Jordan Michael Colbert (born March 18, 2000) is an American professional football safety who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Born in Rockford, Illinois, Colbert attended Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., before playing college football for the Columbia Lions and later the Rhode Island Rams. He signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in May 2024, beginning his professional career with the organization.
Jordan Colbert Early Life and Background
Jordan Michael Colbert was born on March 18, 2000, in Rockford, Illinois. His family relocated to Washington, D.C., during his youth, where he would ultimately attend high school and begin his football journey. This early move positioned him in a competitive football region that would help shape his development as an athlete.
Colbert attended Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., a program known for developing collegiate and professional talent. He played three seasons of varsity football for the school. As a senior, he earned First Team All-Washington Catholic Athletic Conference honors after recording 31 tackles, two interceptions, and five passes defensed, showcasing his abilities as a defensive playmaker with ball skills.
Path to Professional Football
Following his standout high school career, Colbert committed to play at the collegiate level for Columbia University. His journey through college football would span six seasons across two programs, each providing unique challenges and opportunities for growth as a safety.
At Columbia, Colbert transitioned to the free safety position and became a reliable presence in the secondary. He earned All-Ivy League honorable mention recognition as a senior in 2021, highlighting his development into one of the better defensive backs in the conference. His academic pursuits at Columbia included a major in psychology, demonstrating his commitment to balancing athletics with intellectual development.
After completing his degree at Columbia, Colbert pursued additional opportunities by transferring to the University of Rhode Island for his final two seasons of college football eligibility. At Rhode Island, he continued to develop his defensive skills in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), recording 96 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles across 21 games. He also earned a master’s degree in business administration during this time, further strengthening his academic profile alongside his athletic career.
Jordan Colbert Career
Entry to the NFL (2024)
Despite not being selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, Colbert’s college performance attracted interest from NFL teams. He signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024. This opportunity represented the culmination of his six-year college football journey and the beginning of his professional career.
Colbert’s rookie season was developmental in nature. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 27, 2024, but was immediately signed to the Dolphins’ practice squad the following day. He spent the entire 2024 season on Miami’s practice squad, using the year to adjust to the professional level, learn the Dolphins’ defensive scheme, and prepare for future opportunities.
Dolphins Tenure Continues (2025)
On January 7, 2025, Colbert signed a futures/reserve contract with Miami, signaling the team’s continued interest in his development. He competed throughout the offseason and preseason for a spot on the 53-man roster. His efforts paid off when he made Miami’s initial roster for the 2025 season, a significant achievement for a player who had spent his entire rookie year on the practice squad.
However, his roster spot proved temporary as he was waived on August 27, 2025, after the Dolphins signed cornerback Rasul Douglas. Rather than losing him entirely, the organization retained Colbert by promoting him to the active roster on October 8, 2025. He appeared in five games for Miami during the 2025 season, recording five combined tackles in limited defensive opportunities.
The 2025 season ended prematurely for Colbert when he was placed on injured reserve on November 21, 2025, due to a stinger he suffered in Week 11 against the Washington Commanders. This injury, sustained in a game against his hometown area team, ended his season but not his standing within the organization. On June 2, 2026, Colbert was waived by the Dolphins following a failed physical, concluding his tenure with the team that had given him his professional opportunity.
Jordan Colbert College Statistics
Colbert’s college career spanned six seasons across two programs, with his total statistics reflecting his reliability and versatility as a defensive back. His 164 career tackles across Columbia and Rhode Island demonstrated consistent production at the FCS level.
Columbia Lions (2018-2021)
During his four seasons at Columbia, Colbert appeared in 20 games with 12 starts as a free safety. He totaled 68 tackles (39 solo), one tackle for loss, two interceptions, six passes defensed, and one fumble recovery. His All-Ivy League honorable mention selection in 2021 capped his tenure as one of the Lions’ defensive leaders in the secondary.
Rhode Island Rams (2022-2023)
At Rhode Island, Colbert appeared in 21 games with 11 starts over two seasons. He recorded 96 tackles (66 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, a half-sack, two interceptions, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. His productivity increased at the Rams, where he served as a more experienced presence in the defensive backfield while pursuing his MBA.
Jordan Colbert Family
Personal Life
Beyond football, Jordan Colbert has demonstrated commitment to academic pursuits, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Columbia University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Rhode Island. This dual-degree background suggests an interest in either pursuing opportunities in sports administration post-playing career or maintaining marketable skills for alternative career paths.
Colbert maintains a public presence through his Instagram account, where he engages with fans and shares glimpses of his professional journey. His transition from Rockford, Illinois, to Washington, D.C., and ultimately to the NFL represents a path that required adaptability and perseverance through the undrafted free agent process.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented Colbert’s first extended time on an NFL active roster following his developmental year on the practice squad in 2024. Making the Dolphins’ initial 53-man roster out of training camp was a significant milestone for the former undrafted free agent, validating the organization’s investment in his potential.
After being waived and subsequently promoted to the active roster in October, Colbert appeared in five games with limited defensive snaps. His five combined tackles reflected his role as a depth player in the secondary rather than a starter. The stinger injury suffered against Washington in Week 11 ended his season prematurely and ultimately led to his release in June 2026 following a failed physical.
The 2025 campaign demonstrated both the opportunities and challenges facing young defensive backs in the NFL. While Colbert proved he belonged on an NFL roster, his release in 2026 indicates he must continue proving himself in professional football. His journey from undrafted free agent to roster player to injured reserve exemplifies the competitive nature of the NFL and the perseverance required to maintain a professional career.