D’Shawn Jamison

D’Shawn Jamison Bio

D’Shawn Jamison (born June 4, 1999) is an American professional football cornerback who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Jamison relocated to Houston, Texas, following Hurricane Katrina and developed into a four-star college recruit before playing five seasons at the University of Texas. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and has since appeared in games for the San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Early Life and Background

D’Shawn Jamison was born on June 4, 1999, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He lived in New Orleans until 2005, when his family was displaced by Hurricane Katrina and relocated to Houston, Texas. In Houston, Jamison attended Lamar High School, where he excelled in both football and track and field. His high school football career positioned him as one of the top prospects in the region.

Jamison earned a four-star recruiting rating and was highly sought after by major college programs. He ultimately chose to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Texas, turning down scholarship offers from programs including Michigan, Oregon, TCU, and USC. His commitment to Texas marked the beginning of his journey toward professional football.

Path to American Football

Jamison arrived at the University of Texas in 2018 as a wide receiver and return specialist. He contributed immediately on special teams, handling punt and kickoff return duties during his freshman season. His versatility and athleticism were evident from the outset of his college career.

Prior to his sophomore season in 2019, Jamison made a position transition to cornerback. The switch proved successful, as he recorded 35 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, and three passes broken up while also returning nine punts for 118 yards and one touchdown. This marked the beginning of his evolution as a defensive back.

D’Shawn Jamison Career

College Career (2018–2022)

D’Shawn Jamison spent five seasons with the Texas Longhorns from 2018 to 2022. His freshman year was spent primarily on offense as a wide receiver and on special teams as a returner. The position change to cornerback before his sophomore year became a defining moment in his development as a player.

Throughout his college career, Jamison established himself as a reliable defensive back and dynamic return specialist. As a junior, he earned honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference honors as a returner after accumulating 564 kickoff return yards and 102 punt return yards. His senior season saw him record 48 tackles with one interception while contributing significantly on special teams with 424 kickoff return yards and 105 punt return yards.

Jamison utilized the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes who played during the 2020 season affected by the coronavirus pandemic and returned to Texas for a fifth season in 2022. In his final collegiate campaign, he recorded 25 tackles with two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, and seven passes defended. His five seasons at Texas provided him with extensive experience that would prepare him for the professional level.

San Francisco 49ers (2023)

D’Shawn Jamison entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in April 2023 when he signed with the San Francisco 49ers on April 29. His brief tenure with the 49ers lasted less than a full season, as he was waived on August 29, 2023, during final roster cuts. Despite the short stint, his signing demonstrated that professional scouts recognized his potential despite going undrafted.

Carolina Panthers (2023–2024)

On August 30, 2023, Jamison was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers, giving him an opportunity to continue his NFL career. He spent the remainder of the 2023 season with Carolina and saw his role expand as the year progressed. In a Week 4 game against the Minnesota Vikings, Jamison saw increased playing time due to injuries in the Panthers secondary.

During that game, Jamison delivered a memorable performance. When teammate Sam Franklin Jr. recorded a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown, Jamison raced down the sideline at over 22 miles per hour and delivered a key block on Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins to clear a path to the end zone. He finished his time with the Panthers with 10 total tackles and one pass defended. The Panthers waived Jamison on August 28, 2024.

Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2024–Present)

D’Shawn Jamison joined the Pittsburgh Steelers organization on September 17, 2024, when he signed to their practice squad. He demonstrated consistency and dedication during his time on the practice squad, which earned him a reserve/future contract with Pittsburgh on January 14, 2025. This signing marked a significant step in establishing himself within the Steelers organization.

The Steelers continued to evaluate their roster throughout the 2025 season, and Jamison remained part of their defensive backfield rotation. On August 25, he was waived by the Steelers but rejoined the practice squad two days later. He signed another reserve/future contract with Pittsburgh on January 17, 2026, indicating the team’s continued interest in his development and contributions.

Defensive Style and Strengths

D’Shawn Jamison brings versatility to the cornerback position, having transitioned from wide receiver during his college career. His experience as a return specialist provides him with exceptional ball skills and spatial awareness. His speed was demonstrated during his block on the Kirk Cousins touchdown play, where he reached over 22 miles per hour pursuing the play. Jamison’s background gives him the ability to contribute on special teams while continuing to develop as a defensive back in the NFL.

Notable Events and Milestones

Jamison’s most memorable NFL moment came during his time with the Carolina Panthers in the 2023 season. His key block during the 99-yard interception return touchdown by Sam Franklin Jr. against the Minnesota Vikings showcased his speed, effort, and willingness to contribute in any role. This play highlighted his team-first mentality and ability to make an impact beyond his primary defensive assignments.

D’Shawn Jamison Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career spanning three seasons with the 49ers, Panthers, and Steelers, Jamison has accumulated meaningful playing experience while continuing to develop his craft as a professional cornerback. His contributions have come primarily on special teams and as a rotational defensive back.

Professional Career Highlights

D’Shawn Jamison has appeared in games for three NFL franchises since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023. His transition from college football to the professional level required adaptation, as he went from a featured role at Texas to competing for spots on NFL rosters. His career statistics include 10 total tackles and one pass deflection recorded with the Carolina Panthers.

Perhaps his most impactful statistical contribution came through his special teams work, where his blocking and pursuit helped create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His ability to make plays in space and his speed were evident in his pursuit of the Cousins tackle during the Panthers’ signature play.

College Career Achievements

At Texas, Jamison accumulated impressive statistics across five seasons. His career included multiple interceptions, tackle for loss totals, and significant return yardage. His single-season bests included 48 tackles as a senior, 35 tackles with three interceptions as a sophomore, and over 560 kickoff return yards as a junior. His production as a returner earned him honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference recognition.

D’Shawn Jamison Family

Family Background

D’Shawn Jamison grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, until Hurricane Katrina displaced his family in 2005. The family relocated to Houston, Texas, where Jamision would spend his formative teenage years and develop his football skills at Lamar High School. The adversity faced by his family early in life shaped his resilience and determination that would later carry him through his football career.

Personal Life

Jamison resides in Houston, Texas, where he continues to maintain connections to the community that raised him following his family’s displacement from New Orleans. He attended Lamar High School in Houston and spent his early professional career close to his Texas roots before joining the Steelers organization in Pittsburgh. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children has not been made publicly available.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season represented an important chapter in D’Shawn Jamison’s professional career as he sought to establish himself within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. After signing a reserve/future contract in January 2025, he competed for a roster spot throughout the offseason and training camp. His experience from previous seasons with the Panthers provided him with valuable NFL experience that he brought to Pittsburgh’s secondary.

Jamison began the 2025 season on the Steelers roster but was waived during roster cuts in late August before rejoining the practice squad. This pattern reflected the competitive nature of NFL roster construction and the challenges that players at his position face in earning consistent roster spots. His ability to bounce back onto the practice squad demonstrated his value to the coaching staff and his commitment to continuing his development.

The Steelers’ defensive coaching staff continued to work with Jamison on refining his technique and understanding of the defense. His versatility as both a cornerback and special teams contributor gave him a pathway to earning increased playing time. As the season progressed, he remained ready to contribute when called upon, maintaining the professional approach that has characterized his early NFL career.