Jon Gaines II Bio
Jon Gaines II is an American professional American football center who currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 24, 1999, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, Gaines developed his skills as a three-star recruit at Marquette University High School before establishing himself as a versatile offensive lineman during his collegiate career at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The Arizona Cardinals selected Gaines in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 122nd overall pick. His journey from a high school team captain in Wisconsin to an NFL starter exemplifies his dedication to the sport of football.
Early Life and Background
Jon Gaines II was born in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, where he attended Marquette University High School in Milwaukee. During his high school years, Gaines participated in both football and track and field, demonstrating his athletic versatility. On the football field, he played the tackle position and served as team captain. His performance on the gridiron earned him recognition as a Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State honorable mention in 2017.
Gaines finished his high school career ranked as the tenth-best player in the state of Wisconsin despite being listed as only a three-star recruit. Nationally, he was ranked as the 128th-best tackle among his recruiting class. His impressive high school career attracted attention from multiple college programs, ultimately leading him to choose UCLA over scholarship offers from Northern Illinois, California, Iowa, and Purdue.
Path to American Football
Upon arriving at UCLA in 2018, Gaines began his collegiate career as a true freshman. He saw limited action during his first season, appearing in only one game, which came against Stanford in the season finale. This experience provided him with valuable exposure to college-level competition while he adjusted to the demands of playing at the Division I level.
The 2019 season marked a turning point in Gaines’s collegiate career. As a redshirt freshman, he began seeing regular action, appearing in every game while earning one start. His most significant contribution that season came as a blocking force for 1,000-yard rusher Joshua Kelley. Gaines’s blocking helped UCLA achieve a streak of five consecutive 200-yard rushing games, the first time the program had accomplished that feat in over 40 years, showcasing his ability to make an immediate impact on the ground game.
During the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Gaines continued his development by starting four out of seven games. His experience at multiple positions along the offensive line prepared him for the versatile role he would eventually fill at UCLA.
Jon Gaines II Career
UCLA Bruins Era (2018–2022)
The 2021 season represented Gaines’s breakthrough as a full-time starter. He demonstrated remarkable positional flexibility, starting games at tackle, guard, and center throughout the year. His blocking was instrumental in Zach Charbonnet’s 1,000-yard rushing season. That year, UCLA led the Pac-12 Conference in rushing yards-per-game, a testament to the offensive line’s dominance with Gaines anchoring the unit.
As a senior in 2022, Gaines delivered his most complete collegiate season. He again played a key role in Charbonnet’s second consecutive 1,000-yard season and helped UCLA lead the Pac-12 Conference in yards-per-carry. Gaines started every game and appeared on all 932 snaps at right guard, demonstrating exceptional durability and consistency. The offensive line he helped anchor was recognized as a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award, which honors the top offensive line unit in college football. Gaines earned honorable mention All-Conference honors and announced his decision to forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL Draft.
Throughout his five-year career at UCLA, Gaines appeared on 2,382 offensive snaps while allowing only five total sacks and 52 pressures. His exceptional performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he posted the best short shuttle time among all participants, further solidified his draft stock. Projected as a third-to-fifth round selection, Gaines awaited his opportunity to continue his football career at the professional level.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2023–Present)
The Arizona Cardinals selected Jon Gaines II in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 122nd overall pick. The Cardinals had identified Gaines as a promising prospect who could develop into a reliable interior offensive lineman. His versatility across multiple line positions made him an attractive selection for a team looking to build depth along its offensive front.
However, Gaines’s rookie season was cut short before it truly began. He was placed on injured reserve on August 29, 2023, which ended his debut campaign before he could appear in a regular-season game. This setback required patience and dedication during his first year with the organization as he worked to recover and establish himself within the Cardinals’ system.
Playing Style and Strengths
Gaines brings positional versatility to the center position, having started games at tackle, guard, and center during his collegiate career. His experience across the offensive line allows him to adapt to different blocking schemes and provides value to a Cardinals offensive line that continues to develop. His durability at UCLA, where he logged over 2,300 snaps without significant injury issues, demonstrates his ability to handle the physical demands of the position at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Gaines’s most notable accomplishments was his performance at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, where he recorded the best short shuttle time among all participants. This athletic achievement helped elevate his draft stock and demonstrated his quickness and agility for an interior lineman. Additionally, his role in UCLA’s consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons for Zach Charbonnet in 2021 and 2022 highlighted his consistency as a run blocker at the Power Five level.
Jon Gaines II Career Statistics
Throughout his collegiate and professional career, Gaines has accumulated meaningful playing time while demonstrating consistent performance. His ability to protect the quarterback and create rushing lanes has been evident throughout his development.
UCLA Highlights
At UCLA, Gaines appeared in 48 games over five seasons, earning starts at multiple positions along the offensive line. His most productive stretch came during his junior and senior seasons when he served as a full-time starter. He contributed to two 1,000-yard rushing seasons for Zach Charbonnet and was part of an offensive line unit that led the Pac-12 Conference in rushing yards-per-game in 2021 and yards-per-carry in 2022. His recognition as an honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection in 2022 capped an impressive collegiate career.
Professional Career Statistics
In his rookie season with the Arizona Cardinals during 2023, Gaines appeared in 13 games. His rookie year provided valuable learning opportunities as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of professional football while recovering from an early-season injury.
Jon Gaines II Family
Family Background
Jon Gaines II grew up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, where he developed his passion for football during his high school years. Information regarding his family background and extended family is not extensively documented in public sources.
Personal Life
Gaines has maintained a presence on social media platforms, connecting with fans through his Instagram account. He continues to reside with the Arizona Cardinals organization as he develops his professional football career. Information about his marital status or children is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
As Jon Gaines II enters the 2025 season with the Arizona Cardinals, he brings the experience gained from his rookie year despite the injury setback that limited his initial professional appearances. The Arizona Cardinals organization continues to evaluate their offensive line depth as they build for the future. Gaines’s versatility across multiple line positions remains a valuable asset as the team develops its offensive identity. His development under the Cardinals’ coaching staff will be important as he seeks to secure a more prominent role within the offensive line rotation. The foundation established during his productive UCLA career provides a solid base for continued growth at the professional level.