D.J. Humphries Bio
Dierrias J. Humphries Jr., known professionally as D.J. Humphries, is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Gators and was a first-round selection in the 2015 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Humphries won the 2011 Anthony Muñoz Award, given to the best lineman in high school football, and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2021.
Over the course of his NFL career, Humphries has played for the Arizona Cardinals, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Los Angeles Rams. Standing 6 ft 5 in and listed around 302 lb, he has developed into a veteran presence along the offensive line.
Early Life and Background
Dierrias J. Humphries Jr. was born on December 28, 1993, in Union, South Carolina, and grew up in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area. He attended Mallard Creek High School, where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track and field. On the gridiron, he was an All-American offensive lineman who cleared the way for a 2,000-yard rusher and protected quarterback Marquise Williams.
Humphries started from his freshman year at Mallard Creek and did not allow a sack over the final three years of his prep career. In 2011, he helped lead the team to a 13-1 record and a berth in the NCHSAA Class 4AA State Semifinals. He also competed in track and field in the shot put and discus events.
Regarded as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Humphries was ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle prospect of his class, ahead of Zach Banner, and was compared to D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Recruited by virtually every Division I program in the country, he chose Florida over offers from Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina.
Path to American Football
Humphries enrolled at the University of Florida in January 2012 to participate in spring practice, giving him an early start on his college development. As a true freshman, he appeared in all 12 games and started three, grading out at 80 percent or better six times, including 100 percent against Texas A&M and Tennessee. His strong play earned him First-team Coaches’ All-SEC Freshman honors and a Sporting News Freshman All-American selection.
He played the first seven games of his sophomore season in 2013 before a season-ending injury cut his year short. As a junior in 2014, he played in 10 games, missing two due to injury, and then declared for the NFL draft. By the time he left Gainesville, he had positioned himself as a top-flight offensive line prospect.
D.J. Humphries Career
Early Career (2015-2016)
The Arizona Cardinals selected Humphries with the 24th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft, making him the highest Florida offensive lineman drafted since Mike Pouncey in 2011. He signed a four-year, $8.91 million rookie contract with $7.26 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $4.74 million. During his rookie training camp, head coach Bruce Arians gave him the nickname “knee-deep” because of his need for daily motivation.
Humphries was inactive for all 16 regular-season games and both postseason contests in 2015, the only first-round pick that year to be inactive the entire season. In 2016, he was named the starting right tackle and made his professional debut in the season-opening 23-21 loss to the New England Patriots. He later made his first career start at left tackle against the Atlanta Falcons after Jared Veldheer suffered a torn triceps.
Arizona Cardinals Breakthrough (2017-2020)
Humphries entered the 2017 season as the Cardinals’ starting left tackle but suffered an MCL sprain in Week 1 and missed four games. After returning in Week 6, he started four more games before dislocating his knee cap in Week 10 and being ruled out for the season. The Cardinals picked up his fifth-year option in April 2018, and he started the first nine games at left tackle before another knee injury sent him to injured reserve in December.
On February 17, 2020, Humphries signed a three-year, $45 million contract extension with Arizona through 2022, cementing his role as a franchise cornerstone. He continued to anchor the offensive line and became a vocal leader in the locker room, setting the stage for his biggest payday to date.
Cardinals Prime and Pro Bowl Years (2021-2023)
In 2021, Humphries earned Pro Bowl honors, the first such recognition of his NFL career and a marker of his status among the league’s top tackles. He was rewarded with another three-year, $66.6 million contract extension on August 2, 2022, running through the 2025 season. A back injury landed him on injured reserve on November 26, 2022, but he returned to anchor the line the following year.
On December 31, 2023, Humphries tore his ACL during a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and was placed on injured reserve shortly thereafter. On March 13, 2024, the Cardinals released him after nine seasons, ending a long chapter in Arizona.
Kansas City Chiefs Era (2024)
On November 25, 2024, Humphries signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in the middle of the regular season. He stepped in as a starter at left tackle in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers and again in Week 18 versus the Denver Broncos, giving Kansas City a proven veteran presence at a critical juncture.
During the playoffs, Humphries played on special teams in both the Divisional Round and the AFC Championship Game, and he was active but did not play in Super Bowl LIX. His short stint with the Chiefs added a championship-caliber experience to a long career.
Los Angeles Rams Era (2025-Present)
On June 12, 2025, Humphries signed with the Los Angeles Rams, after a previous deal with the San Francisco 49ers had fallen through. He did not see action until Week 8, when he played in a 35-7 victory over Jacksonville, and went on to appear in eight regular-season games for the Rams.
Humphries started at left tackle in place of Alaric Jackson during a 27-24 loss to Atlanta in Week 17. He also played in a backup role in the Rams’ 34-31 victory over Carolina in the NFC Wild Card Game, providing valuable depth and experience along the offensive line.
Driving Style and Strengths
Humphries is known for his combination of size, length, and athleticism that allows him to handle speed rushers on the edge. His track-and-field background gives him rare foot quickness for a 6 ft 5 in tackle, and he has shown the ability to play both left and right tackle at a high level. Coaches have long praised his pass-protection technique and run-blocking power when engaged and motivated.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the signature moments of Humphries’ career are his 2015 first-round selection by the Cardinals, his first career start at left tackle against Atlanta in 2016, and his 2021 Pro Bowl selection. He has also navigated multiple serious knee injuries, including a dislocated kneecap in 2017 and a torn ACL on New Year’s Eve 2023, returning from each setback to continue his NFL journey.
D.J. Humphries Career Wins
As an offensive lineman, Humphries’ statistical impact is measured less in individual wins and more in team performance, durability, and recognition. His career NFL statistics include 108 games played and 101 games started through the 2025 season, a testament to his longevity and consistency when healthy. His Pro Bowl selection in 2021 stands as the clearest individual validation of his play.
Team Highlights
Humphries spent the bulk of his career with the Arizona Cardinals from 2015 to 2023, anchoring the offensive line for nine seasons. He later added a Super Bowl LIX experience with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024 and joined the Los Angeles Rams in 2025, where he has contributed as both a starter and a key backup.
Other Performances
Beyond his NFL career, Humphries earned Freshman All-American honors in 2012 at Florida, one of the highest pre-draft recognitions for an offensive lineman. He also posted a 100 percent grade in multiple SEC games during his freshman year, signaling his pro potential early in his college career.
D.J. Humphries Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Humphries’ father, also named D.J. Humphries, played college football and basketball at Presbyterian College and also competed in the Arena Football League. The athletic pedigree clearly influenced his son’s path, as Humphries grew up around the game and followed his father into the trenches of football.
Personal Life
Humphries has a son and is known by the nickname “knee-deep,” a name given to him by former Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians during his rookie training camp. He splits his professional life between his football commitments and time with his family.
2025 Season Performance
Humphries’ 2025 season began with his June 12 signing by the Los Angeles Rams after a prior deal with the San Francisco 49ers did not materialize. He did not see game action until Week 8, when he debuted in a 35-7 victory over Jacksonville, and he went on to play in eight regular-season games for Los Angeles.
One of the highlights of his year was a start at left tackle in place of Alaric Jackson during a 27-24 Week 17 loss to Atlanta, showing that he remains a trusted option when the Rams need him. He also contributed in a backup role during the Rams’ 34-31 NFC Wild Card Game win over Carolina, providing veteran depth in the postseason.
Looking ahead, Humphries provides the Rams with experienced insurance at both tackle spots and a proven locker-room presence. His mix of size, technique, and postseason experience should continue to make him a valuable piece of the Los Angeles offensive line as the 2025 season progresses.
