Arden Key

Arden Key's Biography

Arden Key Jr., born on May 3, 1996 is well known for his defensive skills on the football field and currently plays a significant role as a professional linebacker for the Tennessee Titans in the National Football League (NFL). His journey in the sport traces back to his high school days and has seen him excel at college and secure a respectable position in professional football.

Key’s gridiron journey began at Hapeville Charter Career Academy in Union City, Georgia. His high school years were characterized by an impressive recorded tackles of 15.5 sacks as a senior, eight as a junior, and 12 as a sophomore. Key’s high school success led to his decision to commit to Louisiana State University (LSU) to play college football, a decision that was recognized by ESPN, who regarded Key as a four-star recruit while also placing him at the number 6 spot for defensive end prospects in the class of 2015.

Key’s time at LSU was marked by his authenticity and drive on the football field. He initiated his college career as a true freshman in 2015, where he participated in 12 games and was a starter in the final nine. Displaying remarkable resilience and skill, Key managed to record 41 tackles and five sacks, an achievement that earned him the title of Freshman All-American. The subsequent year as a sophomore, Key made his mark by setting a single-season school record of recording 12 sacks. His exceptional performance earned him first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors from the Associated Press. However, in 2017, his junior year was moderately hampered due to an injury. Yet, despite being limited to 8 games, Key surpassed expectations by finishing with 33 tackles, 4 sacks, and a forced fumble. On January 4, 2018, he officially announced his entry into the 2018 NFL draft.

Leading up to the draft, Key was regarded as a potentially high-value recruit, projected as the number one overall prospect for the 2018 NFL Draft by Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports. He was later ranked as the second-best draft prospect, behind Tremaine Edmunds of Virginia Tech at the outside linebacker position by Mel Kiper of ESPN. Key was projected as an early first-round selection, however, due to off-the-field issues, his draft stock suffered. Despite this, he was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the third round as the 87th pick overall.

Key’s professional journey had its share of hurdles. After performing commendably in the final two games of the 2019 season, he suffered a broken foot which ruled him out for the rest of the season and led to his placement on injured reserve on November 7, 2019. In a twist of fate, Key was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by his team on November 18, 2020, but was activated after three days. The late December 2020 game against the Miami Dolphins brought with it another challenge when a 15-yard personal foul penalty for grabbing Dolphin QB Ryan Fitzpatrick’s facemask plunged Miami in field goal range, leading to the Raiders’ elimination from the playoffs.

Despite these hurdles, Key continued to strive in his career. On April 15, 2021, he was waived and subsequently signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. The next year, on March 30, 2022, he signed another one-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, impressing with his performance in all 17 games, three starts, recording 27 tackles, and 4.5 sacks.

On March 20, 2023, Key inked a three-year, $21 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. There, he played in 17 games with nine starts, recording 30 tackles, six sacks, and two forced fumbles. However, a major setback came his way on July 30, 2024, when he was suspended for 6 games, accused of violating the NFL’s policy against performance-enhancing drugs. Disputing the ban, Key appealed successfully, and his suspension was overturned on August 17, further solidifying his dedication to fair-play within the sport.

Key’s journey within American football is one marked by adversity, resilience, and exceptional talent. His tenacity makes him not only a formidable opponent on the field, but also an inspiring figure off it. With an unwavering dedication to the sport, he has proven that he is an athlete of considerable skill and fortitude, a characterization that is likely to define the continuing arc of his professional career.