Dierrias J. Humphries Jr. Bio
Dierrias J. Humphries Jr. (born December 28, 1993) is an American professional football offensive tackle who currently plays for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). Humphries, nicknamed D.J. Humphries, is a former first-round draft pick who has built a reputation as a reliable blindside protector at the left tackle position. He spent nine seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before brief stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and now the Los Angeles Rams. A former five-star recruit and University of Florida standout, Humphries earned Pro Bowl honors in 2021 and has accumulated over 100 career starts in his NFL career.
Early Life and Background
Dierrias J. Humphries Jr. was born in Union, South Carolina, and grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. His father, also named D.J. Humphries, played college football and basketball at Presbyterian College and later competed in the Arena Football League, giving the younger Humphries a strong football lineage. This family background exposed him to the sport from an early age and helped shape his development as an athlete.
Humphries attended Mallard Creek High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he became a three-sport athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and track and field. On the football field, he was an All-American offensive lineman who cleared the way for 2,000-yard rusher Jela Duncan and helped protect quarterback Marquise Williams. Remarkably, Humphries started from his freshman season and did not allow a single sack over his final three years of high school. In 2011, he helped lead Mallard Creek to a 13-1 record and a berth in the NCHSAA Class 4AA State Semifinals.
In track and field, Humphries competed in shot put and discus, posting top throws of 48 feet 9 inches in shot put and 105 feet 3 inches in discus. His athletic profile as a five-star recruit earned him comparison to NFL offensive tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson by Rivals.com, which ranked him as the No. 1 offensive tackle prospect in his class. He chose to continue his football career at the University of Florida over offers from Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina, among others.
Path to the NFL
Humphries enrolled at the University of Florida in January 2012 to participate in spring practice. As a true freshman, he appeared in all 12 games and started three at left tackle against South Carolina, Missouri, and Louisiana-Lafayette. He graded out at 80 percent or better six times during the season, including a perfect 100 percent performance against Texas A&M and Tennessee. His outstanding debut campaign earned him First-team All-Southeastern Conference Freshman honors and Sporting News Freshman All-American recognition.
During his sophomore season in 2013, Humphries played the first seven games before suffering a season-ending injury. He returned for his junior year in 2014, playing in 10 games while missing two due to injury. Despite the limited action, his talent was evident, and he decided to enter the 2015 NFL draft after his junior season. He became the highest-selected Florida offensive lineman since Mike Pouncey in 2011 when the Arizona Cardinals selected him with the 24th overall pick in the first round.
Dierrias J. Humphries Jr. Career
Arizona Cardinals Era (2015-2023)
On June 1, 2015, Humphries signed a four-year, $8.91 million rookie contract with $7.26 million guaranteed and a $4.74 million signing bonus. Throughout his rookie training camp and preseason, coaches noted that Humphries required constant motivation. Head coach Bruce Arians nicknamed him “knee-deep,” explaining that coaches needed to keep “a knee in his ass every day” to keep him focused and performing at a high level.
Despite his first-round status, Humphries began his rookie season as the Cardinals’ third right tackle on the depth chart, behind veterans Earl Watford and Bobby Massie. He was inactive for all 16 regular season games and both postseason contests, becoming the only first-round draft pick in 2015 to be inactive for an entire season. However, he earned the starting right tackle job heading into his second season and made his professional debut in the season-opening loss to the New England Patriots.
On November 27, 2016, Humphries made his first career start at left tackle in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons, stepping in after starting left tackle Jared Veldheer suffered a torn triceps. He continued to develop throughout the season but suffered a concussion during a Week 14 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The following year, Humphries entered the 2017 season as the Cardinals’ starting left tackle but suffered an MCL sprain in Week 1, missing four games. Upon returning, he dislocated his kneecap and sustained an MCL injury in Week 10, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
The 2018 season saw Humphries start the first nine games at left tackle before another knee injury forced him to miss the next three games, and he was ultimately placed on injured reserve on December 5. The Cardinals picked up the fifth-year option on his contract in April 2018. On February 17, 2020, Humphries signed a three-year, $45 million contract extension through the 2022 season, solidifying his place as the team’s franchise left tackle.
Humphries continued his strong play and earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2021. On August 2, 2022, he signed another lucrative three-year, $66.6 million extension through the 2025 season. However, his 2022 campaign was interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve with a back injury on November 26. The following season, on December 31, 2023, Humphries tore his ACL in a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and was placed on injured reserve. The Cardinals released him on March 13, 2024, ending his nine-season tenure with the franchise.
