Jonathan Terell Ford Bio
Jonathan Terell Ford is an American professional football defensive tackle who currently plays for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 29, 1998, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Ford attended the University of Miami, where he played college football for the Miami Hurricanes from 2017 to 2021. The Green Bay Packers selected him in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 234th overall pick. After spending parts of three seasons with the Packers organization, Ford joined the Chicago Bears in December 2024 before returning to Green Bay in late 2025. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 346 pounds, Ford has competed as a nose tackle throughout his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Jonathan Terell Ford was born on September 29, 1998, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He attended Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, where he developed into a notable football prospect. His performance at the high school level positioned him for opportunities at the collegiate ranks. Ford chose to continue his football career close to home, selecting the University of Miami to play for the Miami Hurricanes.
Path to the NFL
Ford played for the Miami Hurricanes from 2017 through 2021, developing his skills as a nose tackle at the collegiate level. His four seasons of college football experience provided him with the foundation needed to transition to professional competition. His tenure with the Hurricanes allowed him to compete against high-level collegiate athletes and refine his technique as a defensive lineman. Ford’s draft preparation and performance during his senior season caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Jonathan Terell Ford Career
Green Bay Packers (2022–2024)
The Green Bay Packers selected Jonathan Terell Ford in the seventh round with the 234th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Ford signed his rookie contract with the Packers on May 6, 2022. He competed throughout his first training camp and secured a spot on the Packers’ initial 53-man roster for the 2022 season. However, Ford remained inactive throughout his entire rookie season, not appearing in any regular-season games.
During the 2023 season, Ford’s roster status fluctuated significantly. On August 30, 2023, the Packers waived him, but he was re-signed to the practice squad just one day later. This pattern of movement between the active roster and practice squad would become characteristic of his time with the organization. Ford continued to develop and wait for his opportunity to contribute on the field.
The Packers signed Ford to a reserve/future contract on January 22, 2024, securing his return for the 2024 season. He began the 2024 campaign on injured reserve after being placed on the list on August 27. Ford was activated from injured reserve on October 21, 2024, but was subsequently released and re-signed to the practice squad multiple times as the team managed its roster.
Chicago Bears (2024–2025)
On December 11, 2024, the Chicago Bears signed Ford off the Green Bay Packers practice squad, bringing him to Chicago for the remainder of the 2024 season. Ford provided defensive line depth for the Bears during the stretch run of the regular season.
On April 8, 2025, Ford signed his exclusive rights free agent contract with the Bears, indicating the team’s interest in retaining him for the 2025 season. He was waived on August 26, 2025, as part of the team’s final roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad the following day. Ford was promoted to the active roster on October 25, 2025, giving him an opportunity to contribute during the 2025 season. He was waived on December 27, 2025.
Return to Green Bay Packers (2025–Present)
On December 30, 2025, the Green Bay Packers claimed Ford off waivers, bringing him back to the organization where he began his professional career. This second stint with the Packers represents an opportunity for Ford to continue developing as a defensive tackle within a familiar system.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ford operates primarily as a nose tackle, a position that requires strength and discipline against the run. His 6-foot-5-inch, 346-pound frame provides the size needed to anchor the middle of the defensive line. As a nose tackle, his responsibilities include absorbing double teams, clogging running lanes, and disrupting opposing offensive schemes. His experience at Miami and time in the NFL have allowed him to refine his technique for handling blocks at the professional level.
Notable Career Milestones
Ford made his most significant career milestone by securing a spot on an NFL roster after being drafted in the seventh round, which is considered a late-round selection. His journey has included multiple practice squad stints, injured reserve periods, and roster transactions that tested his resilience and dedication to the sport. His December 2025 return to Green Bay marked a full-circle moment in his professional career.
Jonathan Terell Ford Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career, Ford has accumulated limited statistical production due to his primarily practice squad-based role. He has appeared in games with both the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears organizations during his professional tenure.
Regular Season Career Statistics
As of the 2025 season, Ford has recorded 15 total tackles across his NFL career. His defensive tackle statistics reflect his role as a depth player on the interior of the defensive line. Ford continues to work toward increased playing time and statistical production as he progresses through his professional career.
Jonathan Terell Ford Family
Family Background
Public records do not provide detailed information about Ford’s family background or immediate family members. Ford maintains his connection to his Florida roots, having been born and raised in Fort Lauderdale and attended Dillard High School in the city.
Personal Life
Jonathan Terell Ford maintains an active presence on social media under the handle @ford__9. He continues to pursue his professional football career while residing in the Midwest during the NFL season. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Ford remains focused on his development as a professional football player and contributing to the teams he joins.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a year of transition for Ford. He began the year with the Chicago Bears organization, where he spent time on both the practice squad and active roster. Ford’s promotion to the Bears’ active roster on October 25 demonstrated the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities. However, he was waived on December 27, creating another opportunity elsewhere in the league.
The Green Bay Packers claimed Ford off waivers on December 30, providing him with a fresh start to finish the 2025 season. This return to his original NFL franchise offered Ford the chance to reunite with familiar coaches and teammates. His journey through multiple organizations during the 2025 season highlights the competitive nature of maintaining an NFL roster spot as a defensive tackle. Ford’s resilience in navigating roster changes and his continued dedication to the sport position him for potential contributions in future seasons with the Packers.