Anfernee Jennings

BIOGRAPHY

Anfernee Jennings, born on May 1, 1997, has gained notable success as an American professional football linebacker, currently performing for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Brought up in Dadeville, Alabama, Jennings thrived both personally and athletically during his formative years. With roots firmly planted in those Alabama soils, he had a stellar sporting development at Dadeville High School where he flexed his football acumen as the defensive end and tight end for the Tigers.

At that tender age, his game was already packing a punch. His junior season saw him recording an impressive 171 tackles and seven sacks. This performance was applauded, earning him an honorable mention Super All-State honor by AL.com. Not known for complacency, he further upped his game as a senior. His commendable football tactics resulted in him securing the first-team 4A All-State title, besides also being named the 4A Lineman of the Year. This was possible due to his extraordinary performance, as he posted 170 tackles, with 88 solo stops, 14 sacks, nine pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.

Having the option to play college football at Arkansas, Arizona State, Georgia, Mississippi State, and Nebraska, Jennings chose Alabama. Rated a four-star recruit, he demonstrated a firm commitment to his chosen game, promising a shining sporting future.

Embracing change, Jennings even shifted from the defensive end to the outside linebacker position during his freshman season which he spent as a redshirt. Nonetheless, this change did not diminish his influence and impact, as he concluded the year with 19 tackles and three quarterback hurries.

By his sophomore season, he had already become a starter and had 41 tackles, with six being for a loss, and one sack to his name. However, this winning streak encountered a temporary setback during the final minutes of the 2018 Sugar Bowl against Clemson when he suffered a PCL injury, which later turned out to be an arterial damage along with a blood clot in his leg.

Unshaken, Jennings made a triumphant return from his injury in time to commence his junior season. Upon its conclusion, he had already recorded 51 tackles, 14 for loss, and 6.5 sacks. Further adding to his accolades was an interception, a team-high 11 passes defended, two fumble recoveries, and a touchdown.

Entering his senior year, his skill was recognized with a position on the Chuck Bednarik Award and Butkus Award watchlists. Moreover, the pre-season All-SEC and a second-team pre-season All-American by the Sporting News also counted him in. He ended this year with 83 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, five pass breakups, one forced fumble, and an interception notching a first-team All-SEC in his final season. Thus Jennings wrapped up his collegiate journey with a whopping 194 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions, marking an unquestionably laudable college career.

He then transitioned to professional life, being the 87th overall pick in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft by the New England Patriots. His debut was marked by a victory against the Miami Dolphins on September 13, 2020, and he made his first career start on October 18, the same year recording three tackles in a game against the Denver Broncos.

Unfortunately, his 2021 season was cut short due to injury that led him to the injured reserve. However, undeterred, he bounced back in the 2022 season as a backup linebacker and demonstrated solid play across 16 games. His tally that season sat at 27 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble.

In 2024, recognizing his competence, the Patriots extended his contract for three more years amounting to $12 million.

Football prowess seems to run in the family, as Anfernee’s younger brother, Shawndarius “Shawn” Jennings, also played college football at Alabama before transferring to South Alabama. With Anfernee’s reputation preceding him, Shawndarius has a great idol to look up to, as he advances in his football career.