Jordan Willis

Jordan Willis's Biography

Jordan Willis is a professional American football player known for his incredible athletic talents, strength and determination on the football field. The NFL outside linebacker, who has played for several teams including the Cincinnati Bengals and San Francisco 49ers, has been recognized as a valuable asset thanks to his abilities and his contribution to the teams he has been part of.

Born on May 2, 1995, in Kansas City, Missouri, Willis was raised in a sports-loving household. From a young age, he exhibited a strong inclination towards football. His athletic progression was natural and rapid, with Willis honing his skills and developing a deep understanding of the game throughout his high school and college years.

Playing at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri, Willis began to draw attention for his skills on the football field. He was named a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and was considered the 9th best player in the state of Missouri. After high school, Willis was all set for the big college move and decided to further his athletic career at Kansas State University.

At Kansas State, Willis was an integral part of the Wildcats’ football program, playing as a defensive end. He was highly impressive in his senior year, earning the Bill Snyder Most Valuable Player award and co-Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a First-team All-Big 12 selection in both his junior and senior years. Willis ended his college career with a total of 113 tackles, 40.5 for loss, 26 sacks, and three forced fumbles. His college record was an indication of the brilliant potential Willis possessed and the impressive career that was ahead of him in professional football.

Willis announced his availability for the 2017 NFL Draft, and his impressive college performance and the skills he exhibited made him an attractive pick for the NFL teams. His professional journey commenced when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals, in the third round with the 73rd overall pick. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing approximately 255 lbs, Willis’ size and strength further augmented his skill set, making him a dynamic player on the field.

As a rookie, Willis played all 16 games for the Cincinnati Bengals. Although he did not start every game, he contributed significantly to the team’s performance. He began his career with the Bengals mainly working in a rotational role. His first two years were considered promising, albeit quiet, as he worked hard to establish himself in the league.

However, in his third season with the Bengals, Willis was waived. The New York Jets claimed him off waivers on September 10, 2019, providing an opportunity for Willis to find a new home and reestablish himself. In his very first season with the Jets, Willis played 9 games and made significant contributions to the team, especially on the special teams.

At the end of the 2019 season, Willis was traded once again, this time to the San Francisco 49ers, where his rotating role on the team’s depth has seen him contribute in key moments for the 49ers. As a player, Willis’ biggest strengths are his speed and ability to pressure the quarterback, making him an asset for any team he’s on.

Off-field, Willis is a very private individual and not much is known about his personal life. He has largely managed to keep his personal and professional life separate.

Despite the various transitions in his career, Jordan Willis has proven to be an incredible asset for any team he is a part of. While his journey in the NFL has seen its ups and downs, Willis has persevered through each stage, always working towards displaying his best performance on the field. The defining features of his career so far are resilience and dedication, demonstrating these qualities in every game he plays.

His story is not just one of success on the field; it is a testament to the strength that comes with resilience, tenacity, and unwavering dedication. With his athletic prowess and unparalleled determination, Jordan Willis will continue to make a difference in the arena of professional football, aiming high and striving for nothing short of greatness.