Jerry Tillery

Jerry Tillery's Biography

Jerry Dewayne Tillery Jr., born on October 8, 1996, is an eminent figure in American professional football. Tillery currently holds a pivotal position as a defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL). With an imposing career in football, Tillery has proved his worth and expertise at each stage of his journey by excelling in university sports and progressively making his way to the National Football League.

Tillery’s journey traces back to Shreveport, Louisiana, where he attended Evangel Christian Academy. It was during his senior year at high school that Tillery showcased outstanding performance in football, recording 93 tackles and seven sacks. His prodigious skills led him to commit to the University of Notre Dame to play college football, and his journey in the world of professional football thus began.

Tillery started his stint with college football as an offensive tackle for Notre Dame in 2015. However, changes in the strategic outlook landed him the role of a defensive tackle later during the same year. Tillery rose to the challenge, playing in 12 games, starting three, and recording 12 tackles and a sack in his rookie season. He consistently maintained his upward trajectory as he continued to refine his skills.

In his sophomore year in 2016, Tillery showcased his leaping talent by starting in 11 of 12 games and recording 37 tackles. As a junior in 2017, Tillery marked his position by starting in all 13 games, concluding the season with 56 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Determined not to leave any stone unturned, he continued his tenure at Notre Dame for his auspicious senior year in 2018.

Tillery’s hard work paid off when he was drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft, chosen by the Los Angeles Chargers as the 28th overall pick. His rookie season in the NFL turned out to be quite fruitful as he appeared in 15 games and made three starts, recording two sacks and 17 total tackles.

Tillery shone during Week 9 of the 2020 season against the Las Vegas Raiders. In a career highlight, he managed to record a strip sack on opposing quarterback Derek Carr, which he also recovered, marking his first forced fumble and fumble recovery in the NFL. Overall, Tillery’s 2020 season was notable with three sacks, 30 total tackles, two passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

In the subsequent football season of 2021, Tillery managed 4.5 sacks and 51 total tackles (24 solo) over 16 games, maintaining his record of consistent performance and growth. However, fortune had a twist in store for Tillery. The Chargers declined the fifth-year option on his contract in May 2022, making him a free agent after the season. Eventually, Tillery was waived in November 2022.

Soon after, the Las Vegas Raiders claimed Tillery off waivers, on November 14, 2022. Tillery made the best of this opportunity, finishing the season with one sack, 18 total tackles, and a forced fumble over 15 games with both teams. Subsequently, Tillery re-signed with the Raiders in March 2023 only to be released in March 2024. His stint with the Raiders wasn’t uneventful; during an October 2023 game, Tillery was ejected post a late hit on former teammate Justin Herbert.

A new chapter began in Tillery’s life on March 14, 2024, when he signed with the Minnesota Vikings. So far his career has been a testimony of stoic perseverance and unrivaled talent. Regardless of the trials that present themselves, Tillery continues to leave an indelible mark in the world of American football.