Junior Colson Bio
Junior Colson is a Haitian-American professional football linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). Born in Mirebalais, Haiti, on December 6, 2002, Colson overcame significant adversity in his early childhood before being adopted by an American family and moving to Tennessee at age nine. He went on to become a standout college player at the University of Michigan, where he won three consecutive Big Ten Conference titles and a national championship in 2023. Colson was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the third round (69th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft and has established himself as a promising young linebacker in professional football.
Early Life and Background
Colson was born in Mirebalais, Haiti, and experienced profound hardship at a young age. His father passed away when Colson was seven years old, leaving him in the care of an orphanage in Port-au-Prince operated by his uncle. In 2010, when Colson was eight years old, Americans Steve and Melanie Colson visited Haiti on a church mission following the devastating earthquake that year. This encounter changed the trajectory of his life. After a lengthy adoption and immigration process, Junior Colson moved to Tennessee at age nine in May 2012 to join his new family.
Colson arrived in the United States speaking only Haitian Creole and had to learn English after settling in Brentwood, Tennessee. He grew up playing soccer before transitioning to American football, where he played linebacker at Ravenwood High School. He recalled a memorable moment upon arriving at the airport in America, noting that the first thing he saw was a Michigan hat worn by his family members, who were devoted Michigan football fans.
Path to American Football
At Ravenwood High School in Brentwood, Tennessee, Colson developed into a highly regarded linebacker prospect. Considered a four-star recruit by the 247Sports Composite rankings, he was rated as a top 100 player nationally, the number 10 overall linebacker in his class, and the second-best player in the entire state of Tennessee for the 2021 recruiting cycle. His exceptional performance on the field caught the attention of major college programs across the country.
During a football camp visit, Colson met University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who offered him a scholarship. Impressed by the program’s tradition and coaching, Colson committed to play college football at the University of Michigan, selecting the Wolverines over offers from LSU, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, and Tennessee. This decision set the stage for his remarkable collegiate career.
Junior Colson Career
Michigan Wolverines (2021–2023)
Colson enrolled at the University of Michigan in 2021 and made an immediate impact as a true freshman. He started seven games and recorded 60 tackles, ranking fourth most on the team. He earned his first career sack on November 13, 2021, during a 12-tackle performance against Penn State. His impressive debut season earned him Freshman All-American honors, signaling his potential as a future standout linebacker.
As a sophomore in 2022, Colson started all 14 games and elevated his performance to a new level. He recorded a team-high 101 tackles and added 2 sacks throughout the season. His standout performance in the Big Ten Championship Game against Purdue, where he recorded a career-high 15 tackles, helped secure the conference title. The coaches recognized his contributions by voting him second-team All-Big Ten.
Colson’s junior season in 2023 represented the pinnacle of his collegiate career. He started all 15 games and led the Michigan Wolverines to a national championship, finishing with a team-high 95 tackles. His consistency, leadership, and impact on every down earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors from both the coaches and media. He also captured the prestigious Lott IMPACT Trophy, awarded annually to the college football player who best combines character, leadership, and performance on the field.
Los Angeles Chargers (2024–Present)
Following his standout collegiate career, Colson entered the 2024 NFL Draft and was selected 69th overall in the third round by the Los Angeles Chargers. He transitioned smoothly to the professional level, appearing in 11 games during his rookie season with one start. He recorded 29 combined tackles and one pass deflection, demonstrating his ability to contribute on special teams and in limited defensive snaps as a rookie learning the intricacies of the NFL game.
The 2025 season began with promise for Colson as he worked to earn a larger role in the Chargers’ defense. However, his season took a significant turn when he was placed on injured reserve on August 26, 2025, after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. This injury marked a challenging setback in his young professional career, but his foundation at Michigan and his early professional experience positioned him well for a return to full health and productivity in future seasons.
