Corey Ballentine Bio
Corey Ballentine is a Jamaican-American professional football cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Washburn Ichabods and was selected by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Throughout his career, Ballentine has also played for the New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and New England Patriots. Known for his speed and agility, he has made significant contributions to his teams since entering the league in 2019.
Early Life and Background
Corey Ballentine was born on April 13, 1996, in Montego Bay, Jamaica. At the age of six, he moved to Tecumseh, Kansas, where he began to develop his passion for sports, particularly football. Ballentine attended Shawnee Heights High School, where he excelled in both football and track. His athletic abilities were evident early on, and he became a standout player during his high school years.
Path to American Football
After high school, Corey Ballentine continued his football journey at Washburn University, where he played for the Washburn Ichabods from 2014 to 2018. During his college career, he participated in 46 games and was recognized for his exceptional performance on the field. Despite considering quitting the team before his freshman year, he persevered and became a key player, primarily on defense while also serving as the team’s kick returner. His efforts culminated in winning the Cliff Harris Award in 2018, awarded to the nation’s top small college defensive players. After a successful college career, Ballentine was invited to the 2019 Senior Bowl and participated in the NFL Scouting Combine, showcasing his skills to professional scouts.
Corey Ballentine Career
Early Career (2019-2020)
Corey Ballentine was selected by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, being the 180th overall pick. His rookie season saw him making a mark on the team, although he faced challenges, including being waived by the Giants in November 2020. His time with the Giants laid the foundation for his professional career, allowing him to gain valuable experience in the NFL.
Breakthrough (2020-2025)
After being claimed off waivers by the New York Jets, Ballentine continued to develop his skills. He faced injuries during his time with the Jets, which limited his playing time. However, he was claimed by the Detroit Lions in September 2021, where he had a brief stint before moving on to the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals. In 2022, Ballentine signed with the Green Bay Packers, where he had a more stable role, contributing to the team’s defense and special teams. His journey took another turn when he signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2025, followed by a return to the Green Bay Packers and a stint with the New England Patriots. Ultimately, he joined the Dallas Cowboys, where he continues to play as of 2025.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Corey Ballentine has achieved significant milestones, including winning the Cliff Harris Award in 2018. He has also made notable contributions on the field, with career statistics reflecting his impact as a cornerback. His journey through various teams has showcased his resilience and adaptability in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
Corey Ballentine Award Nominations
Corey Ballentine has received recognition for his performances, most notably winning the Cliff Harris Award in 2018, which highlights his status as one of the top defensive players in small college football.
Corey Ballentine Awards Won
Corey Ballentine’s most significant award is the Cliff Harris Award, which he won in 2018, recognizing his exceptional defensive skills during his college football career.
Corey Ballentine Family
Information about Corey Ballentine’s family is limited, with no publicly available details regarding his parents or siblings.
Personal Life
Corey Ballentine’s personal life includes a significant event in 2019 when he was injured in a shooting incident that resulted in the tragic death of his college roommate and teammate, Dwane Simmons. This incident occurred shortly after the NFL Draft, highlighting the challenges he faced early in his professional career. Despite these challenges, Ballentine has continued to pursue his football career with determination and resilience.
