Corey Ballentine Bio
Corey Ballentine is a Jamaican-American professional football cornerback who plays in the National Football League (NFL). Born in Jamaica and raised in the United States, he built his reputation at the Division II level before earning an NFL opportunity. Across his professional career, Ballentine has appeared for the New York Giants, New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, and Dallas Cowboys. He is recognized for his special-teams play, speed, and perseverance following a serious off-field tragedy early in his NFL journey.
Early Life and Background
Corey Ballentine was born on April 13, 1996, in Montego Bay, Jamaica. At the age of six, he moved with his family to the United States and settled in Kansas, where he grew up and developed an interest in competitive sports. The relocation shaped his early years and laid the foundation for his athletic path. His Jamaican heritage and American upbringing continue to influence his identity as a professional athlete.
Ballentine attended Shawnee Heights High School in Tecumseh, Kansas, where he began playing organized football. He also competed in track and field, building the sprint speed that would later become one of his defining traits on the gridiron. His combination of football instincts and track athleticism caught the attention of college recruiters looking for versatile defensive backs.
Path to American Football
After high school, Ballentine committed to Washburn University, a Division II program in Topeka, Kansas, where he played for the Washburn Ichabods from 2014 to 2018. During his college career, he appeared in 46 games and almost quit the team in the summer before his freshman year before recommitting to the program. He primarily played on defense while also serving as the team’s kick returner and blocking four field goals during his collegiate tenure.
Ballentine’s senior season brought national recognition, as he won the 2018 Cliff Harris Award, given annually to the nation’s top small-college defensive player. He was also named a 2018 second-team AFCA All-American, cementing his status as one of the premier Division II defensive backs in the country. He was subsequently invited to the 2019 Senior Bowl, where he drew attention for his speed, and participated in the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine. He also ran track at Washburn, recording personal bests of 10.51 seconds in the 100 meters and 21.25 seconds in the 200 meters.
Corey Ballentine Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Corey Ballentine was selected by the New York Giants in the sixth round, 180th overall, of the 2019 NFL draft, becoming one of the rare Division II players chosen that year. His selection was especially meaningful given the tragic shooting that occurred just days after the draft, an event in which his college roommate, Washburn defensive back Dwane Simmons, was killed. Ballentine was injured in the same incident but recovered and continued his professional path.
Ballentine spent his first two professional seasons with the Giants, contributing primarily on special teams and as a depth cornerback. On November 10, 2020, he was waived by the team, ending his initial stint in New York. Despite the abrupt transition, his special-teams experience and NFL game reps positioned him for the next opportunity of his career.
New York Jets Era (2020–2021)
The New York Jets claimed Ballentine off waivers on November 11, 2020, giving him a fresh start late in the season. He continued to focus on special-teams duties while learning the Jets’ defensive schemes. His time in New York, however, was interrupted by injury during the 2021 preseason.
On August 23, 2021, Ballentine was waived/injured by the Jets and placed on injured reserve. He was later released by New York on September 15, closing out his brief tenure with the franchise. The experience added to his understanding of the league’s business side and the importance of staying healthy and productive.
Detroit Lions Era (2021)
On September 16, 2021, Ballentine was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions, providing him another opportunity to compete for a roster spot. He appeared in limited action before being placed on injured reserve on October 15. Ballentine was activated on November 18, then waived the next day and quickly re-signed to the practice squad.
Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals Era (2022)
On January 12, 2022, Ballentine signed a reserve/future contract with the Atlanta Falcons, signaling a commitment to compete for a larger role. He participated in offseason activities but was waived by Atlanta on August 30 as the team trimmed its roster. Shortly after, on September 7, 2022, the Arizona Cardinals signed him to their practice squad, though he was released thirteen days later.
