Shemar Bartholomew Bio
Shemar Bartholomew (born June 6, 2000) is an American professional football cornerback currently with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Northwestern State Demons and Georgia Southern Eagles. Bartholomew has also been a member of the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and Minnesota Vikings during his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Shemar Bartholomew was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and grew up with six siblings. He attended Cypress Ranch High School in Texas, where he played cornerback on the varsity football team for three years. During his senior year, he helped lead his team to playoff victories, recording 40 tackles, five interceptions, and 12 pass breakups. Academically, Bartholomew excelled with a 4.34 GPA upon graduation.
His strong performance on the field and in the classroom earned him a commitment to play college football at Northwestern State University, competing in the NCAA Division I FCS. This marked the beginning of his path toward a professional football career.
Path to American Football
Bartholomew began his college football career at Northwestern State in 2018. As a freshman, he appeared in eight games with three starts, tallying 14 tackles, three pass breakups, and two interceptions. His sophomore season saw increased responsibility with six starts in nine games, where he recorded 26 tackles and four interceptions, including a notable 96-yard interception return for a touchdown. His performance earned him third-team All-Southland Conference honors and an honorable mention as a sophomore All-American by HERO Sports.
After a spring 2021 season with limited appearances, Bartholomew started nine games in the fall and led his team with six pass breakups, securing second-team All-Southland Conference recognition. He redshirted part of the 2022 season before transferring to Georgia Southern University for the 2023 season, where he appeared in 13 games with five starts, making 38 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 14 pass breakups, and one interception. His efforts earned him second-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors.
Shemar Bartholomew Career
Early Career (2018–2023)
Bartholomew’s collegiate career was marked by steady development and increasing impact on the field. Starting as a freshman at Northwestern State, he quickly became a key defensive player. His sophomore year was highlighted by multiple interceptions and a touchdown return, showcasing his playmaking ability. His accolades in the Southland Conference reflected his growing reputation as a reliable cornerback.
After transferring to Georgia Southern, Bartholomew continued to demonstrate his skills against higher-level competition in the Sun Belt Conference. His consistent pass breakups and tackles contributed to his recognition as a second-team all-conference player, setting the stage for his entry into the professional ranks.
Professional Career (2024–Present)
Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Shemar Bartholomew was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent. He impressed during the preseason by allowing no receiving yards on nine targets, demonstrating strong coverage skills. However, he was waived by the Jets on August 29, 2024.
Shortly after, Bartholomew was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers on August 28, 2024. He was highly sought after on waivers, with four teams placing claims. Bartholomew was waived by the Panthers in August 2025, briefly re-signed to their practice squad, and then released. In November 2025, he joined the Minnesota Vikings practice squad but was released later that month. On December 2, 2025, Bartholomew was signed to the Green Bay Packers practice squad, where he currently continues his professional career.
Playing Style and Strengths
Shemar Bartholomew is known for his strong coverage skills and ability to disrupt passing plays, as evidenced by his high number of pass breakups in college and his preseason performance with the Jets. His height and agility allow him to effectively cover receivers, and his football intelligence contributes to his anticipation and positioning on the field.
Notable Events and Milestones
Bartholomew’s 96-yard interception return for a touchdown during his sophomore year at Northwestern State stands out as a career highlight. His recognition as second-team All-Sun Belt Conference in 2023 marks a significant collegiate achievement. His ability to attract multiple waiver claims in the NFL underscores his perceived potential at the professional level.
Shemar Bartholomew Career Wins
While cornerbacks do not accumulate wins individually, Bartholomew’s contributions to his teams’ defensive successes have been notable throughout his college career. His interceptions and pass breakups have played a key role in pivotal games, including playoff appearances in high school and competitive seasons in college.
College Highlights
Bartholomew’s college career featured multiple interceptions, including a memorable 96-yard touchdown return. He earned third-team All-Southland Conference honors and second-team All-Sun Belt Conference recognition, reflecting his impact at two different competitive levels.
Other Performances
His consistent defensive presence helped his high school team reach playoff games and his college teams maintain strong defensive records. His preseason NFL performance with the Jets, allowing no receiving yards on targeted passes, highlighted his readiness for professional competition.
Shemar Bartholomew Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Bartholomew was born into a large family with six siblings. There is no publicly verified information regarding a family history in professional sports or football.
Personal Life
Details about Bartholomew’s personal life, including marital status or children, are not publicly available. He maintains a presence on social media platforms such as Instagram and X, where he shares updates about his career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Shemar Bartholomew’s professional journey involved transitions between multiple NFL teams. After being waived by the Carolina Panthers and spending brief periods on the practice squads of the Panthers and Minnesota Vikings, he secured a spot on the Green Bay Packers practice squad in December. These moves reflect the competitive nature of securing a stable position in the NFL. Bartholomew’s continued presence on practice squads suggests ongoing development and potential for future active roster opportunities.
His performance in preseason and practice settings has demonstrated his capabilities, and his adaptability to different team environments will be crucial as he seeks to establish himself in the league. The 2025 season serves as a foundational year for Bartholomew to build experience and showcase his skills to NFL coaches and scouts.