Playing Style and Strengths
Colson is known for his instincts, physicality, and football intelligence at the linebacker position. His three-year tenure at Michigan under prestigious coaching developed his ability to read offenses and react quickly to plays developing around him. His high tackle numbers throughout his college career reflect his reliability in wrap-up tackling and his comfort playing in traffic. Colson’s experience starting games at all three levels of Michigan’s defense showcases his versatility and adaptability, valuable traits for an NFL linebacker building his professional career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Colson’s most significant career moments is Michigan’s 2023 national championship run, where his leadership and consistent play were instrumental throughout the playoff campaign. Winning the Lott IMPACT Trophy in 2023 cemented his reputation as one of college football’s most complete linebackers, combining elite defensive skills with exceptional character and leadership. His rookie NFL draft selection by the Chargers represented the fulfillment of his journey from Haiti to becoming a professional football player.
Junior Colson Career Wins and Achievements
Across his collegiate and professional career, Colson has accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments that highlight his impact at every level of competition. His achievements span individual accolades, team championships, and statistical milestones that underscore his value as a defensive player.
Michigan Wolverines Highlights
At Michigan, Colson’s trophy case includes the 2023 Lott IMPACT Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top impact player. He was a two-time second-team All-Big Ten selection (2022, 2023) and earned Freshman All-American honors in 2021. Team-wise, he contributed to three consecutive Big Ten Conference championships (2021, 2022, 2023) and the Wolverines’ 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship. His 101 tackles in 2022 and 95 tackles in 2023 demonstrated his consistent ability to be around the football.
Professional Career Statistics
In his rookie NFL season with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024, Colson appeared in 11 games with one start, recording 29 combined tackles and one pass deflection. These numbers reflect his role as a rookie contributor on special teams and in rotational defensive situations as he continued developing his professional skills.
Junior Colson Family
Family Background and Adoption Story
Junior Colson’s life story is remarkable for the adversity he overcame and the love he found through adoption. Born in Mirebalais, Haiti, he lost his father at age seven and lived in an orphanage operated by his uncle in Port-au-Prince. At age eight, he met Steve and Melanie Colson, an American couple who were part of a church mission visiting Haiti after the catastrophic 2010 earthquake. The connection formed during that mission trip led to a years-long adoption and immigration process. Colson finally joined his adoptive family in Tennessee in May 2012, when he was nine years old. His adoption story has inspired many who follow his football career, demonstrating resilience and the power of opportunity.
Personal Life
Colson resides in Brentwood, Tennessee, where he grew up after being adopted. He maintains a connection to his Haitian heritage while embracing his American identity and football career. His journey from Mirebalais to Michigan to the NFL has made him a role model for young athletes facing adversity. Colson continues to work toward returning to full health following his 2025 shoulder surgery, with the goal of resuming his professional football career at the highest level.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season presented significant challenges for Colson after his promising rookie year. Entering his second NFL season, he was working to secure a more prominent role within the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive scheme. The team’s coaching staff had identified his potential for expanded responsibilities based on his developmental progress during the 2024 campaign. His familiarity with the defensive system and his relationship with Chargers coaches were expected to translate into increased playing time and impact.
Unfortunately, the season took an unexpected turn when Colson suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery. On August 26, 2025, the Chargers placed him on injured reserve, officially ending his season before it could fully unfold. The injury represented a setback both personally and professionally, interrupting the momentum he had built from his collegiate success through his rookie season. Colson’s character and work ethic were expected to guide his rehabilitation process as he focused on returning to full strength.
The outlook for Colson’s career beyond 2025 remains positive despite this injury setback. At 22 years old, he has demonstrated the resilience necessary to overcome challenges throughout his life, beginning with his adoption journey from Haiti. His foundation of success at Michigan, combined with his professional experience and the support of the Chargers organization, positions him well for a productive return to football. The 2026 season and beyond will likely offer Colson the opportunity to demonstrate the full potential that made him a third-round NFL Draft selection and a national champion at Michigan.