Green Bay Packers Era (2022–2024)
On September 28, 2022, the Green Bay Packers signed Ballentine to their practice squad, beginning what would become his longest and most stable NFL tenure. He was promoted to the active roster on November 12 and continued to contribute on defense and special teams. On March 20, 2023, he re-signed with the Packers, and after brief movement between the practice squad and active roster, he re-signed again on March 12, 2024.
Across his Packers tenure, Ballentine emerged as a reliable special-teams contributor and rotational cornerback, logging tackles, pass deflections, and kick-return reps. His production and versatility helped him carve out a defined role within Green Bay’s defensive and special-teams units.
Indianapolis Colts, Patriots, and Cowboys Era (2025)
On March 14, 2025, Ballentine signed with the Indianapolis Colts before being released on August 1 as part of roster reductions. He briefly returned to the Green Bay Packers on August 4 but was waived on August 26 during final cuts. On August 28, he signed with the New England Patriots’ practice squad, appeared in one regular-season game, and was released on September 23.
On September 25, 2025, the Dallas Cowboys signed Ballentine to their practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on December 24 and re-signed with the Cowboys on a one-year, $1.3 million contract on March 23, 2026. His release on June 18 marked the end of that chapter, but his continued movement between active rosters and practice squads reflects a journeyman career built on resilience.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ballentine’s game is built on speed, agility, and special-teams reliability. His Division II track background gave him elite sprint quickness, and his experience as a kick returner at Washburn translated to NFL coverage and return duties. He has built his professional reputation on toughness, preparation, and the ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Ballentine’s most significant milestones are his 2018 Cliff Harris Award, his 2019 NFL draft selection by the Giants, and his continued presence on NFL rosters years after a life-altering off-field incident. His persistence in the league, despite multiple team changes and injury setbacks, stands as a defining hallmark of his professional story.
Corey Ballentine Career Wins
As a defensive back and special-teams player, Corey Ballentine’s professional value has been measured less by win totals and more by tackles, pass breakups, and coverage reliability. Through the 2025 season, he had recorded 103 total tackles, 9 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 876 return yards. His contributions on kick and punt coverage units have been consistent throughout his career.
NFL Career Highlights
Ballentine’s most stable NFL stretch came with the Green Bay Packers from 2022 through 2024, where he carved out a meaningful special-teams role. He earned additional reps with the Dallas Cowboys after being promoted from the practice squad late in the 2025 season. Across his stops with the Jets, Lions, Falcons, Cardinals, Colts, and Patriots, he continued to demonstrate the kind of depth and versatility teams seek in reserve defensive backs.
Corey Ballentine Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Corey Ballentine was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and moved to the United States at six years of age. His family supported his athletic development through his high school years at Shawnee Heights and his college career at Washburn. His Jamaican roots and American upbringing remain central to his personal identity.
Personal Life
Ballentine’s most defining personal experience occurred in the early morning hours of April 28, 2019, when he was injured in a shooting in Topeka while attending an off-campus party shortly after the NFL draft. His college roommate and Washburn defensive backfield teammate, Dwane Simmons, was killed in the tragedy. Ballentine has spoken about carrying his memory throughout his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
Corey Ballentine’s 2025 season was defined by movement between multiple franchises, beginning with his March signing by the Indianapolis Colts and ending with active-roster duty for the Dallas Cowboys. He returned briefly to the Green Bay Packers in August before being released during final cuts, signed with the New England Patriots’ practice squad in late August, and appeared in one regular-season game before being released in late September. His promotion to the Cowboys’ active roster on December 24 provided a meaningful late-season opportunity.
With Dallas, Ballentine contributed on special teams and in rotational defensive packages, leveraging his veteran experience and track-tested speed. His steady special-teams play and coverage instincts helped him finish the year on an active NFL roster, a notable achievement given the turbulence of his 2025 campaign.
Looking ahead, Ballentine’s mix of experience, sprint speed, and special-teams dependability continues to make him a viable depth piece across the league. His career trajectory underscores a player who has consistently earned opportunities through perseverance and preparation, regardless of how often his address changes.
