D.J. Humphries

D.J. Humphries's Biography

Dierrias J. Humphries Jr., more widely known as D.J. Humphries, was born on 28th December 1993 and is an accomplished professional football player in the United States. Not currently associated with any team, Humphries formerly played the position of an offensive tackle in his professional career. He had a distinguished college football career while he was with the Florida Gators.

Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Humphries began his football journey with Mallard Creek High School. A multi-talented athlete, he participated in football, basketball, and track, gaining notable recognition in each. As an All-American Offensive Lineman, Humphries formed an unbeatable offensive force along with 2000 yard rusher Jela Duncan and quarterback Marquise Williams. His distinct football skills began to shine during his freshman season. Over the course of his high school career’s final three years, he did not let his quarterback be sacked even once.

In 2011, Humphries led Mallard Creek to a 13-1 record and a spot in the NCHSAA Class 4AA State Semifinals. However, they suffered an upset loss to Greensboro (NC) Page with a score of 41-27. Lesser-known facts about Humphries include his involvement in track & field, with top throws of 48 ft 9 in the shot put, and 105 ft 3 in the discus.

Humphries was not just recognized as a prominent football prospect by his coaches but also by Rivals.com, a leading platform for tracking college football recruits. They declared him the top offensive tackle recruit of his class over second ranked Zach Banner, comparing him to football giant, D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Thanks to his potential, he was sought after by reputed Division I football programs across the nation. He turned down offers from Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and others to enroll with the Florida Gators in January 2012.

In his freshman year, Humphries performed exceptionally well in the 12 games he played, starting in South Carolina, Missouri, and Louisiana-Lafayette games in particular. He was named First-team Offense Southeastern Conference Coaches’ All-Freshman (OL) and Sporting News Freshman All-America after scoring 80% or better in six games. His sophomore season suffered a halt due to a season-ending injury after seven games. His junior season ended prematurely too, with him missing two games because of injuries.

After his junior year, Humphries took a step towards his professional career and entered the 2015 NFL draft. He was selected in the first round itself, with the 24th overall pick, by the Arizona Cardinals. This was notable because it was the highest selection of a Florida offensive lineman since Mike Pouncey in 2011. On June 1, 2015, Humphries was given a four-year rookie contract worth $8.91 million with a guaranteed $7.26 million, including a signing bonus of $4.74 million by the Cardinals.

In his professional career’s beginning, Humphries stayed behind veterans Earl Watford and Bobby Massie as the third right tackle of the Cardinals. During his rookie season, he didn’t get to play in any of the regular season or postseason games. However, by the second season, Humphries moved up to be the starting right tackle. He made his professional debut in the Cardinals’ season-opening game against the New England Patriots but unfortunately saw defeat by 23–21. His first career start as left tackle happened against the Atlanta Falcons, leading after the starting left tackle, Jared Veldheer, suffered a torn triceps.

The following years saw highs and lows, including injuries that kept him off the field quite a bit. In spite of several setbacks, he managed to secure contract extensions, highlighting the Cardinals’ faith in his talents. In February 2020, he signed a three-year contract extension with the Cardinals, worth $45 million. Within two years, he signed another three-year extension of a massive $66.6 million and was supposed to stay with the Cardinals until the 2025 season.

Unfortunately, his contract was cut short when he was released by the Arizona Cardinals in March 2024 after a lengthy and dedicated tenure of nine seasons.

On a personal front, his father, who shares the same name, also played college football and basketball at Presbyterian College and competed in the Arena Football League. Football continues to remain a significant part of Humphries’ life beyond the field; with his son who could potentially follow his father’s and grandfather’s football legacy.