Trystan Colon

BIOGRAPHY

Trystan Colon, an accomplished American professional football player, was born on March 23, 1998. Forgoing his former name, Trystan Colon-Castillo, he currently plays as a center for the Arizona Cardinals in the National Football League (NFL). Prior to his NFL career, he was a standout player on his college team, the Tigers at the University of Missouri.

Colon’s family story is one of love, tragedy, and resilience. His foundation as a person and as an athlete was laid in Webb City, Missouri, where he was born to Heriberto “Eddie” and Neysa Rosaria Colon. Neysa had moved from Puerto Rico to attend Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, and Eddie followed soon thereafter. Colon’s father tragically died in a car accident when he was just a year old.

Throughout high school, Colon exhibited exceptional talent on the football field. He was a three-year varsity football player for the Webb City High School Cardinals from 2013 to 2015, playing as an offensive lineman. During that period, he helped lead the team to two Class 4 State Championships, a runner-up finish, and compiled an impressive overall record of 43-2. This included an undefeated 15-0 season in 2014. Furthermore, Colon demonstrated his athletic versatility by playing high school basketball.

After a successful high school career, Colon secured a spot on the Missouri Tigers college football team, where his capabilities shone through once more. His strength training dedication was recognized when he was named Lifter of the Year after his redshirt season. His true freshman year recognized his contributions by granting him 13 starting games, earning him a spot on the Southeastern Conference coaches’ All-Freshman team, and the Team Underclassmen Leadership Award. He started the final 38 games over three seasons after his redshirt year. However, in 2018 and 2019, despite starting all 25 games, the team was not allowed to compete in a bowl game due to NCAA sanctions.

Going undrafted in the 2020 NFL draft, Colon demonstrated grit and determination and was eventually signed as an undrafted free agent by the Baltimore Ravens. Although initially waived on September 5, 2020, he was re-signed to the practice squad the next day. By October 10, 2020, he was elevated to the active roster for the week 5 game against the Cincinnati Bengals and was permanently promoted to the active roster on October 12, 2020. His first career start came against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 2, 2020, due to a COVID-19 outbreak among the Ravens.

In March 2021, the Ravens placed an exclusive-rights free agent tender on Colon, further securing him in their team. He signed a year-long contract on April 18. At his request, all official communications henceforth referred to him as Trystan Colon. The Ravens extended the same exclusive-rights offer in 2022. During his three seasons with the Ravens, from 2020 to 2022, he played in a total of 20 games.

On March 22, 2023, however, Colon’s NFL career would take a new turn. He marked the day by signing with the New York Jets. Unfortunately, the Jets waived him on August 29, 2023. The following day, Colon found himself claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals. Throughout the 2023 season with the Cardinals, he played in 14 games, even starting in four of them, mostly at the left guard position. His determination and skill on the field were recognized by the Cardinals, who signed him to a $1.75 million one-year contract on March 11, 2024.