Keion Crossen Bio
Keion Crossen is an American professional football cornerback who was born on April 17, 1996, in Garysburg, North Carolina. He played college football for the Western Carolina Catamounts and distinguished himself both on the football field and track during his time at the university. Crossen was drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft and helped his team win Super Bowl LIII. Over his career, he has played for several NFL teams, including the Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, and currently the Carolina Panthers, developing a reputation for his skills in the defensive secondary.
Early Life and Background
Keion Crossen grew up in Garysburg, North Carolina, where he attended Northampton County High School. His athletic abilities were evident from an early age, excelling in multiple sports during his high school years. Crossen’s combination of speed, agility, and football instincts made him a standout defensive player in high school football.
After graduating from Northampton County High School in Gaston, North Carolina, Crossen pursued higher education while continuing his athletic career. He enrolled at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina, where he would become a two-sport student-athlete, competing in both football and track and field for the Catamounts.
Path to American Football
Western Carolina provided Crossen with the opportunity to develop his skills on the football field while also showcasing his speed as a track and field athlete. On the track, Crossen excelled as a sprinter and achieved remarkable success. He became the Southern Conference champion in the men’s 100-meter dash at the 2016 outdoor championships, setting a school record with a time of 10.33 seconds. This performance also qualified him for the NCAA East Preliminary, demonstrating his elite-level speed that would translate to his football career.
On the football field, Crossen was a two-year starter in the defensive secondary for the Catamounts. Over his four-year collegiate career spanning 46 games, he accumulated 165 total tackles, including 106 solo stops and five tackles for loss. He recorded three career interceptions and 19 pass break-ups, with seven coming in both his junior and senior seasons. His consistent performance and playmaking ability caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Keion Crossen Career
New England Patriots (2018)
Keion Crossen was selected by the New England Patriots in the seventh round with the 243rd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he worked to establish himself in the Patriots’ defensive scheme while learning from experienced players in the secondary. His speed and coverage abilities made him a valuable asset on special teams and as a rotational defensive back.
During his rookie season, Crossen contributed to a Patriots team that reached Super Bowl LIII. The Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 in that championship game, earning Crossen his first Super Bowl ring. This victory marked a successful start to his professional career and provided him with invaluable playoff experience.
Houston Texans (2019–2020)
On August 31, 2019, Crossen was traded to the Houston Texans in exchange for a conditional future draft pick. Joining the Texans mid-season, he continued to develop his skills in a different defensive system. His time in Houston highlighted his ability to adapt to new teams and contribute on various special teams units.
Crossen’s most notable moment with the Texans came during the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, Crossen recovered a fumble forced by punt returner Tyreek Hill during the 51-31 loss. This play demonstrated his awareness and ability to make crucial plays in high-pressure situations, even in defeat.
New York Giants (2021)
On August 16, 2021, Crossen was traded to the New York Giants in exchange for a 2023 sixth-round draft pick. Joining the Giants’ secondary, he brought his experience from two playoff teams and his Super Bowl championship pedigree to New York. Crossen competed for playing time in the Giants’ defensive backfield while contributing on special teams coverage units.
Miami Dolphins (2022–2023)
On March 17, 2022, Crossen signed a three-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. This move represented a significant step in his career, as he joined a Dolphins team with playoff aspirations. Crossen competed for a spot in Miami’s defensive backfield and contributed on special teams during the 2022 season.
During the 2023 season, Crossen was placed on injured reserve on August 29, 2023, which ended his season prematurely. On March 5, 2024, the Dolphins released Crossen, making him available to sign with another team.
Arizona Cardinals (2024)
On October 16, 2024, Crossen signed with the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad. He worked to earn a spot on the active roster during his time with the Cardinals. Crossen was released by the Cardinals on October 29, 2024, after a brief tenure on the practice squad.
Carolina Panthers (2025–Present)
On October 7, 2025, Crossen signed with the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad, joining his home-state team. This signing brought Crossen back to North Carolina, where he began his football journey. He was released by the Panthers on October 21, 2025, after a short stint on the practice squad.
Playing Style and Strengths
Keion Crossen is known for his exceptional speed, which he developed through his collegiate track career and carried into professional football. His 100-meter dash school record of 10.33 seconds translates directly to his ability to cover receivers in man coverage and close on plays quickly. Crossen’s quickness and agility allow him to change direction smoothly, making him effective in zone coverage schemes as well. His experience as a two-sport athlete in college provided him with a strong foundation of footwork and body control that he applies to his cornerback position. Crossen’s contributions on special teams have been a consistent part of his value to NFL teams throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Crossen’s career has been highlighted by several significant moments. Winning Super Bowl LIII with the New England Patriots as a rookie stands as his most prestigious achievement. His fumble recovery in the 2020 Divisional Round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs showcased his ability to make clutch plays when it matters most. Throughout his career, Crossen has demonstrated resilience by continuing to contribute despite frequent team changes, playing for seven different NFL franchises since entering the league.
Keion Crossen Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2018 to 2025, Keion Crossen has established himself as a reliable defensive back and special teams contributor across multiple franchises. His career statistics reflect his consistent presence in defensive backfields and his ability to make plays when opportunities arise.
Career Highlights
Crossen’s career statistics as of Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season include 118 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 10 pass deflections. These numbers demonstrate his versatility as a defensive player capable of contributing in multiple areas beyond just pass coverage. His lone career sack and forced fumble highlight his ability to pressure quarterbacks and create turnovers when blitzing.
Defensive Contributions
Across his seven NFL seasons with six different teams, Crossen has maintained a consistent ability to defend passes with his 10 career pass deflections. His fumble recovery in the playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs added to his reputation as a player who rises to the occasion in important games. His tackle totals show he has been a reliable tackler in space, fitting well into various defensive schemes.
| Statistic | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 118 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Forced Fumbles | 1 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 1 |
| Pass Deflections | 10 |
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season saw Keion Crossen continue his journeyman career in the NFL. After beginning the season without a team, Crossen signed with the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad on October 7, 2025. This move brought him back to his home state of North Carolina, where he played high school football at Northampton County. Crossen worked to earn a promotion from the practice squad to the active roster during his time with the Panthers.
Despite his efforts, Crossen was released by the Panthers on October 21, 2025, after a brief two-week tenure on the practice squad. This release marked another chapter in Crossen’s journeyman career, which has seen him play for seven different NFL franchises since being drafted in 2018. His continued availability and ability to earn practice squad spots demonstrate that NFL teams still value his experience and skill set.
Throughout his career, Crossen has shown the ability to adapt to new defensive systems quickly and contribute on special teams, which has kept him employed in the league. His Super Bowl championship experience and playoff contributions remain valuable assets as he continues his professional football career. Crossen’s resilience and determination to continue playing at the highest level reflect his passion for the game and commitment to his craft.