How a Division II standout overcame injury doubts to become an NFL star
In short: Before becoming a dominant force in the NFL, Matthew Judon faced significant skepticism. Scouts questioned if his skills from Grand Valley State would translate to the professional level, and injury concerns loomed. Yet, the linebacker transformed from a fifth-round pick into a multi-time Pro Bowler and a defensive powerhouse.
Matthew Judon's journey to the professional ranks was far from guaranteed. Despite setting the Division II record for sacks at Grand Valley State, NFL experts and scouts projected him as only a fourth-round selection. This skepticism stemmed from two primary factors: doubts regarding his ability to transition his collegiate skills to the professional game and concerns over his injury history, including a tweaked meniscus discovered via arthroscopy.
Judon's professional journey began when the Baltimore Ravens picked him during the 2016 NFL draft in the fifth round (146th overall). He initially served as a backup, but by 2017, he had secured a starting role as the Ravens' strongside linebacker. His impact was immediate and measurable; in 2017, he recorded eight sacks, finishing second on the team behind veteran Terrell Suggs, and earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Judon reached new heights with the New England Patriots, signing a four-year, $56 million contract in March 2021. During his tenure, he consistently surpassed his career highs, including a 15.5-sack season in 2022, which ranked fourth in the NFL. His career has since seen him move through several organizations, including the Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and the San Francisco 49ers.
Beyond the statistics, Judon's personal history is reflected in his play. One of ten children, he wore the number 9 at Grand Valley State to honor his nine siblings. When the NFL updated uniform rules in 2021 to allow single-digit numbers for defensive linemen, he adopted the number 9 for his professional career.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Matthew Judon
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