Isaiah Oliver

Isaiah Oliver's Biography

Born on September 30, 1996, Isaiah Oliver, a skilled American professional football cornerback, is renowned for his significant contribution to the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He displayed his prowess in American Football at a tender age, quickly rising through the ranks to become a significant player in the NFL. This article examines Oliver’s journey, focusing on his upbringing, college years, career highlights, and personal life.

Isaiah Oliver grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. His raw talent and love for football were evident as he attended Brophy College Preparatory, a high school that became a launch pad for his future career. He showcased his abilities by not only playing as a cornerback but also fulfilling his role as a wide receiver, thus proving his versatility. His exceptional performances did not go unnoticed. ESPN.com recognized him as a three-star recruit. Despite garnering high school football offers from Arizona and New Mexico, Oliver committed to the University of Colorado.

While at the University of Colorado, Oliver honed his craft as part of the Colorado Buffaloes college football team. Notably, he did not limit his athletic prowess to the football field. Oliver diligently juggled his football practice hours with Colorado’s track and field team activities. In fact, he posted a personal best time of 10.56 seconds in the hotly contested high school 100-meter dash competition.

Oliver marked his three-year tenure at Colorado from 2015 to 2017 by registering 82 total tackles and making three interceptions. His passion for the sport and his outstanding performances led him to an early career in the NFL, deciding to forgo his senior year to enter the 2018 NFL draft.

Being selected by the Atlanta Falcons was a significant milestone in Oliver’s career. He was picked during the second round of the 2018 NFL draft, making him the eighth cornerback to be drafted in that year. His exceptional skills and promise were recognized, earning him a four-year contract valued at $4.63 million, inclusive of a $2.14 million guarantee and a $1.45 million signing bonus.

In his first season with the Falcons, Oliver recorded his first career interception against the Carolina Panthers. His performance continued uphill in the 2019 season, especially in the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he made six tackles, recording a 24-20 win. The highlight came in week 8 of the 2020 season against the Carolina Panthers when he recorded his first career sack on Teddy Bridgewater. The game culminated in a 25-17 victory for the Falcons.

Unfortunately, the 2021 season brought several challenges. Oliver incurred a knee injury in Week 4. Despite his injury, the exceptional cornerback continued playing, signing a one-year contract extension with the Falcons in March 2022. After a brief recovery period, he went back on full active play.

In March 2023, Oliver inked a two-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. He featured in 17 games, registered six starts, and recorded 67 tackles, two passes defensed, and an interception during this period. However, his stint was cut short due to an unforeseen release in February 2024. Nevertheless, Oliver rebounded rapidly, joining the New York Jets in March of that same year.

Football runs in Oliver’s veins as his father, Muhammad, and his Uncle Damon Mays, both played in the NFL. His performance continues to honor his family’s legacy in the NFL, and Oliver’s journey is far from completion. His tenacity, talent, ambition, and profound sense of discipline ensure he remains a key figure in the American Football sports scene.