Cory Trice Jr. Bio
Cory Carlisle Trice Jr. is an American professional football cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 30, 2000, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Trice played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers from 2018 to 2022. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 241st overall pick. Trice has demonstrated promising potential during his early professional career despite facing significant injury challenges that have tested his resilience and determination on the field.
Early Life and Background
Cory Trice Jr. grew up in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where he attended Christian County High School. His father, Cory Trice Sr., was present throughout his early years before his tragic death in 2010. Trice’s athletic journey began on the football fields of Christian County, where he developed the foundational skills that would eventually carry him to the collegiate level. His dedication to the sport was evident from an early age, as he committed himself to rigorous training and development throughout his youth.
During his senior year at Christian County High School, Trice established himself as one of the premier athletes in the region. His exceptional performance on the football field earned him the prestigious title of Southern Pennyrile Football Athlete of the Year, recognizing his outstanding contributions to his high school team. This achievement served as a testament to his talent and work ethic, catching the attention of college recruiters across the country.
Path to American Football
Following his standout high school career, Trice received scholarship offers from multiple programs and ultimately decided to continue his football journey at Purdue University. He committed to play for the Purdue Boilermakers, joining a program with a rich tradition of developing NFL-caliber talent. His decision to attend Purdue marked the beginning of his transition from a high school standout to a potential professional player.
At Purdue, Trice initially played as a safety during the early portion of his college career. Coaches recognized his exceptional coverage abilities and physical tools, leading to a position change to cornerback in 2019. This adjustment proved beneficial for Trice, as he began to showcase the skills that would define his playing style at the next level. His development during this transition period laid the groundwork for his future success in the defensive backfield.
Cory Trice Jr. Career
College Career (2018–2022)
Trice established himself as a reliable contributor for the Purdue Boilermakers across five seasons from 2018 to 2022. After making the switch from safety to cornerback, he quickly adapted to his new role and began accumulating significant playing time. His combination of size, speed, and football intelligence made him a valuable asset in the Boilermakers’ secondary. Throughout his college career, Trice recorded 106 tackles, five interceptions, and two touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to make plays both in coverage and against the run.
Despite his success on the field, Trice faced adversity when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the 2021 season. The injury limited him to appearing in only two games that year, forcing him to work through a challenging rehabilitation process. Trice showed remarkable determination in his recovery, returning to the field for the 2022 season. His perseverance was recognized when he earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selection that same year, validating his contributions to Purdue’s defense.
Professional Career and Pittsburgh Steelers (2023–Present)
Trice’s professional dreams became reality when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 241st overall pick. The selection represented the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from the Kentucky native. Trice signed his rookie contract with the Steelers on May 11, 2023, officially beginning his NFL journey. However, his rookie season encountered an immediate setback when he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during training camp. The injury resulted in his placement on injured reserve on August 2, 2023, ending his debut professional season before it could truly begin.
Trice demonstrated remarkable resilience in his recovery, returning to full health for the 2024 season. He made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, achieving a significant personal milestone. Just one week later, on September 15, 2024, Trice recorded his first NFL interception during a Week 2 game against the Denver Broncos. He picked off Broncos quarterback Bo Nix in a 13-6 Steelers victory, marking a breakthrough moment in his professional career and validating his potential as a playmaker in the NFL.
Unfortunately, Trice’s momentum was interrupted once again when he was placed on injured reserve on September 24, 2024, due to a hamstring injury. He remained on injured reserve until December 5, 2024, when he was activated and returned to the active roster. The 2025 season brought more challenges, as Trice was placed on injured reserve with a designation for return on August 26, 2025, due to another hamstring injury. On November 19, 2025, the Steelers elected not to activate Trice due to a knee injury, and he reverted to season-ending injured reserve. Trice was waived with a failed injury designation on May 12, 2026.
Playing Style and Strengths
Trice possesses the physical attributes teams seek in modern NFL cornerbacks, listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 206 pounds. His size allows him to match up effectively against larger receivers and tight ends while maintaining the agility necessary for coverage duties. Trice’s background as a safety early in his college career provided him with versatility and football intelligence that enhances his defensive awareness. His ability to read plays and anticipate quarterback decisions contributed to his five interceptions during his time at Purdue.
Notable Events and Milestones
The interception of Bo Nix during his rookie season represented the highlight of Trice’s early NFL career. The play not only demonstrated his ball skills and instincts but also provided a glimpse of the player he could become with continued development and better injury luck. Despite the challenges he has faced with multiple knee and hamstring injuries, Trice has shown the mental toughness necessary to battle back and contribute at the highest level of professional football.
Cory Trice Jr. Career Statistics
Throughout his college and professional career, Trice has accumulated meaningful statistics that reflect his contributions as a defensive player. His college career at Purdue established him as a playmaker in the secondary, while his brief NFL appearances have demonstrated his ability to make an impact at the professional level.
College Career Highlights
During his five seasons at Purdue University from 2018 to 2022, Trice established himself as a consistent performer in the Big Ten Conference. His 106 career tackles, five interceptions, and two touchdowns showcased his ability to affect the game in multiple ways. The All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selection he earned in 2022 served as recognition of his improved play during his final collegiate season. Trice’s transition from safety to cornerback proved successful, as he developed into a player capable of shadowing opposing teams’ top receiving threats.
Professional Career Statistics
Through the 2025 season, Trice has recorded 21 tackles, two pass deflections, and one interception during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His single interception came during his standout performance against the Denver Broncos in September 2024. The limited statistical output reflects the significant playing time he has missed due to injuries rather than a lack of ability or production when on the field.
| Competition | Tackles | Interceptions | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|
| College (Purdue 2018–2022) | 106 | 5 | – |
| NFL (2023–2025) | 21 | 1 | 2 |
Cory Trice Jr. Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Cory Trice Jr. was born to Cory Trice Sr. and grew up in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, as part of a family deeply rooted in the local community. His father, Cory Trice Sr., played an important role in his son’s early development before his tragic death in 2010. The loss of his father at a young age shaped Trice’s character and provided him with additional motivation throughout his football career. Trice has spoken about the influence his father had on his life, crediting him with instilling the values of hard work and perseverance that have defined his journey.
Beyond football, Trice maintains connections with his Kentucky roots and continues to draw inspiration from his family legacy. His journey through adversity, including both personal loss and physical injuries, has forged a resilient mindset that serves him well both on and off the field. Trice’s commitment to his craft and his ability to overcome setbacks reflect the character strengths developed during his upbringing.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented another challenging chapter in Cory Trice Jr.’s professional career. After spending portions of the previous seasons working back from injuries, Trice faced additional obstacles that limited his availability throughout the campaign. His placement on injured reserve with a designation for return in August 2025 due to a hamstring injury marked the beginning of another extended absence from the field.
Despite the ongoing challenges with injuries, Trice continued to work diligently with the Steelers’ medical and training staff throughout the season. His determination to return to the field remained evident in his approach to rehabilitation and preparation. However, when the Steelers evaluated his status in November 2025, they determined that a knee injury prevented his activation from injured reserve, concluding his season for the third time in three professional years.
The recurring pattern of injuries has created uncertainty regarding Trice’s future with the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, Trice was waived with a failed injury designation on May 12, 2026, entering a new phase of his football journey. His ability to overcome these obstacles and secure another opportunity in the NFL will depend on his recovery and the evaluation of teams regarding his long-term potential and durability as a professional athlete.