Jeremiah Ledbetter Bio
Jeremiah Ledbetter is an American professional football defensive end currently signed with the New York Giants organization. Born in Orlando, Florida, on May 29, 1994, Ledbetter has built a journeyman career across multiple NFL franchises since entering the league as a sixth-round draft pick in 2017. His professional trajectory includes stops with the Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (two separate tenures), Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, and Jacksonville Jaguars before returning to the Giants in 2025. Ledbetter achieved the pinnacle of NFL success when he was part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that won Super Bowl LV in the 2020 season.
Early Life and Background
Jeremiah Ledbetter began his high school football career at Olympia High School in Florida before transferring to Gainesville High School in Gainesville, Georgia. At the high school level, Ledbetter developed the foundational skills that would propel him toward collegiate football. After completing his high school career, he initially attended Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, beginning his collegiate journey in 2013.
During his two seasons at Hutchinson Community College from 2012 to 2014, Ledbetter established himself as a dominant defensive player at the junior college level. His production and impact on the field earned him All-American honors in 2014, a significant achievement that put him on the radar of major college football programs seeking talented defensive linemen.
Path to Professional Football
Following his standout performance at Hutchinson Community College, Ledbetter transferred to the University of Arkansas, where he joined the Arkansas Razorbacks football program. He made an immediate impact upon his arrival, stepping into the starting lineup and contributing meaningfully to the team’s defensive efforts. As a junior during the 2015 season, he recorded 55 total tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing offenses at the Power Five conference level.
Ledbetter continued his development during his senior season in 2016. He was credited with 49 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. His consistent production across both seasons at Arkansas solidified his reputation as a reliable and disruptive defensive end prospect. His performance caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Jeremiah Ledbetter Career
Detroit Lions (2017-2018)
The Detroit Lions selected Jeremiah Ledbetter in the sixth round with the 205th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. On May 12, 2017, the Lions signed Ledbetter to a four-year contract worth $2.54 million, with a signing bonus of $144,160. This contract reflected the team’s investment in his potential as a developmental defensive end prospect. Ledbetter spent his rookie season with the Lions, working to translate his college success to the professional level while adapting to the speed and complexity of NFL offenses.
On September 1, 2018, the Lions waived Ledbetter as part of roster adjustments. His initial NFL tenure lasted just over one season, during which he gained valuable experience in the league’s structure, playbook demands, and professional standards.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers First Stint (2018-2019)
Shortly after his release from Detroit, Ledbetter joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization. On September 3, 2018, he was signed to the Buccaneers practice squad, where he continued developing his craft while awaiting an opportunity for advancement. His performance and dedication earned him a promotion to the active roster on December 19, 2018, marking his first regular-season elevation in the NFL.
During the 2019 season, Ledbetter’s tenure with Tampa Bay encountered complications. He was waived and placed on injured reserve during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019, and reverted to the team’s injured reserve list the following day. He was subsequently waived from injured reserve with an injury settlement on September 11, 2019, creating a brief period of uncertainty in his professional future.
Baltimore Ravens (2019)
Ledbetter continued his NFL journey by joining the Baltimore Ravens organization. On October 2, 2019, he was signed to the Ravens practice squad. However, his time in Baltimore was short-lived, as he was released by the Ravens on October 21, 2019. This brief stint provided additional experience in adapting to different team cultures and defensive systems.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Second Stint (2019-2020)
Ledbetter returned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization on October 22, 2019, when he was re-signed to the team’s practice squad. His persistence and consistent performance paid off when he signed a reserve/future contract with the Buccaneers on December 30, 2019, securing his place on the roster for the 2020 season.
The 2020 season became a career-defining year for Ledbetter. He was waived during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, but was signed to the practice squad the following day. He was elevated to the active roster on October 17 for the team’s Week 6 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, and subsequently signed to the active roster on December 2. In Week 16 against his former team, the Detroit Lions, Ledbetter recorded his first career NFL sack, bringing down Chase Daniel during the 47-7 victory. This milestone represented a breakthrough moment in his professional career, validating years of persistence and development.
Super Bowl Champion (2020)
Ledbetter’s perseverance culminated in the ultimate team achievement. He earned a Super Bowl championship when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV on February 7, 2021. The Buccaneers’ victory marked a historic moment as they became the first team to play and win a Super Bowl in their home stadium. Ledbetter’s contributions during the season, including his first career sack, helped solidify a defensive rotation that played a crucial role in the championship run.
