Isaiah Rodgers

BIOGRAPHY

Isaiah Rodgers Sr. is an American football professional known for his skill on the football field as a cornerback. Presently, Rodgers plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, a prestigious team in the National Football League (NFL). Rodgers’ mastery over the game was first evident during his time at the University of Massachusetts, better known as UMass, where he played football for the Minutemen, the university’s team.

Born on January 7, 1998, Rodgers developed an early affinity for football, but his defining moments came about during his senior year at UMass. During this time, he was chosen for Pro Football Focus’ coveted First-team All-American Team, mainly due to his exceptional performance as a senior cornerback. While traditionally a cornerback, Rodgers’ flexibility and skill set allowed him to move into a deep safety role with special packages. His performance during his college senior season was impressive, returning 53 kickoffs for a total of 1,295 yards. His defensive play was robust, boasting an impressive record of 42 total tackles along with four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Completing his list of achievements that season, Rodgers also had ten passes defended, and he accounted for one forced fumble and fumble recovery.

Over the span of his college career, Rodgers compiled an admirable stat sheet, recording 125 total tackles, 9.5 of which accounted for a loss. He made a total of 11 interceptions, with three returned for touchdowns. Remaining consistent on the defensive side, he also recovered four fumbles and forced an equal number. Yet, Rodgers was equally effective on special teams, returning a total of 99 kickoffs for 2,338 yards, averaging 23.6 yards per return. Rodgers’ diversity was further highlighted through his 21 punt returns for a cumulative 156 yards, averaging out to 7.4 yards per return and acquiring one touchdown.

Upon the conclusion of his senior year, Rodgers held his own Pro Day, which served as a showcase for his exceptional defensive skills, particularly his capabilities at safety and defensive back. Adding to his overall athleticism, Rodgers ran a commendable 4.28–second 40-yard dash.

The NFL draft of 2020 marked a significant milestone in Rodgers’ professional journey. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 211th pick in the sixth round, a placement acquired from the New York Jets as part of a trade deal for Quincy Wilson. Not long after entering the professional sphere, Rodgers notched notable achievements, including his first career touchdown on a 101-yard kickoff return during Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns. In reflection of his impressive start, he was named to the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team.

However, after a strong start, Rodgers’ professional career experienced a downturn in late 2022. Suffering from a knee injury received during Week 16 against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Colts placed Rodgers on a season-ending injured reserve on December 28, 2022. Rodgers finished an otherwise fruitful year with 34 tackles, three pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

Further controversy arrived in June 2023 when Rodgers was investigated by the NFL for alleged violations of the organization’s gambling policy. Rodgers was accused of opening a sportsbook account under an associate’s name and making approximately 100 bets, some even involving his own team. The controversy resulted in Rodgers, along with several other NFL players, being suspended for the entirety of the 2023 NFL season for breaching the league’s strict policy on gambling. Soon after the suspension was announced, Rodgers and his teammate, Rashod Berry, were waived by the Colts.

In August of the same year, Rodgers signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. However, due to his existing suspension, he was unable to play during the entire 2023 season. Following a year on the sidelines, the NFL reinstated Rodgers on April 23, 2024. Able to return to the field, Rodgers’ journey is testament to his resilience, skill, and tenacity—qualities that define his place in NFL history.