford Career
Buffalo Bills (2019–2021)
Ford was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the second round with the 38th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he alternated between playing guard and tackle but saw increased time at tackle after starter Ty Nsekhe suffered an ankle injury. During Buffalo’s Wild Card Round playoff loss against the Houston Texans, Ford was called for an illegal blindside block as the Bills were driving into field goal range in overtime. The penalty proved costly in Buffalo’s defeat and generated significant attention. Ford was later fined $28,075 by the league for the hit, though numerous Bills fans donated through GoFundMe in an effort to help him cover the cost.
In 2020, Ford entered the season as Buffalo’s starting right guard. He moved to left guard in Week 3 and started four consecutive games there before missing time due to injury. Prior to Week 12, Ford suffered a torn meniscus during practice and was placed on injured reserve on November 28, ending his season prematurely. He returned for the 2021 season and continued contributing along the Bills’ offensive line before his departure from the team.
Arizona Cardinals (2022)
On August 22, 2022, the Bills traded Ford to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a 2023 fifth-round draft pick. His time with the Cardinals was plagued by injury. On September 10, 2022, he was placed on injured reserve after injuring his ankle during practice. Ford was activated off injured reserve on October 20 but appeared in limited games during the remainder of the season.
Cincinnati Bengals (2023–Present)
On March 16, 2023, Ford signed a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. He made the initial 53-man roster as the backup left guard to Cordell Volson. Ford made his first start with the Bengals in Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, seeing significant playing time as an injury replacement.
On March 9, 2024, Ford signed a one-year contract extension with the Bengals. He served as a backup during the 2024 season but started nine games as an injury fill-in, playing both at tackle and guard positions. On March 10, 2025, Ford signed a two-year contract extension with Cincinnati, securing his future with the franchise through the 2027 season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ford brings versatility to the offensive line, capable of playing both guard and tackle positions at a high level. His college experience at Oklahoma, where he faced elite competition in the Big 12, prepared him for the physical demands of the NFL. Ford’s ability to slide between positions provides valuable depth and flexibility for the Bengals’ offensive line, allowing the coaching staff to adjust based on matchups and injuries throughout the season.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ford reached a significant career milestone on December 28, 2025, his 29th birthday. In a victory over the Arizona Cardinals, he recorded his first career reception in the NFL, a 21-yard catch from quarterback Joe Burrow. This memorable moment marked a unique achievement for an offensive lineman known primarily for his blocking ability. His draft selection as the 38th overall pick in 2019 and his All-American honors at Oklahoma remain key highlights of his football career.
Cody Ford Career Highlights
Ford has built a solid NFL career spanning six seasons with three different franchises. His college career at Oklahoma established him as one of the top offensive line prospects in his draft class, culminating in All-American honors. In the NFL, Ford has appeared in 95 games with 42 starts across his time with the Bills, Cardinals, and Bengals.
College Career Highlights
During his tenure at Oklahoma from 2015 to 2018, Ford established himself as a dominant interior offensive lineman. His 2018 season stands as his most decorated, earning third-team All-American honors and first-team All-Big 12 recognition while helping the Sooners’ offensive line win the Joe Moore Award. Ford’s ability to protect the quarterback and establish the run game made him a highly sought-after prospect entering the 2019 NFL Draft.
Other Notable Performances
Ford’s rookie season with Buffalo included valuable playoff experience despite the controversial penalty in the Texans game. His versatility allowed him to contribute at multiple positions throughout his early career. The 2024 season saw him make nine starts for the Bengals, demonstrating his continued ability to step in and perform at a high level when called upon.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant chapter in Ford’s career as he secured a two-year contract extension with the Bengals in March, demonstrating the franchise’s confidence in his abilities. As a veteran presence on the offensive line, Ford provided crucial depth at both guard and tackle positions throughout the season. His performance against the Steelers in Week 12 of the 2023 season continued to pay dividends, as the coaching staff trusted him in starting roles when needed.
Ford’s most memorable moment of the 2025 season came on his birthday, December 28, when he recorded his first career NFL catch, a 21-yard reception against his former team, the Arizona Cardinals. This unique achievement showcased his athleticism and served as a rewarding milestone for the longtime offensive lineman. The Bengals’ offensive line continued to develop chemistry throughout the season, with Ford serving as a reliable veteran piece in their rotation.