Arizona Cardinals (2021)
Following the Super Bowl victory, Ledbetter’s career continued its journeyman path. On September 3, 2021, he was signed to the Arizona Cardinals practice squad. This move represented another opportunity to compete at the NFL level while contributing to a different defensive scheme. He was released by the Cardinals on October 26, 2021, but his willingness to join organizations and compete for roster spots demonstrated his enduring commitment to his professional career.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2021-2024)
Ledbetter joined the Jacksonville Jaguars organization on November 1, 2021, signing to their practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with Jacksonville on January 10, 2022, securing his place for the 2022 season. However, his tenure in Jacksonville was marked by injury challenges. He was waived/injured by the Jaguars on August 10, 2022, and was placed on injured reserve the following day. He was released on August 22 before being re-signed to the team’s practice squad on October 12. He was signed to the active roster on December 28, 2022, continuing to fight through adversity.
On March 8, 2024, Ledbetter re-signed with the Jaguars, indicating the team’s continued interest in his services and his desire to remain with the organization. His multi-year association with Jacksonville demonstrated his ability to build relationships within an organization and contribute consistently over multiple seasons.
New York Giants (2025-Present)
On March 14, 2025, Ledbetter signed with the New York Giants organization. This move represented a new chapter in his career as he joined a historic franchise with a rich tradition. He was released by New York on August 26 as part of final roster cuts, bringing an end to his brief tenure with the Giants. Despite this release, Ledbetter’s career trajectory continues to reflect the resilience and adaptability that has defined his professional journey through the NFL.
Defensive End Skills and Playing Style
Throughout his NFL career, Ledbetter has established himself as a reliable defensive end capable of contributing in both the run game and pass rush. His 6-foot-3, 299-pound frame provides the size and power necessary to hold ground against offensive linemen, while his collegiate background at Arkansas exposed him to multiple defensive schemes and techniques. His first career sack against Chase Daniel exemplified his ability to exploit opportunities when presented, a trait that has kept him employed in the league for multiple seasons.
Notable Events and Career Milestones
Ledbetter’s career has been defined by persistence through adversity and celebrating significant team achievements. His selection in the 2017 NFL Draft represented the realization of his childhood dream to play professional football. The culmination of his Super Bowl LV championship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stands as the highest achievement of his career. His journey through eight NFL organizations showcases both the competitive nature of professional football and his unwavering dedication to maintaining an NFL career.
Jeremiah Ledbetter Career Statistics
Across his NFL career spanning from 2017 through the 2024 season, Ledbetter has accumulated meaningful statistical contributions while serving in rotational roles on various defensive lines.
NFL Career Totals
In 80 career games, Ledbetter recorded 80 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 pass deflection, and 1 fumble recovery. His sack production, though modest, includes his first career sack achieved during his second stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. These statistics reflect his role as a rotational player rather than a primary starter, a common path for sixth-round draft picks seeking to establish themselves in the league.
Championship Achievement
The crown jewel of Ledbetter’s professional career remains his Super Bowl LV championship won with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 season. This achievement places him among the select group of NFL players who have earned the distinction of becoming a Super Bowl champion.
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 80 |
| Total Tackles | 80 |
| Sacks | 3.5 |
| Pass Deflections | 1 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 1 |
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Jeremiah Ledbetter joining the New York Giants organization on March 14. This signing represented an opportunity to contribute to a franchise known for its defensive tradition and passionate fan base. The Giants’ coaching staff evaluated Ledbetter during the offseason program and training camp, assessing his fit within their defensive system and roster composition.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 preseason, Ledbetter was released by the Giants on August 26 as part of final roster reductions. While this release concluded his tenure with the organization, it did not mark the end of his professional football career. Ledbetter’s extensive experience and demonstrated ability to contribute on special teams and defensive line rotations continue to make him a viable candidate for other NFL franchises seeking experienced depth at the defensive end position.
Looking ahead, Ledbetter remains a free agent following his release from the Giants. His career path demonstrates that veteran players can find opportunities even after roster cuts, particularly those with specific positional versatility and championship pedigree. Should he secure another NFL opportunity, Ledbetter would bring eight seasons of professional experience, a Super Bowl championship, and the steady professionalism that has allowed him to maintain a sustained career in the world’s premier football league.