Josiah Deguara

BIOGRAPHY

Born on February 14, 1997, Josiah Daniel Deguara is a professional American football player. He plays in the National Football League (NFL) as a tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars. His journey began in high school in Folsom, California, passing through extensive college football at Cincinnati, and finally gracing the NFL when he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers. Even in the face of debilitating injuries and tumultuous career shifts, Deguara’s resilient spirit never faltered, constantly pushing towards his undeniable love of the game. This is his story.

Deguara attended Folsom High School set in the heart of California. Despite being well received in athletic circles, he was listed as a three-star recruit by 247Sports, while 247Sports Composite rated him a two-star recruit. His choices were thin, between an offer from Air Force and Cincinnati. Despite this, Deguara chose Cincinnati and embarked on a college football career that would commence his journey towards becoming a professional athlete.

Upon his induction into the University of Cincinnati’s football program, Deguara continued to exhibit passion and unparalleled excellence in his college career. He gained an impressive 1,117 yards on 92 receptions, consolidating his reputation as a rising star within the football community. Deguara’s prowess was particularly pronounced in his junior and senior seasons where he scored 13 touchdowns. Such was his performance that he snagged a First-team All-American Athletic Conference selection.

Victory came calling for Deguara during the 2020 NFL draft when the Green Bay Packers selected him in the third round and the 94th overall pick. Signing his rookie contract on July 24, 2020, his dreams of playing professional football became reality. His first NFL action came just a few months later on September 13, 2020, during a Week 1 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Despite it being his debut, he recorded a respectable one catch for 12 yards. However, the jubilation was short-lived as he suffered a torn ACL in Week 5, leading to his placement on the injured reserve roster on October 13, 2020.

His journey didn’t end there. After a year of recovery and perseverance, Deguara scored his first NFL touchdown on November 21, 2021, latching onto a 25-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers during a nail-biting 34–31 loss to the Vikings.

Following his stint with the Green Bay Packers, Deguara moved on to signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars on March 28, 2024. Despite being released that August, he was immediately re-signed to the practice squad. However, his persistence paid off, and he was elevated to the Jaguars’ active roster on September 23, just in time for a game against the Buffalo Bills, and was permanently signed to the active roster shortly after.

During his time at the University of Cincinnati, Deguara also dipped his toes into the workings behind the athletic scene, interning in the operations department of FC Cincinnati. Becoming a professional athlete requires excellence not just on the field but off it, and Deguara’s work ethics extend far beyond the confines of a football ground.

Josiah Deguara’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and unfettered dedication to a sporting passion that has shaped his life. Through practices, games, and injuries, he has remained constant in his pursuit of football excellence. Despite the highs and lows of his career, his love for the game shines above all else, making him an inspiration for those who wish to traverse the same path.