Julius Chestnut Bio
Julius Chestnut is an American professional football running back and kickoff returner for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 26, 2000, in Bowie, Maryland, he played college football for the Sacred Heart Pioneers. Chestnut signed with the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and has been a part of the team since then, contributing primarily as a running back and on special teams.
Early Life and Background
Julius Chestnut grew up in Bowie, Maryland, where he attended Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn, Maryland. During his high school career, Chestnut developed as a versatile football player, building the foundation for his future as a professional athlete. His performance at the high school level helped him earn recognition and prepared him for the next stage of his football journey.
After graduating from Archbishop Spalding, Chestnut continued his football career at the collegiate level. He enrolled at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, where he would become one of the most accomplished players in the school’s history. His combination of speed, power, and vision made him a standout performer in the Pioneer football program.
Path to the NFL
Chestnut arrived at Sacred Heart University in 2018 and immediately made an impact. He earned Northeast Conference Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in his freshman season, setting the tone for what would become a distinguished collegiate career. His early success demonstrated his ability to adapt to the college game and contribute at a high level from the start.
Over the next three seasons, Chestnut continued to elevate his game. He earned Associated Press FCS Third-Team All-American honors in 2019 while also being named First-Team All-Northeast Conference. His most prolific season came in 2021 when he was named Northeast Conference Offensive Player of the Year and earned First-Team All-American honors from both the AFCA and Associated Press. These accolades solidified his status as one of the top FCS running backs in the country.
Julius Chestnut Career
Pre-Draft and Undrafted Free Agency (2018–2022)
Throughout his four seasons at Sacred Heart from 2018 to 2021, Chestnut amassed impressive statistics that drew attention from NFL scouts. His combination of rushing production, receiving ability, and special teams contributions made him an attractive prospect despite not being selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. Following the draft, he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans, joining the organization with a determination to prove himself at the highest level of professional football.
Tennessee Titans Breakthrough (2022–Present)
Chestnut signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2022. After participating in training camp and the preseason, he survived the final roster cuts and made the team’s initial 53-man roster alongside fellow undrafted rookie Tre Avery. He was inactive for the first three games of the season before being waived on October 1, 2022. The Titans re-signed him to the practice squad four days later, and he was promoted to the active roster on December 17, 2022. Chestnut appeared in six games during his rookie season, recording ten kick returns, three rushes, and three receptions for 238 total yards.
The 2023 season presented challenges for Chestnut as he entered the year third on the Titans running back depth chart. He suffered a hamstring injury in Week 3 that required him to be placed on injured reserve, limiting him to only three games throughout the season. The injury setback tested his resilience and provided motivation for his return to the field.
On March 13, 2024, Chestnut re-signed with the Titans on a one-year contract. He reported to training camp once again as the third running back on the depth chart. This time, he remained healthy throughout the entire season, appearing in all 17 games. He recorded 102 rushing yards, 11 receiving yards, and 337 kick return yards, demonstrating his value as a multi-faceted contributor on offense and special teams.
On March 19, 2025, Chestnut re-signed with the Titans on another one-year contract, continuing his tenure with the organization that gave him his first opportunity in the NFL. His continued presence on the roster reflects the coaching staff’s appreciation for his reliability and versatility as a depth player at the running back position and on special teams.
Playing Style and Strengths
Chestnut serves as a versatile depth running back and valuable special teams contributor for the Titans. His ability to line up in multiple positions, contribute as a kick returner, and provide reliable hands as a receiver makes him a useful asset in game-day rosters. His experience at Sacred Heart, where he handled significant offensive workloads, prepared him well for the diverse responsibilities required of NFL role players.
Notable Events and Milestones
Making the Titans roster as an undrafted free agent in 2022 stands as one of Chestnut’s most significant achievements. Surviving final roster cuts and eventually earning a promotion from the practice squad to the active roster demonstrated his persistence and ability to perform under pressure during his rookie season.
Julius Chestnut Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans from 2022 through the 2024 season, Chestnut has contributed as a runner, receiver, and kick returner. His career totals reflect his role as a special teams-oriented depth player rather than a primary offensive weapon.
NFL Career Summary
Chestnut has appeared in 26 games across three seasons with the Titans. He has accumulated 154 career rushing yards on 42 attempts, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. His receiving production includes 5 receptions for 52 yards. His most consistent contribution has come as a kick returner, where he has amassed 633 career return yards. The 2024 season represented his most active year, as he played in all 17 games and recorded 102 rushing yards and 337 kick return yards.
Collegiate Achievements
Before his NFL career, Chestnut built an impressive resume at Sacred Heart University. His 2021 season earned him AFCA First-Team All-American and Associated Press FCS First-Team All-American honors, along with Northeast Conference Offensive Player of the Year recognition. Earlier in his career, he earned Associated Press FCS Third-Team All-American honors in 2019 and was named First-Team All-Northeast Conference that same year. He began his collegiate career by capturing Northeast Conference Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2018.
| Stat Category | NFL Career Total |
|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 154 |
| Rushing Average | 3.7 |
| Receptions | 5 |
| Receiving Yards | 52 |
| Return Yards | 633 |
Julius Chestnut Personal Life
Chestnut was born on October 26, 2000, in Bowie, Maryland, making him 24 years old as of 2024. He attended Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn, Maryland, before pursuing his college football career at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Information about his family, marital status, or children is not publicly available, as he maintains a private personal life away from the football field.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked another chapter in Julius Chestnut’s tenure with the Tennessee Titans. Returning on a one-year contract signed in March 2025, Chestnut continued his role as a depth running back and special teams contributor. His experience within the Titans organization provided stability and familiarity with the team’s offensive schemes and coaching staff expectations. The coaching staff valued his reliability and versatility, which kept him in the mix for roster spots throughout the season.
Chestnut’s contributions extended beyond offensive plays as he remained a regular participant in the Titans’ kickoff return unit. His ability to handle multiple roles gave the coaching staff flexibility in game planning and roster construction. As the season progressed, Chestnut sought to build upon his 2024 performance, which saw him play all 17 games for the first time in his career.
The outlook for Chestnut’s continued NFL career depends on his ability to maintain health and contribute in various roles. His journey from undrafted free agent to consistent roster contributor represents the kind of persistence that NFL teams value in depth players. With each season, he adds to his experience and continues to establish himself as a reliable option at the running back position and on special teams for the Tennessee Titans organization.