Isaac Yiadom

BIOGRAPHY

Isaac Yiadom, the son of Ghanaian immigrants, is an embodiment of grit and determination which led him from Doherty Memorial High School in Massachusetts to a proud position in the National Football League. Born on February 20, 1996, Isaac’s journey transcends the traditional limitations of sport and speaks volumes about the enduring power of dreams coupled with hard work and dedication.

Following his high school graduation, Isaac was presented with offers from Bryant, Holy Cross, and Connecticut. However, he chose Boston College to further his academic and athletic pursuits. Here, he played college football, showcasing his talent and promise as a cornerback.

It was a moment of reward and recognition for Isaac when he, along with Harold Landry and Kamrin Moore – his Boston College teammates, were invited to the 2018 Senior Bowl. This achievement made it the first time since 2006 that Boston College had bestowed this honor on three students. Isaac gladly accepted the invitation to play, propelling his career towards a unique ascent.

Prior to the Senior Bowl, Isaac was ranked 47th on DraftScout.com’s list of best cornerback prospects. His innumerable college credentials previously unlabeled began to emerge under the limelight. Isaac addressed the Senior Bowl with phenomenal performance and astounded spectators, scouts, and analysts with his striking skills.

On January 27, 2018, Isaac became a part of the South team led by Denver Broncos’ head coach Vance Joseph in the 2018 Reese’s Senior Bowl. The match ended in a loss against the North team guided by Houston Texans’ head coach Bill O’Brien, but Isaac’s showcase during the game remained etched in memories.

As Isaac progressed in his career, he attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. He displayed exceptional skills in the majority of the combine drills, yet chose to abstain from the vertical jump and the three-cone drill. Later, on Boston College’s pro day on March 21, 2018, Isaac showcased his adeptness in various areas, including a 40-yard dash, 20-yard dash, 10-yard dash, short shuttle, broad jump, and a vertical jump. Isaac’s standing grew and he was projected by NFL draft experts and scouts to be selected in the third or fourth round. DraftScout.com placed him as the 12th best cornerback prospect while Scouts Inc. placed him at the 15th position.

Isaac’s relentless pursuit and hard work culminated in him being selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round (99th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft. This achievement pinned him as the 11th cornerback drafted in 2018. His association with the Broncos further solidified following his signing of a four-year contract for $3.32 million.

After his stint with the Broncos, Isaac was traded to the New York Giants where he started 10 games during his season. The transition set the stage for his eventual move to the Green Bay Packers. During his time with the Packers, Isaac encountered both highs and lows. He started a crucial match against the Chicago Bears but faced criticism concerning a pass interference penalty. This setback led him to a backup and special teams role after he was replaced by Rasul Douglas. The challenges mounted after Isaac was transferred to the COVID-19 reserve list, but he overcame the hurdle and was back on field by November 2021.

However, his journey saw another twist when he, alongside Jack Heflin, was released by the Packers to facilitate the return of Za’Darius Smith and Whitney Mercilus from injured reserve. Isaac then signed with the Houston Texans but was released during the final roster cuts. This setback was short-lived when the New Orleans Saints saw his potential and signed him to their practice squad in late 2022. The proficiency Isaac displayed led to his promotion to the active roster. Continuing his engagement with the Saints, he re-signed a contract on March 23, 2023.

The present stage of Isaac’s professional journey began when he inked a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers on March 18, 2024. His tale, filled with accomplishments, trials, and an undying commitment to football, is an inspiration for numerous players across the globe.