Justin Hollins

Justin Hollins's Biography

Justin Hollins is a seasoned American professional football defensive end whose journey into the world of professional football is nothing short of inspiring. Born on January 15, 1996, in Arlington, Texas, Hollins’s passion for the game was inborn and, irrespective of the challenges he encountered, his tenacity propelled him to the apex of his career.

Hollins commenced his education at Grace Preparatory Academy, then later transferred to Martin High School, where he expanded his football prowess. Hollins together with Myles Garrett, a future first pick in the 2017 NFL draft, formed a formidable defensive line at Martin, recording an impressive 59 tackles and four sacks. His brilliance on the field did not go unnoticed. Several recruiting services rated him as a three-star prospect and, though he had multiple offers from the likes of Oklahoma, Baylor, Oklahoma State, and Iowa, he accepted the University of Oregon’s offer.

At the University of Oregon, Hollins fashioned an impressive career with the Oregon Ducks. In his five remarkable seasons, he redshirted his sophomore season and rose to become a starter on the defensive line after his redshirt season. He demonstrated an impressive skill with a record of 51 tackles and finished second on the team in tackles for loss (9.5) and sacks (3). Hollins further advanced his craft in his redshirt junior season, demonstrating nifty agility and power with a record of 59 tackles, 11.5 for a loss, 4.5 sacks and an interception returned for a touchdown.

In his redshirt senior season, Hollins was named first-team All-Pac-12 after an impressive record of 64 tackles, including 14.5 for a loss, 6.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, an interception, and six passes defended. Such level of mastery of the game saw him being the only Football Bowl Subdivision player to record at least five sacks, five forced fumbles, and one interception. His illustrious college career featured 184 tackles (36 for loss), 14 sacks, two interceptions, seven forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. His performance was so exemplary that he got an invitation to participate in the 2019 East–West Shrine Game and was named the game’s defensive MVP.

The Denver Broncos would then draft Hollins in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL draft, effectively beginning his professional career. He signed a four-year rookie contract, inclusive of $300,000 in guaranteed money. Hollins debuted in the NFL on September 9, 2019, against the Oakland Raiders and recorded his first career sack against the Cleveland Browns.

However, his journey would not be without hurdles. Hollins’s journey with the Broncos came to an end when he was waived in September 2020. The Los Angeles Rams claimed him off waivers, where he first recorded his sack as a Ram in a game against the New York Giants. Despite suffering a partial pec tear during the 2021 season, Hollins recovered and played in the Super Bowl LVI, where the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals.

Following his time at the Rams, Hollins moved to the Green Bay Packers, where he was re-signed on a one-year, $1.2 million deal after being claimed off waivers. His journey then led him to the New York Giants, from where he was signed off the practice squad by the Los Angeles Chargers.

Hollins’s professional tour would then him to the Washington Commanders in August 2024. However, despite a short stint at the Commanders following his release in the same year, Hollins’s spirit was not dampened. He was later re-signed to their practice squad, proving that his passion for the game was undying.

Over the years, Hollins’s career has demonstrated that he is not just a football player; he’s a man on a mission. A man whose story continues to remind us all that in the face of adversity, passion, perseverance, and determination pay off.