Justin Herron Bio
Justin Herron (born November 27, 1995) is an American professional football offensive tackle who currently plays in the National Football League. He played college football for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons from 2014 to 2019. The New England Patriots selected Herron in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 195th overall pick. He has since played for the Las Vegas Raiders and the New Orleans Saints before joining the Detroit Lions in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Justin Herron was born on November 27, 1995, in Silver Spring, Maryland. He attended Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, where he excelled as an offensive lineman on the football field. Beyond football, Herron participated in multiple sports, playing baseball and basketball while also serving as a trumpeter in the school jazz band.
Herron was rated as a three-star recruit coming out of high school. He chose to continue his academic and athletic career at Wake Forest University, selecting the Demon Deacons over scholarship offers from Boston College, Old Dominion, Rutgers, and Villanova.
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Justin Herron comes from a family with deep roots in athletics. His father, Reggie Herron, played basketball at Villanova University. His uncle, Keith Herron, was selected in the second round of the 1978 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers and went on to play five seasons in the professional basketball league.
Path to Professional Football
During his college career at Wake Forest, Herron developed into a reliable offensive tackle. He faced a significant setback during his junior season in 2018 when he tore his ACL in Week 1 of the campaign. Despite this injury, he returned to the field for another season as a graduate student.
In his final year with the Demon Deacons, Herron was named a team captain and earned third-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors. He concluded his collegiate career by setting the Wake Forest record with 51 games played, demonstrating his durability and consistency throughout his tenure.
Justin Herron Career
Early Career (2020–2022)
Justin Herron entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick by the New England Patriots in 2020. He began his professional career working to establish himself as a depth offensive tackle. During his rookie season, Herron was placed on injured reserve on October 31, 2020, due to an ankle injury. He was activated from injured reserve on November 28 of that year, eventually appearing in games during his inaugural campaign.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2022–2023)
On September 21, 2022, the New England Patriots traded Herron and a 2024 seventh-round draft pick to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round selection. He joined the Raiders aiming to compete for playing time along their offensive line. Unfortunately, Herron suffered a torn ACL during practice and was placed on injured reserve on October 7, 2022.
Over his time with the Raiders, Herron appeared in seven regular-season games, though his tenure was affected by both a knee injury and a concussion. The Raiders waived him on December 27, 2023.
New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions (2024–2025)
On April 29, 2024, Justin Herron signed with the New Orleans Saints. He competed for a roster spot during the offseason program but was placed on injured reserve on July 28, 2024, which ended his season before it officially began. The injury marked another setback in his professional career following his time with the Raiders.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Herron signed with the Detroit Lions on August 2, 2025. He was placed on injured reserve just eight days later on August 10, ending his 2025 season before it could start. The Lions released him on November 4, 2025, as he continued working toward recovery and a return to professional football.
Playing Style and Strengths
Justin Herron plays the offensive tackle position, using his 6-foot-5 frame to provide pass protection for quarterbacks against edge rushers. His collegiate career at Wake Forest showcased his durability and consistency, as he started 51 consecutive games for the Demon Deacons. His ability to stay on the field through adversity, including returning from an ACL injury, demonstrates his resilience and football intelligence.
Notable Events and Milestones
Beyond his accomplishments on the football field, Justin Herron has been recognized for his character off the field. On March 22, 2021, Herron and another citizen were awarded the Outstanding Service award by the Tempe, Arizona Police Department. The recognition came after the pair helped save a woman from a violent sexual assault, demonstrating Herron’s courage and commitment to community safety.
Justin Herron Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning multiple teams, Justin Herron has accumulated meaningful playing experience as a rotational offensive lineman. His professional statistics reflect his contributions as both a starter and reserve during his time with the Patriots, Raiders, and Saints.
Career Highlights
Herron’s most notable professional achievement remains being drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Over his NFL career through 2024, he has appeared in 35 games with 11 starts, demonstrating his ability to contribute at the professional level. His journey through multiple organizations, including the Patriots, Raiders, Saints, and Lions, showcases his resilience in overcoming injuries while continuing to pursue opportunities in the league.
College Career Highlights
During his time at Wake Forest, Herron earned third-team All-ACC honors in 2019 as a senior captain. He set the school record with 51 career games played, demonstrating exceptional durability throughout his collegiate career. His ability to return from a torn ACL in 2018 and perform at a high level the following season highlighted his dedication and work ethic.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Games Started |
|---|---|---|
| NFL Career (through 2024) | 35 | 11 |
| Wake Forest (2014–2019) | 51 | 51 |
Justin Herron Family
Family Background and Athletic Heritage
Justin Herron grew up in an athletic family with notable achievements in basketball. His father, Reggie Herron, played collegiate basketball at Villanova University. His uncle, Keith Herron, was selected in the second round of the 1978 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. Keith Herron went on to enjoy a five-season career in the NBA, providing Justin with a template for achieving professional success in sports.
Personal Life
Beyond his football career, Justin Herron has demonstrated a commitment to community involvement and personal integrity. His actions in Tempe, Arizona, where he helped save a woman from danger, resulted in official recognition from local law enforcement. This recognition highlighted his character off the field and his willingness to step up in critical situations.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season presented significant challenges for Justin Herron as he worked to rebuild his NFL career following injuries. After spending the 2024 season on injured reserve with the New Orleans Saints, Herron sought a fresh opportunity with the Detroit Lions, signing with the organization in August 2025.
Herron’s tenure with the Lions was short-lived due to another injury setback. He was placed on injured reserve just eight days after signing, ending his 2025 season before it could properly begin. The Lions released him in November 2025 as he continued his recovery process.
Throughout his career, Herron has demonstrated resilience in overcoming injuries and adapting to new teams. He remains determined to return to the field and contribute as an offensive tackle in the NFL. His journey reflects the challenges professional athletes face while pursuing careers in a competitive league, with his character and work ethic remaining evident despite the obstacles he has encountered.