Marlin “M.J.” Devonshire Jr. Bio
Marlin “M.J.” Devonshire Jr. (born September 12, 2000) is an American professional football cornerback currently playing for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kentucky Wildcats and the Pittsburgh Panthers before being selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Devonshire has demonstrated versatility as both a defensive back and return specialist throughout his football career.
Early Life and Background
Marlin Devonshire Jr. was born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, where he attended Aliquippa High School. During his senior season at Aliquippa, he emerged as a standout defensive player by recording eight interceptions while also showcasing his special teams ability with eight punt return touchdowns. His exceptional performance in high school positioned him as a highly decorated recruit.
Devonshire chose to continue his football career at the collegiate level, deciding to commit to play college football at the University of Kentucky. This decision marked the beginning of his journey toward professional football.
Path to the NFL
Devonshire began his college career at the University of Kentucky in 2019. In his freshman season, he totaled five tackles with one pass deflection. His sophomore season in 2020 saw limited action with one tackle and a pass deflection. Following the 2020 season, Devonshire made the decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal seeking a new opportunity.
He transferred to the University of Pittsburgh to continue his college football career with the Panthers. This move proved transformative for his development as a player and set the stage for his most productive collegiate seasons.
Marlin “M.J.” Devonshire Jr. Career
Kentucky Years (2019–2020)
During his time at Kentucky, Devonshire served in a reserve role while learning the college game. His first season in 2019 resulted in five tackles and one pass deflection. The 2020 season saw minimal playing time with just one tackle and a pass deflection. Despite limited opportunities, these early college experiences provided foundational development for his future success.
Pittsburgh Breakthrough (2021–2023)
Devonshire’s transfer to Pittsburgh marked a significant turning point in his career. In week eleven of the 2021 season, he recorded his first career interception, which sealed the victory for the Panthers over North Carolina. He finished that season with 17 tackles, one tackle for a loss, three pass deflections, and one interception.
The 2022 season became Devonshire’s breakout year. In week one, he intercepted a pass and returned it 56 yards to take the lead as Pittsburgh defeated rival West Virginia. For that performance, he earned ACC Defensive Back of the Week honors. In week four, he returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown against Rhode Island. He finished the season with 34 tackles, eight pass deflections, three interceptions, and two touchdowns. Additionally, he returned 24 punts for 233 yards and a touchdown. His outstanding performance earned him second-team All-ACC honors as a returner.
The 2023 season saw Devonshire enter as one of Pittsburgh’s top players. In week seven, he delivered a spectacular performance with six tackles, five pass deflections, and an 86-yard interception return for a touchdown that helped Pittsburgh upset #14 Louisville. He earned ACC Defensive Back of the Week recognition for the second time in his career.
Las Vegas Raiders (2024)
Devonshire was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the seventh round with the 229th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was waived during final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad to begin his professional career. He later signed a reserve/future contract with Las Vegas on January 6, 2025, before being waived on April 25, 2025.
League Journey (2025)
Devonshire’s NFL journey continued with multiple team affiliations in 2025. He was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers on April 28, 2025, but was waived later that summer. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens on August 9, 2025, only to be waived weeks later. On December 9, 2025, he joined the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad and signed a reserve/futures contract with Buffalo on January 19, 2026.
Green Bay Packers Era (2026–Present)
On May 11, 2026, Devonshire was waived by the Buffalo Bills. Two days later, on May 13, 2026, he was claimed off waivers by the Green Bay Packers. This move marked a new chapter in his professional career as he joined the Packers organization.
Defensive Style and Strengths
Devonshire has shown proficiency as a zone coverage cornerback with the ability to make plays on the ball. His collegiate career demonstrated strong ball skills with multiple interceptions returned for significant gains. He has also shown value as a return specialist, with the speed and elusiveness to create explosive plays on punts and kickoffs.
Notable Achievements
Devonshire earned Second-team All-ACC honors in both 2022 and 2023, recognizing his consistent high-level play at Pittsburgh. He was twice named ACC Defensive Back of the Week during his collegiate career. His signature moments include multiple pick-six touchdowns and several long punt returns for scores.
Marlin “M.J.” Devonshire Jr. Career Statistics
Devonshire’s verified collegiate statistics reflect his development from a limited role at Kentucky to an impactful playmaker at Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Panthers Highlights
At Pittsburgh from 2021 to 2023, Devonshire established himself as one of the ACC’s top defensive backs. His career totals include multiple interceptions with several returned for touchdowns. His most productive season came in 2022 when he recorded 34 tackles, eight pass deflections, three interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns while adding value as a returner. His 86-yard interception return for a touchdown against Louisville in 2023 stands as one of his career highlights.
Other Notable Performances
Throughout his collegiate career, Devonshire accumulated over 50 tackles, 11+ pass deflections, and 4+ interceptions across his three seasons at Pittsburgh. His special teams contributions included punt return touchdowns in multiple seasons.
| Season | Team | Tackles | Interceptions | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Pittsburgh | 17 | 1 | 3 |
| 2022 | Pittsburgh | 34 | 3 | 8 |
| 2023 | Pittsburgh | Notable | Multiple | 5+ |
Marlin “M.J.” Devonshire Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Devonshire was born and raised in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, a city with a strong football tradition. His family background details are not extensively documented in available sources. He attended Aliquippa High School, where his exceptional performance laid the foundation for his collegiate career.
Personal Life
Devonshire maintains a public presence on social media under the handle @mdevjr on Instagram. His personal relationships and family details remain private and are not widely reported in public sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marked a period of transition for Devonshire as he navigated the league through multiple team affiliations. Beginning the year with the Las Vegas Raiders before moving through the Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills organizations, he sought to establish himself at the professional level. His December 2025 signing with Buffalo’s practice squad provided an opportunity for development within the Bills’ system.
Throughout this period, Devonshire continued working on his craft as a defensive back while adapting to different team schemes and coaching philosophies. His journey through multiple organizations highlighted both the competitive nature of the NFL and his determination to remain in the league.
The 2025 season ultimately led to his opportunity with the Green Bay Packers in 2026, where he joined the Packers’ roster following his waiver claim in May. This move represented a fresh start and the continuation of his professional football career with a storied NFL franchise known for developing defensive talent.