A.J. Terrell

A.J. Terrell's Biography

Aundell Terrell Jr., known for his remarkable football career, was born on September 23, 1998. Presently a professional football cornerback for the renowned Atlanta Falcons, part of the National Football League, Terrell’s football trajectory began from a young age and has seen a stellar rise.

Born and raised in Rochester, New York, he is the second among four children of Aliya and Aundell Sr. In 2001, his family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, seeking better opportunities. Here, a blend of dedication, talent and the tireless support from his caring family saw Terrell cultivate a promising football career.

Shaping the early roots of his career, Terrell attended Westlake High School in his adopted home city, Atlanta. Filling in the roles of a cornerback and a wide receiver, he demonstrated exceptional skill on the high school football field. There was no denying that he had the markings of a star player as a five-star recruit. He had a proud representation in the renowned 2017 Under Armour All-America Game, putting his talent on display.

Following high school, Terrell chose Clemson University – a decision that would further bolster his football career. His debut year in Clemson was teeming with potential and promise as he participated in a total of 14 games, making an impressive mark with 15 tackles and showcasing his skills with an interception.

His sophomore year in 2018 led to more victories and highlighted his growing skills as both a player and a leader. A testament to his growing prowess, Terrell started all fifteen games that year, recording a formidable count of 53 tackles, three interceptions, and a touchdown. He continued his victory stride in the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship, where he made an unforgettable 44-yard interception return for a touchdown against Alabama’s, Tua Tagovailoa.

In 2019, further commending his progress, Terrell was named to the first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference following his remarkable junior season. He then made the momentous decision to forgo his senior year, setting his sights on the 2020 NFL draft.

His stellar performances garnered attention, and during the 2020 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons selected Terrell in the first round, 16th overall – a high selection indeed. He was the third cornerback to be drafted in 2020, a clear indication of the promise his future held in the professional league.

The Falcons’ faith in his abilities was cemented with a four-year, fully-guaranteed contract of $14.31 Million on July 20, 2020. This included an eye-catching signing bonus of $7.96 Million. However, a few months into his rookie year, Terrell was placed on the reserve list after testing positive for COVID-19, in a testament to the challenging times the world was experiencing. Full recovery took place by October 8, 2020, letting him return to the field.

In his games that followed, Terrell continued to outdo himself. From recording his first career interception off a pass thrown by Kirk Cousins during a match against the Minnesota Vikings to a career-high 13 tackles in a match against the Los Angeles Chargers. These performances underscored his infectious dedication to the game.

Amid the vicissitudes of the football season, came some key milestones. A career-high 3 passes were defended against the New Orleans Saints, and his first interception of the season took place during a game against the New England Patriots. He became a vital part of the team’s defense, a formidable force to be reckoned with on the Falcons’ side.

At the start of 2022, this rising star was named second-team All-Pro, capping off an outstanding year with an overall grade of 82.7 from Pro Football Focus, 2nd among qualifying cornerbacks. However, his performances didn’t stop at that. Aundell continued to excel in the following matches against the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers, recording six tackles and a season-high 3 passes defended in one match and his first career fumble recovery in another.

Casting a shadow on his accomplished path, Terrell suffered a hamstring injury during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, and subsequently, missed three crucial games. However, his resolve saw him make a promising comeback during a game against the Chicago Bears, adding four more tackles to his record.

Bearing witness to his tremendous growth, on August 22, 2024, Terrell signed a four-year, $81 million contract extension with the Falcons. An impressive commitment to his evident dedication and talent for the sport.

Terrell’s auspicious career trajectory was not the only element of his life brimming with pride. He celebrated the birth of his son, Aundell III, in 2019. Further adding to his joy, his younger brother, Avieon, pursued his passion for football, representing their alma mater – Clemson, in the college football team.

Aundell Terrell Jr.’s trajectory, both in his professional and personal life, has been marked by unyielding dedication, promising prowess, and a consistent rise to valuable victories. His journey continues to inspire and shapes the essence of American football.