30 Facts About Jordan Whitehead

Early Life and High School Career

Jordan Whitehead's journey to the NFL began in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. His high school years were marked by impressive achievements on both the football field and the track.

1. Jordan Whitehead attended Central Valley High School in Monaca, Pennsylvania.
2. He was a standout athlete, excelling in football and track.
3. Whitehead started as a freshman and played on both sides of the ball.
4. As a senior, he caught 24 passes for 471 yards and rushed for 1,933 yards on 148 attempts, totaling 35 touchdowns.
5. On defense, he compiled 97 tackles and seven interceptions.
6. Whitehead led Central Valley to a 15-1 record, the WPIAL Class AAA championship, and the PIAA state title game.

College Commitment and Career at Pittsburgh

Whitehead's talent caught the attention of several colleges, but he chose to stay close to home and play for the Pittsburgh Panthers.

7. Whitehead committed to play football for the Pittsburgh Panthers on October 3, 2014.
8. He chose Pittsburgh over Penn State and West Virginia.
9. As a true freshman in 2015, Whitehead played in all 13 games, starting in the last 12.
10. Offensively, he carried the ball 12 times for 122 yards and two touchdowns.
11. Defensively, he tallied 108 tackles, one interception, six pass deflections, and one fumble recovery.
12. He was named the ACC's Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association (ACSMA).
13. Whitehead was named to USA Today's All-American Team and the ACC's All-Conference Third-team.

Challenges and Achievements in College

Whitehead faced some challenges during his college career but still managed to leave a lasting impact.

14. In 2016, Whitehead played in Pitt's first nine games before missing their last three due to injury.
15. Despite the limited season, he compiled 65 tackles, one interception returned 59 yards for a touchdown, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble.
16. He was awarded a second-team all ACC spot.
17. As a junior in 2017, Whitehead missed Pitt's first three games but played in the last nine.
18. Defensively, he tallied 60 tackles, four pass deflections, and one interception.
19. On offense, he ran the ball 22 times for 142 yards and caught two passes for seven yards.
20. After the season, Whitehead declared for the 2018 NFL draft, forgoing his senior year.

Transition to the NFL

Whitehead's transition to the NFL was marked by immediate contributions and some early challenges.

21. Whitehead was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round (117th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft.
22. He made his professional regular season debut in the Buccaneers' season-opening 48–40 victory at the New Orleans Saints.
23. Whitehead was inactive for the Buccaneers' Week 4 loss at the Chicago Bears due to a shoulder and hamstring injury.
24. On October 14, 2018, Whitehead earned his first career start after Chris Conte was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury.

NFL Career Highlights

Whitehead's NFL career has been filled with notable performances and key contributions to his teams.

25. In Week 12 of his rookie season, Whitehead collected a season-high ten solo tackles and broke up two pass attempts during a 27–9 win against the San Francisco 49ers.
26. He finished his rookie season with 76 combined tackles (61 solo) and four pass deflections in 15 games and 11 starts.
27. In the 2019 season, Whitehead recorded his first career interception in a 55–40 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
28. He also recovered a fumble forced by teammate Devin White on running back Chris Carson in the 40–34 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
29. In Week 15 of the 2019 season, Whitehead injured his hamstring and left the game.
30. On December 18, 2019, Whitehead was placed on injured reserve.

Jordan Whitehead's Impact on Football

Jordan Whitehead has carved out an impressive career in football, from high school standout to NFL star. His journey through Central Valley High School, the University of Pittsburgh, and now the NFL showcases his talent and dedication. With standout performances, like his three interceptions against the Buffalo Bills, Whitehead has proven his worth on the field. His leadership and community involvement further highlight his character off the field. As he continues with the New York Jets, fans can expect more thrilling plays and significant contributions. Whitehead's story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and passion for the game. His future in the NFL looks bright, and his impact on the sport will be remembered for years to come. Keep an eye on this talented safety as he continues to make waves in professional football.