Kansas City Chiefs (2024)
On November 25, 2024, Humphries signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. During the regular season, he started at left tackle in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers and in Week 18 versus the Denver Broncos. In the playoffs, he contributed on special teams during the divisional round and AFC Championship Game. He was active but did not play in Super Bowl LIX as the Chiefs competed for the championship.
Los Angeles Rams (2025-Present)
On June 12, 2025, Humphries signed with the Los Angeles Rams. Earlier that year, he had reached a deal with the San Francisco 49ers in April, but that agreement fell through before he ultimately joined the Rams. Humphries did not see game action until Week 8 when he played in a 35-7 victory over Jacksonville. He appeared in eight games during the regular season, earning a start at left tackle in place of Alaric Jackson during a Week 17 loss to Atlanta. Humphries also contributed in a backup role during the Rams’ 34-31 NFC Wild Card victory over Carolina.
Playing Style and Strengths
Humphries has established himself as a durable and technically sound left tackle capable of protecting the quarterback’s blindside at a high level. His combination of size, length, and footwork allows him to handle elite pass rushers in one-on-one situations. His career trajectory shows resilience despite multiple injuries, demonstrating his ability to recover and return to form. His experience spanning multiple systems with the Cardinals, Chiefs, and Rams has broadened his football IQ and adaptability to different offensive schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Humphries has achieved several significant milestones. Being selected 24th overall in the 2015 NFL draft marked the beginning of his professional journey. His Pro Bowl selection in 2021 stands as his most prestigious individual honor to date. His performance during the 2020 and 2022 seasons, when he signed multi-year extensions worth $45 million and $66.6 million respectively, reflects his value as a top-tier offensive tackle. Despite injury setbacks including concussions, MCL sprains, knee injuries, and a torn ACL, Humphries has demonstrated resilience by continuing his NFL career into his tenth season.
Dierrias J. Humphries Jr. Career Honors
Throughout his football career at the high school, college, and professional levels, Humphries has accumulated notable honors and achievements that highlight his consistent excellence as an offensive lineman.
Professional Honors
At the professional level, Humphries earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2021, recognizing him among the top players at his position in the league. Through the 2025 season, he has appeared in 108 career NFL games with 101 starts, demonstrating his durability and consistency as a starter. His successful navigation of multiple injury comebacks and continued employment with three NFL franchises speaks to his resilience and value as a veteran offensive tackle.
College and High School Honors
Before his NFL career, Humphries was recognized as a five-star recruit and the No. 1 offensive tackle prospect in his class by Rivals.com. In high school, he won the 2011 Anthony Muñoz Award, presented to the best lineman in the country at the high school level. At Florida, he earned First-team All-Southeastern Conference Freshman honors and was named a Sporting News Freshman All-American in 2012.
| Achievement | Year |
|---|---|
| Anthony Muñoz Award (Best High School Lineman) | 2011 |
| Sporting News Freshman All-American | 2012 |
| SEC All-Freshman First Team | 2012 |
| Pro Bowl Selection | 2021 |
Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Dierrias J. Humphries Jr. comes from a football family, as his father, also named D.J. Humphries, played college football and basketball at Presbyterian College. The elder Humphries also competed professionally in the Arena Football League, giving the younger Humphries both a genetic predisposition and early exposure to the sport. This family legacy contributed to his development from a young age and helped him understand the dedication required to succeed at the highest levels of football.
Personal Life
Humphries is a father and has one son. He maintains an active presence on social media, where he shares glimpses of his personal life alongside his professional career. His Instagram handle is @hump, through which fans can follow his journey in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a new chapter in Humphries’ career as he joined the Los Angeles Rams. After being released by the Arizona Cardinals in March 2024 and playing a limited role with the Kansas City Chiefs during their playoff run, Humphries signed with the Rams in June 2025. Initially, he had reached a deal with the San Francisco 49ers in April, but that agreement fell through before completion, leading him to ultimately sign with the Rams instead.
Humphries did not see game action until Week 8 of the 2025 season when he played in a commanding 35-7 victory over Jacksonville. He appeared in eight games throughout the regular season, demonstrating his ability to contribute as a backup and spot starter. His most significant contribution came in Week 17 when he started at left tackle in place of Alaric Jackson during a 27-24 loss to Atlanta. In the playoffs, Humphries provided valuable depth as a backup, appearing in the Rams’ 34-31 NFC Wild Card victory over Carolina.