Shemar Bartholomew

Shemar Bartholomew, born June 6, 2000, has created an accomplished career path for himself as an American professional football cornerback, currently a part of the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). His journey towards professional football was built on a solid foundation of considerable achievements. A multi-talented sportsman, Bartholomew has proven his skillset repeatedly, both in college football and the national circuit.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Bartholomew is the seventh child in his family. A true lover of the game, his passion for football began shaping up during his high school days at Cypress Ranch High School in Texas, where he delivered impressive performances as a cornerback for the school’s varsity football team for three consecutive years. Significantly contributing to the school’s playoff successes during his junior and senior years, Bartholomew proved a force to be reckoned with, as he accounted for 40 tackles, five interceptions, and 12 pass breakups in his last year. His academic prowess paralleling his sporting abilities, Bartholomew graduated from Cypress Ranch with an imposing grade point average of 4.34.

Post high-school, Bartholomew decided to take his talent to a larger stage and committed to Northwestern State Demons, a team in the NCAA Division I FCS. His debut in 2018 saw him appearing in eight games, of which three he started, with an impressive tally of 14 tackles, three pass breakups, and two interceptions. The following season, Bartholomew featured in nine games, starting in six, and recorded 26 tackles and four interceptions, one of which marked a 96-yard touchdown. His splendid performances earned him the title of a third-team All-Southland Conference performer and honorable mention sophomore All-American by HERO Sports.

In the spring of 2021, Bartholomew played in three games, finishing with three tackles and an interception. His performance attained new heights with the fall 2021 season when he started nine games with six pass breakups — the most in the team, concluding with second-team All-SLC honors.

A crucial change came about in his career as Bartholomew transferred to the Georgia Southern Eagles after redshirting in the 2022 season following a lone game appearance. The 2023 season had him participating in 13 games, five which he initiated. Bartholomew’s splendid performance, including 38 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 14 pass breakups, and an interception, was rightly acknowledged with second-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors.

The young cornerback, however, remained undrafted in the 2024 NFL draft. Undeterred by the setback, Bartholomew’s expertise was soon acknowledged, and he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Jets. Despite leaving a strong impression in the preseason, allowing no receiving yards on nine targets, Bartholomew was waived on August 29, 2024.

The tide soon turned in his favor the next day when the Carolina Panthers claimed him off waivers. Bartholomew’s demand in the league was evident as four different teams contended in placing a claim for him. With this transition, Bartholomew proceeded to etch his own legacy, justifying his place in the world of professional American football.