Trevor Denbow Bio
Trevor Denbow (born August 26, 1998) is an American professional football safety who currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. Born in Corsicana, Texas, Denbow developed his football skills locally before advancing through the collegiate ranks at Navarro College and Southern Methodist University. Despite going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, his determination earned him a spot with the Colts organization where he continues to compete at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Trevor Denbow was born on August 26, 1998, in Corsicana, Texas, where he would become a standout athlete at the local high school. His family background includes significant athletic pedigree, as he is the grandson of Don Denbow, who served as mayor of Corsicana, was a star football player at SMU, and was a first-round draft choice of the Los Angeles Dodgers in baseball.
Denbow attended Corsicana High School in Texas, where he established himself as an exceptional talent. As a senior, he earned All-American honors from USA Today and was recognized as District 17-5A Player of the Year, demonstrating the skills that would carry him to the next level of competition.
Path to American Football
Following his impressive high school career, Denbow began his collegiate journey at Navarro College in 2017. During his freshman season, he appeared in 10 games and recorded 36 tackles along with four interceptions, immediately showcasing his ability to make plays in the secondary.
In December 2017, Denbow accepted a scholarship offer from Southern Methodist University and enrolled in January 2018. His transition to the FBS level would prove successful as he continued developing into a reliable defensive player for the SMU Mustangs program.
Trevor Denbow Career
SMU Mustangs Years (2018–2021)
Denbow entered SMU as a sophomore in 2018 and appeared in 12 games, earning eight starts. He finished that season with 41 tackles, a half-sack, and 3.5 tackles for loss, demonstrating his versatility along the defensive line and in coverage situations.
The 2019 season saw Denbow take on an expanded role. He was selected third-team preseason all-conference by Phil Steele and started all 13 games for the Mustangs. He recorded 64 total tackles, another half-sack, and forced one fumble. Notably, he also served as the team punter that season, averaging 38.7 yards per attempt with a long of 72 yards, highlighting his exceptional leg strength and athletic versatility.
During the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Denbow started all 10 games and tallied 27 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, and one sack. He also returned one interception for 11 yards, showing his ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game. After being granted an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic, Denbow chose to return to SMU for a super senior season in 2021.
In his final collegiate season, Denbow appeared in all 12 games with 11 starts and recorded 40 total tackles along with two interceptions, capping his college career on a strong note and proving his durability and consistency at the collegiate level.
Indianapolis Colts (2022–Present)
After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Denbow signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent. His contract included $10,000 in guaranteed money and a $15,000 signing bonus. He survived initial roster cuts and made the final roster in August 2022, but was shortly afterward placed on injured reserve.
Denbow was designated for return on October 26, 2022, and was activated from injured reserve five days later. He made his NFL debut in the Colts’ Week 9 loss to the New England Patriots, appearing on 16 special teams snaps. He was waived in late November and re-signed to the practice squad. Denbow signed a reserve/future contract with the Colts on January 9, 2023.
On January 8, 2024, Denbow signed a one-year contract extension with Indianapolis, securing his continued role with the franchise. In Week 8 of the 2024 season against the Houston Texans, Denbow suffered a severe knee injury on the opening kickoff. The injury revealed damage to his ACL, MCL, and other knee components, resulting in his placement on injured reserve on October 28, 2024.
Playing Style and Strengths
Denbow has demonstrated versatility throughout his career, excelling in both defensive back coverage and special teams play. His experience as a punter at SMU highlighted his powerful leg, while his consistent tackle production across multiple seasons reflects his reliability and football intelligence on the field.
Trevor Denbow Career Statistics
Across his NFL career through the 2023 season, Denbow has contributed primarily on special teams while developing as a defensive back.
NFL Statistics
| Season | Team | Total Tackles |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Indianapolis Colts | 12 |
| 2023 | Indianapolis Colts | Available |
Trevor Denbow Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Trevor Denbow comes from an accomplished family with deep roots in athletics and public service. His grandfather, Don Denbow, was a notable figure who served as mayor of Corsicana and was a standout football player at SMU before being selected in the first round of the MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Personal Life
Beyond football, Denbow is connected to the world of competitive cheerleading through his family. He is the son-in-law of Monica Aldama, who serves as the head cheer coach at Navarro College and gained widespread recognition as the focus of the Netflix docuseries Cheer. This connection has placed Denbow in the public eye beyond his football career.
2025 Season Outlook
As Denbow continues his recovery from the severe knee injury sustained in October 2024, the 2025 season represents a critical juncture in his professional career. Working his way back from multi-ligament knee surgery will require patience and dedication during rehabilitation. The Colts have shown commitment to Denbow by extending his contract, suggesting the organization values his special teams contributions and depth at the safety position. His eventual return to the field will depend on medical clearance and his ability to regain the mobility and explosiveness necessary for NFL competition. Denbow’s journey from undrafted free agent to roster contributor demonstrates his resilience, and observers will be watching his recovery progress closely as he works toward returning to form with the Indianapolis Colts.