Anthony Averett Bio
Anthony Averett is an American professional football cornerback who has played in the National Football League since 2018. Born on November 30, 1994, in Woodbury, New Jersey, he rose to prominence as a starter for the Alabama Crimson Tide before being selected in the 2018 NFL Draft. Averett is a two-time College Football Playoff national champion, having won titles with Alabama in 2015 and 2017.
Across his NFL career, Averett has suited up for the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Houston Texans. Listed at 5 feet 11 inches and 184 pounds, he is recognized for his coverage instincts, ball skills, and versatility in both outside and slot cornerback roles.
Early Life and Background
Anthony Averett grew up in Woodbury, New Jersey, where he attended Woodbury Junior-Senior High School. He lettered in both football and track, establishing himself as one of the most dynamic multi-sport athletes in the region. On the gridiron, he lined up at defensive back and also took snaps at quarterback, demonstrating an early feel for the game from both sides of the ball.
On the track, Averett was a standout long jumper. At the 2012 Penn Relays, he finished second in the long jump, and during his senior year he posted a mark of 25 feet, two inches, which ranked as the second-longest jump in New Jersey high school history. He also ran 10.6 seconds in the 100 meters, 6.46 seconds in the 55 meters, and cleared 6 feet, 4 inches in the high jump, underscoring the rare athleticism that would later define his football career.
Following his decorated high school career, Averett committed to the University of Alabama, one of the most storied programs in college football. His combination of speed, length, and competitive toughness made him a priority recruit for the Crimson Tide coaching staff.
Path to American Football
Averett’s path to elite-level American football began with patience and steady development at Alabama. He redshirted his first year on campus in 2013 and saw action in only one game during the 2014 season, using that time to refine his technique and adjust to the speed of the Southeastern Conference.
In 2015, Averett carved out a role on special teams, recording two tackles while learning the finer points of defensive back play within Alabama’s pro-style system. His persistence paid off in 2016, when he broke into the starting lineup and played in all 15 games, finishing the year with 48 tackles, one interception, and one sack.
As a senior in 2017, Averett was a key contributor on a Crimson Tide defense that captured the College Football Playoff National Championship, adding a second title to the one he had won as a rotational player in 2015. His growth from a depth piece to a multi-year starter exemplified the developmental culture at Alabama and set the stage for his transition to the NFL.
Anthony Averett Career
Baltimore Ravens (2018–2021)
The Baltimore Ravens selected Anthony Averett in the fourth round, 118th overall, of the 2018 NFL Draft. He spent his first three professional seasons rotating in the Ravens secondary, gaining experience on special teams and as a reserve cornerback. In October 2020, he was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury and was activated in December of that year.
Averett produced one of his most memorable moments as a Raven on October 3, 2021, when he intercepted Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock in the end zone to help Baltimore secure a 23–7 victory. Later that season, on December 26, he suffered a fractured rib after a hit from Cincinnati Bengals tight end C. J. Uzomah, cutting short his fourth campaign in Baltimore.
Las Vegas Raiders (2022)
Anthony Averett signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on March 17, 2022, looking to take on a larger role in the Silver and Black secondary. The move initially offered a fresh start for the young cornerback.
However, his Raiders tenure was repeatedly interrupted by injuries. Averett suffered a broken thumb in Week 1 and was placed on injured reserve on September 12, 2022. After being activated on October 22, he returned to the field briefly before a second injured reserve stint on November 29 closed out his season in Las Vegas.
San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions (2023)
On August 3, 2023, Averett signed with the San Francisco 49ers in hopes of earning a roster spot in one of the league’s top defensive systems. Eight days later, he was placed on injured reserve, and on August 17 he was released.
Averett found his next opportunity on October 10, 2023, when the Detroit Lions signed him to their practice squad. He remained with Detroit until November 14, 2023, when he was released, ending another short stint.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2024)
Averett signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers on May 12, 2024. He was released on August 20 but re-signed to the Steelers practice squad. He was ultimately released again on October 28, 2024, concluding his time in Pittsburgh.
Houston Texans (2025)
On January 6, 2025, Anthony Averett was signed to the Houston Texans practice squad, and on January 21 he signed a reserve/future contract with the club. He was released by the Texans on March 17.
Career Statistics and Strengths
Through the 2024 NFL season, Anthony Averett had recorded 114 total tackles, 23 pass deflections, and 3 interceptions. His strengths include fluid hips in man coverage, reliable tackling in space, and the versatility to line up outside or in the slot.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Averett’s defining moments are two College Football Playoff national championships at Alabama (2015 and 2017), his fourth-round selection in the 2018 NFL Draft by Baltimore, and a 2021 red-zone interception against the Denver Broncos. He has also earned the distinction of being part of six NFL franchises, a testament to his persistence and professionalism.
Anthony Averett Career Wins
Anthony Averett’s career has been defined more by consistent play and championship team success than by personal trophy hauls. As a cornerback, his wins are measured in coverage stops, interceptions, and championship rings earned at the highest levels of the sport.
CFP National Championship Highlights
Averett was a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide squads that won the College Football Playoff National Championship in both 2015 and 2017. While he played a limited role as a redshirt freshman in 2015, he became a multi-year starter by the time of the 2017 title run, contributing on the perimeter in coverage and on special teams.
Other Performances
At the NFL level, Averett has contributed on special teams and in nickel and outside cornerback packages across multiple franchises. His ability to step into starting roles when called upon, including a 2016 season at Alabama that featured 48 tackles, one interception, and one sack, has marked him as a reliable and steady professional.
Anthony Averett Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Anthony Averett comes from an athletic family with deep roots in professional football. He is the nephew of former Pro Bowl left tackle Bryant McKinnie, who enjoyed a long NFL career and played in a Super Bowl. That family connection provided Averett with an early model of what a professional football career could look like.
Personal Life
Beyond his connection to Bryant McKinnie, Averett has largely kept his personal life out of the public eye. He is widely recognized by his social media presence under the handle associated with antaverettjr, and he continues to pursue opportunities to extend his professional football career.
2025 Season Outlook
Heading into the 2025 season, Anthony Averett’s professional status remains fluid after his release from the Houston Texans on March 17, 2025. Coming off stints with six NFL organizations, he brings a depth of experience that could appeal to teams in need of veteran cornerback help or special teams contributions.
With 114 career tackles, 23 pass deflections, and 3 interceptions on his resume, Averett has the statistical foundation of a capable role player. His best path back to a regular roster spot likely lies in showcasing durability and continued coverage ability during offseason workouts and training camp invitations.
Regardless of where his career resumes, Averett already boasts a resume that includes two College Football Playoff national championships and seven seasons of NFL experience, a record of perseverance that continues to define his journey in professional football.