Ke’Shawn Vaughn Bio
Ke’Shawn LaMont Vaughn is an American professional football running back born on May 4, 1997, in Nashville, Tennessee. He has played in the National Football League since being drafted in 2020 and is currently a member of the San Francisco 49ers. Vaughn has earned recognition for his collegiate and professional achievements, including a Super Bowl championship.
Early Life and Background
Ke’Shawn Vaughn grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, where he attended Pearl-Cohn Comprehensive High School. During his senior year, he rushed for 2,646 yards and scored 45 touchdowns, earning the Tennessee Gatorade Football Player of the Year award. Vaughn was also a talented track and field athlete, anchoring his school’s state champion 4 x 100-meter relay team.
As a highly rated four-star running back recruit, Vaughn received scholarship offers from several major programs, including Louisville, Notre Dame, Purdue, and West Virginia. He ultimately committed to the University of Illinois to begin his collegiate football career.
Path to American Football
Vaughn started his college football career at Illinois, where he made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2015 by rushing for 723 yards and six touchdowns. After his sophomore season, he transferred to Vanderbilt University, sitting out the 2017 season due to transfer rules. Vaughn’s move to Vanderbilt marked a significant step in his development as a running back.
In 2018, Vaughn earned SEC Newcomer of the Year honors and was named to the Associated Press Second-team All-SEC after rushing for 1,244 yards and 12 touchdowns. He chose to return for his senior season in 2019, where he continued to perform strongly, rushing for over 1,000 yards and contributing in the passing game.
Ke’Shawn Vaughn Career
Early Career (2015–2019)
Vaughn’s collegiate career began at Illinois, where he demonstrated his rushing ability as a freshman and sophomore. His transfer to Vanderbilt allowed him to showcase his skills in the Southeastern Conference, one of college football’s most competitive leagues. His 2018 season was a breakout year, highlighted by his SEC Newcomer of the Year award and All-SEC recognition.
During his senior year, Vaughn maintained consistent production, starting all 12 games and contributing both on the ground and through the air. His college career established him as a well-rounded back ready for the professional level.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Era (2020–2023)
Ke’Shawn Vaughn was selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He began his rookie season on the reserve/COVID-19 list but was activated in August. Vaughn scored his first professional touchdown on a nine-yard reception from quarterback Tom Brady during a Week 4 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Vaughn contributed as a rotational running back throughout his rookie season and earned a Super Bowl ring when the Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV. In 2021, he scored his first rushing touchdown on a 55-yard run, the longest rushing touchdown for the Buccaneers that year. Vaughn remained with Tampa Bay until December 2023, when he was waived.
New England Patriots Tenure (2023–2024)
In December 2023, Vaughn joined the New England Patriots practice squad and signed a reserve/future contract in January 2024. He was released by the Patriots in May 2024 after spending the offseason with the team.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2024–Present)
Ke’Shawn Vaughn signed with the San Francisco 49ers in August 2024. Although initially released later that month, he was re-signed to the practice squad. Vaughn re-signed with the 49ers in August 2025 but was released again before the season started. He remains a part of the 49ers organization as of 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
Vaughn is known for his versatility as a running back, combining speed and power to contribute effectively in both rushing and receiving roles. His ability to break long runs and catch passes out of the backfield makes him a valuable asset in multiple offensive schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key highlights of Vaughn’s career include winning Super Bowl LV with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and earning SEC Newcomer of the Year honors during his collegiate career. His 55-yard rushing touchdown in 2021 stands out as a significant professional milestone.
Ke’Shawn Vaughn Career Wins
While Vaughn’s position as a running back does not involve individual wins, his contributions have been integral to team successes, including a Super Bowl championship with the Buccaneers. His collegiate accolades further underscore his impact on the field.
College Highlights
Vaughn’s standout 2018 season at Vanderbilt earned him second-team All-SEC honors and recognition as SEC Newcomer of the Year. He consistently produced over 1,000 rushing yards in his junior and senior seasons, demonstrating his reliability and skill at the collegiate level.
Professional Highlights
Vaughn’s professional career highlights include scoring his first NFL touchdown on a reception from Tom Brady and contributing to the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV victory. His long rushing touchdown in 2021 was the longest for his team that season.
Ke’Shawn Vaughn Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Ke’Shawn Vaughn’s family background have not been publicly disclosed.
Personal Life
Information regarding Vaughn’s personal life, including marital status and children, has not been made public.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Ke’Shawn Vaughn remains with the San Francisco 49ers organization. After re-signing in August, he was released prior to the regular season, indicating a competitive roster environment. Vaughn’s role on the practice squad suggests he is positioned to contribute depth and experience as the season progresses. His future outlook depends on his ability to leverage opportunities and demonstrate value to the team.