Justin Herron

Justin Herron's Biography

Justin Herron, a Maryland-native born November 27, 1995, is known for his dynamic impact in the world of American professional football. Herron has made his mark on the National Football League (NFL), having played as an offensive tackle for New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, and Las Vegas Raiders. Despite continual injuries, his journey and commitment set him apart, beginning with his early athletic pursuits.

In his early years, Herron attended Bullis School, based in Potomac, Maryland. His teenage years displayed his wide-ranging talents, where he invested his time as an offensive lineman on the football team. Outside of the confines of the football field, his pursuits also extended to baseball and basketball, alongside demonstrating his musical abilities as a trumpeter in the jazz band, showcasing his multifaceted abilities.

Demonstrating dynamic abilities as a football player, Herron was regarded as a 3-star recruit. After evaluating potential offers from Boston College, Old Dominion, Rutgers, and also Villanova, he decided to commit to Wake Forest. His pathway to success was not perpetually smooth; Herron was hit by a torn ACL injury in the first week of the 2018 season.

However, his resolve proved unshakeable, returning to the field for another year as a student-athlete. His dedication was recognized through his appointment as a team captain, and he was rewarded with third-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors. Herron left a lasting legacy in Wake Forest, setting a record by playing in 51 games – a testimony to his durability and determination.

His college career paved the way for his professional debut in the NFL when the New England Patriots selected him as the 195th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft. The journey, however, remained tumultuous with an ankle injury in October 2020, leading to Herron’s placement on injured reserve. His health improved, and Herron returned on November 28th.

In September 2022, Herron was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders by the Patriots, who additionally parted with a 2024 seventh-round draft pick in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Yet, within a month of his joining, he suffered an ACL tear and was placed on injured reserve on October 7.

Over the two seasons, Herron played in seven regular-season games. However, his time with the team was cut short due to a knee injury and a concussion. Consequently, he was ultimately waived on December 27, 2023.

Not long after, on April 29, 2024, Herron signed up with the New Orleans Saints, yet his availability was cut short due to injuries, which ended his season prematurely after he was placed on the injured reserve once again on July 28.

His athleticism is a family trait: his father, Reggie Herron, had an illustrious career in basketball, playing for Villanova. His uncle, Keith Herron, was a second-round selection in the 1978 NBA draft, played for five seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Outside of his career, Herron was awarded an “Outstanding Service” award from the Tempe, Arizona, Police Department on March 22, 2021. Alongside another citizen, Herron bravely saved a woman from a violent sexual assault, testament to his courage off the field.