Matthew Judon

BIOGRAPHY

Matthew Judon, an American professional football player, was born on August 15, 1992, and serves as a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League (NFL). His journey toward professional football began at Grand Valley State, where he distinguished himself by setting a Division II record for sacks. This achievement drew attention from the Baltimore Ravens, who selected him during the fifth round of the 2016 NFL draft.

Before becoming a professional athlete, Judon was invited to compete in the East–West Shrine Game but was unable to participate due to a knee issue discovered through arthroscopy. This obstacle, however, didn’t prevent him from showcasing his skills and abilities during an invitation to the NFL combine, making him the first player from Grand Valley State to receive such an opportunity in two years. During the event, Judon demonstrated remarkable athleticism, performing impressively in the 40-yard dash, bench press, and vertical jump.

Following the combine, Judon participated in Grand Valley State’s pro day, impressing NFL representatives and scouts from twenty-six teams. His excellent workout raised his draft stock, earning him commendations from the scouts in attendance. Despite the positive feedback, some were hesitant to predict his professional success due to his Division II background and injury history. Nevertheless, NFLDraftScout.com ranked Judon as the 14th best defensive end prospect.

In the 2016 NFL draft, the Baltimore Ravens picked Judon in the fifth round, making him the third edge rusher they drafted that year. In May of the same year, he signed a four-year contract with the Ravens worth $2.59 million, including a signing bonus of $255,736.

At the Ravens, Judon was converted to an outside linebacker position, as the team believed their 3–4 scheme would better fit him. Following intense competition throughout training camp, Coach John Harbaugh named Judon the backup weakside linebacker. His career with the Ravens saw him, among other achievements, help the team clinch a playoff berth during a match against the Bills in 2019.

In March 2020, the Ravens placed the franchise tag on Judon, offering him a one-year contract worth $16.808 million which he accepted in May. Throughout the 2020 season, Judon made some notable contributions despite having faced suspension and COVID-19 related issues.

Moving on from the Ravens, Judon signed a four-year contract with the Patriots in March 2021 worth $56 million. In New England, he established a new career-high in sacks by Week 11, which landed him in the Pro Bowl for the third consecutive time.

Further testing his skills, Judon was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in August 2024 for the 2025 third-round pick. Judon,one of ten children, has always worn a 9 on his jersey as a tribute to his nine siblings. Recognizing the importance of this tradition, he continued to display the number 9 on his jersey when he joined the Patriots, which had recently revised its uniform rules to permit defensive linemen to wear single-digit numbers.