Jonathan Greenard

BIOGRAPHY

Jonathan Raymond Greenard, born on May 25, 1997, is a seasoned professional in the American football scene, renowned as an aggressive and highly skilled linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings, a team fighting the battle in the National Football League, NFL. He began his football career playing in college at two universities, Louisville and Florida.

Greenard’s love for sport surfaced during his formative years in the city of Hiram in Georgia. As he grew up, he attended Hiram High School where he identified and passionately fueled his sporting talents, playing both basketball and football. His skill and prowess on the football field landed him the prestigious title as the 5-A regional defensive player of the year in his final year at school. Despite being evaluated as a three-star recruit, his dedication to the sport landed him a spot at Louisville University, standing strong against competing pressure from Kentucky.

Among the formidable Louisville Cardinals, Greenard made the decision to redshirt his true freshman season. He found himself in the role of a key substitute linebacker during his redshirt freshman year, recording notable achievements such as 22 tackles, with seven accounted for loss. In addition, he made an impact with his 2.5 sacks, two broken-up passes, and an intercepted football that he skillfully returned into a 42-yard touchdown. He made his mark in his first career start in the 2016 Citrus Bowl, recording 5 tackles, with 1.5 computed for loss.

His redshirt sophomore season presented Greenard the opportunity to step up as a starter for the Cardinals. This period saw him leading the team with brilliant feats, such as 15.5 tackles while also tying for a team-high seven sacks. However, the first game of his redshirt junior season brought a temporary setback as he dislocated his wrist against Alabama, forcing him to sit out the entire season. Despite the injury, Greenard announced later that season his choice to transfer to the University of Florida.

During his time in recovery, Greenard focused on his academic growth, enrolling in extra courses that allowed him to graduate a semester early. With his physical wounds healed and a fresh degree in hand, he enrolled at Florida in January 2019 as a graduate transfer. His first game as a Gator positioned him in the limelight as he was announced as the Southeastern Conference co-Defensive Lineman of the week. This acknowledgement came on the heels of his contribution of six tackles and 1.5 sacks against Miami. His inaugural season with the Florida team came to an end on a high note: 52 tackles, 15.5 accounted for loss, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, four passes defended, and a successful interception.

Greenard’s profile burst into the professional scene when he was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft, selected 90th overall. Shortly thereafter, on May 14, 2020, he inked a four-year contract with the Texans that included a nearly $900,000 signing bonus. He made his NFL debut later that year on October 4, going against the Minnesota Vikings. Impressively, Greenard recorded his first professional sack during a game against the New England Patriots in Week 11. He wrapped up his rookie season with some impressive numbers: 19 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack, all accounted in 13 games with a single start.

Although an injury sidelined him on October 22, 2022, his comeback came strong on December 17. Taking his game to new heights, he signed a four-year, $76 million contract on March 13, 2024, with the Minnesota Vikings. In the second week of the 2024 season, Greenard delivered an outstanding performance recording three sacks and four tackles. His exceptional play in the 34-7 win over the Texans undoubtedly earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.