Chris Wormley Bio
Christopher Keith Wormley, born on October 25, 1993, in Toledo, Ohio, is an American professional football defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 300 pounds, Wormley brings size and experience to the defensive line. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, where he earned Second-team All-American honors. After being selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft, he has also spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, and a second stint with Baltimore.
Early Life and Background
Wormley was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, where he attended Whitmer High School. He developed into an all-state football player, drawing attention from college scouts across the country. His size and skill on the defensive line made him one of the most recruited players from the Toledo area during his high school years.
Coming from a region with a strong football tradition, Wormley grew up around the sport and quickly earned a reputation as a physical and disciplined defender. His performances at Whitmer helped set the stage for a college career at one of the most historic programs in the country. Family support and his commitment to training played important roles in his development.
Path to American Football
Wormley enrolled at the University of Michigan in 2012, joining one of the most competitive college football programs in the nation. During summer training camp in August 2012, he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, which forced him to miss the entire 2012 season and resulted in a medical redshirt. The injury did not slow his long-term progress, as he returned to action in 2013.
As a redshirt freshman in 2013, Wormley appeared in 13 games as a backup defensive lineman. The following year, as a redshirt sophomore, he appeared in 12 games and started six. By his redshirt junior season in 2015, he had become a regular starter, appearing in 12 games with 10 starts and recording two sacks and eight tackles for loss. His steady growth positioned him for a strong senior campaign.
Chris Wormley Career
Early Career (2012–2016)
In 2016, Wormley returned to Michigan as a fifth-year, redshirt senior and was selected by his teammates as a team captain along with tight end Jake Butt. He was also named to the watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the best defensive player in college football. During the 2016 season, he recorded 39 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and finished second on the team with six sacks. He also blocked two field goal attempts in a 51–14 victory over UCF on September 10, 2016.
Following the 2016 season, Wormley was named to the All-Big Ten Conference defensive first-team by the coaches and earned Second-team All-American recognition from Sporting News. His leadership and production as a senior cemented his status as an NFL prospect.
Baltimore Ravens Breakthrough (2017–2019)
Wormley was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round, 74th overall, in the 2017 NFL draft. The Ravens had obtained the pick used to select him by trading Timmy Jernigan to the Philadelphia Eagles. He made his NFL debut on October 8, 2017, against the Oakland Raiders, logging 24 snaps and recording his first career tackle. He ended his rookie season appearing in seven games with two starts.
During the 2018 season, Wormley appeared in all 16 games with six starts, recording 16 tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, five pass deflections, and a sack. He recorded his first career sack against the Tennessee Titans on October 14, 2018. In 2019, he posted career highs in tackles, tackles for loss, and quarterback hits against the Cincinnati Bengals on November 10, finishing his first stint in Baltimore with steady production.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2020–2022)
On March 20, 2020, Wormley was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers along with a 2021 seventh-round pick in exchange for the Steelers 2021 fifth-round selection. The trade was a rare move between two AFC North rivals. During his first season, he suffered a knee injury in Week 7 and was placed on injured reserve on October 31 before being activated on November 21. He recorded his first sack as a Steeler against Baker Mayfield in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns.
Wormley re-signed with the Steelers on a two-year contract on March 22, 2021. In December 2022, he was placed on injured reserve after undergoing season-ending surgery to repair a torn ACL. His time in Pittsburgh showed flashes of disruptive play, though injuries limited his availability in his final season there.
Carolina Panthers and Return to Baltimore (2023–2024)
On September 11, 2023, Wormley signed with the Carolina Panthers. He was signed to the active roster on December 15, 2023, and contributed on the defensive line during the remainder of that season. His veteran presence helped stabilize the Panthers’ defensive front during a transitional period for the team.
On September 16, 2024, Wormley returned to the Baltimore Ravens, signing with their practice squad. He appeared in two regular season games and recorded four tackles, bringing his career full circle back to the organization that drafted him.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2025–Present)
On November 18, 2025, Wormley signed with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad. He was activated for the team’s November 30, 2025 game against the Houston Texans, recording a sack in that appearance. His addition gave the Colts additional depth along the defensive line late in the season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Wormley is a sizable defensive end who uses his length and power to disrupt opposing offenses. He has shown the ability to collapse the pocket as an interior rusher and hold up against the run on early downs. His experience across multiple defensive schemes in Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Carolina has made him a reliable rotational player.
Notable Events and Milestones
Wormley earned All-American and All-Big Ten honors at Michigan in 2016, a defining moment in his college career. He registered his first NFL sack against the Tennessee Titans in 2018 and later recorded his first sack as a Steeler against Baker Mayfield in 2020. His 2025 sack against the Houston Texans marked a memorable debut for the Indianapolis Colts.
Chris Wormley Career Wins
Across his professional career, Christopher Keith Wormley has recorded 12 sacks, 157 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 10 pass deflections, according to career NFL statistics as of the 2025 season. While he has not been recognized with major NFL awards, his longevity across multiple franchises highlights his value as a dependable defensive lineman.
Other Wins and Performances
Wormley earned Second-team All-American and First-team All-Big Ten honors in 2016, two of the most notable achievements of his career. He was also named a team captain at Michigan alongside Jake Butt that same season. These collegiate honors remain the foundation of his football résumé.
Chris Wormley Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Wormley grew up in Toledo, Ohio, where football has long been a central part of the community. His early development at Whitmer High School was supported by his family, though specific details about his parents and siblings are not widely publicized.
Personal Life
Christopher Keith Wormley has kept much of his personal life private. He remains connected to his hometown of Toledo, Ohio, and continues to pursue his professional football career with the Indianapolis Colts.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a year of transition for Chris Wormley. After signing with the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad in September 2024, he joined the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad on November 18, 2025. His activation for the November 30, 2025 game against the Houston Texans, where he recorded a sack, marked an immediate impact on the defensive line.
Wormley’s role with the Colts provided valuable depth during a late-season stretch. His veteran experience from previous stints with the Ravens, Steelers, and Panthers allowed him to step in quickly and contribute. As the season progressed, his familiarity with AFC North opponents added a tactical edge to Indianapolis’ defensive rotation.
Looking ahead, Wormley continues to build on a career that has spanned nearly a decade in the NFL. His ability to contribute in multiple schemes keeps him in demand as a rotational defensive end. With the Colts, he has an opportunity to finish the 2025 season on a strong note and potentially extend his professional career.