DJ James Bio
Desmond “D. J.” James (born March 5, 2001) is an American professional football cornerback. He is currently a member of the Orlando Storm of the United Football League (UFL). James played college football for the Oregon Ducks and Auburn Tigers before beginning his professional career. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the 192nd overall pick in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft.
Early Life and Background
James was born in Mobile, Alabama, and grew up in the same area. He attended Spanish Fort High School, where he developed into a three-star recruit. Coming out of high school, James was regarded as a promising defensive back prospect with the athleticism and instincts to play cornerback at the next level.
During his recruitment, James initially committed to play college football at Mississippi State. He later flipped his commitment and signed with Oregon instead. His decision to switch schools reflected his belief in the Ducks’ defensive scheme and the opportunity to compete in the Pac-12 Conference. Those early choices helped set the stage for his transition into top-level college football.
Path to American Football
James began his college career at Oregon, where he developed his skills as a cornerback in the Ducks’ secondary. Across his time in Eugene, he built a reputation for being a physical, ball-hawking defender. As a junior at Oregon, James produced 46 tackles, two interceptions, and four passes broken up, showing his ability to make plays in coverage and against the run.
Following that junior season, James entered the NCAA transfer portal to explore new opportunities. He ultimately chose to transfer to Auburn to play in the Southeastern Conference. The move gave him a chance to face stronger competition on a weekly basis and to test himself against some of the best receivers in college football. His performance with the Tigers confirmed his readiness for the next level.
DJ James Career
Early Career at Oregon (2019–2021)
James spent his first three college seasons with the Oregon Ducks from 2019 through 2021. Working within Oregon’s defensive system, he developed his technique as a cornerback and steadily earned more responsibility on the field. By his junior year, he had become a regular contributor in the Ducks’ secondary.
His junior season at Oregon was his most productive, with 46 tackles, two interceptions, and four passes broken up. Those numbers showed his knack for disrupting opposing passing games. After the season, James decided to enter the transfer portal in search of a new challenge.
Auburn Breakthrough (2022–2023)
James transferred to Auburn and made an immediate impact for the Tigers. In his first season with the program in 2022, he was named Second-team All-Southeastern Conference after recording 37 tackles, one interception, and eight passes broken up. The honor reflected his status as one of the top defensive backs in the league that year.
One of his signature moments with the Tigers came against Western Kentucky, when he recorded his first interception for Auburn. James stepped in front of the quarterback, returned the ball 27 yards, ran through the middle of the field, followed his blockers, and flipped into the end zone for a pick-six. The play highlighted his instincts, speed, and willingness to finish with physicality.
Seattle Seahawks Era (2024)
James was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the 192nd overall pick in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft. Being drafted gave him the chance to begin his professional career in the league. He joined a Seattle team looking to add depth and competition to its cornerback room.
On July 18, 2024, James was placed on the active/NFI (non-football injury) list as he continued to work his way back. He was later waived on August 27, 2024, as part of the Seahawks’ final roster cuts. His release opened the door for his next opportunity in the league.
New England Patriots Era (2024–2025)
On September 16, 2024, James was signed to the New England Patriots practice squad. He spent the remainder of that season developing within the Patriots’ system while staying ready to contribute when called upon. On January 6, 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with New England, securing his place with the organization heading into the new year.
In 2025, James made the Patriots’ initial 53-man roster, a sign that he had earned a roster spot out of training camp. He was, however, waived on September 9, 2025, as the team shaped its roster for the regular season. His time in New England gave him valuable experience inside a traditional NFL defensive structure.
Orlando Storm Era (2026–Present)
On May 8, 2026, James signed with the Orlando Storm of the United Football League (UFL). The move gave him a new platform to continue his professional career in a spring league known for fast-paced play. With the Storm, James has stepped into an active role in the secondary.
He currently wears jersey number 14 for the Orlando Storm, where he is listed as an active cornerback. The UFL has offered him the chance to take on a featured role rather than a limited practice squad spot. His transition to Orlando marks a fresh chapter after a quick rise through both college football and the NFL.
Driving Style and Strengths
James is a physical, ball-hawking cornerback who plays with confidence in man and zone coverage. He is comfortable breaking on routes, supporting the run, and finishing plays with energy. His experience against top competition at Auburn helped sharpen his instincts, while his time in the NFL added discipline to his technique.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of James’ career are his Second-team All-SEC selection in 2022, his pick-six against Western Kentucky at Auburn, and his selection in the 2024 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Each step reflected steady growth from a three-star recruit to a professional cornerback competing in two different professional leagues.
DJ James Career Wins
James’ career is still in its early stages, and his biggest individual accomplishments so far have come at the college level. His selection to the Second-team All-SEC in 2022 stands as his most recognized on-field honor to date. At the professional level, he has earned roster spots in both the NFL and the UFL, underscoring the trust coaches have placed in his ability.
College Highlights
James produced 46 tackles, two interceptions, and four passes broken up during his junior season at Oregon. In his first year at Auburn in 2022, he added 37 tackles, one interception, and eight passes broken up, earning Second-team All-SEC recognition. His interception return for a touchdown against Western Kentucky remains a defining play of his time with the Tigers.
Professional Highlights
In the NFL, James was a sixth-round draft pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2024 and later joined the New England Patriots practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with New England in January 2025 and made the Patriots’ initial 53-man roster in 2025. In 2026, he signed with the Orlando Storm of the UFL to continue his professional career.
DJ James Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
James grew up in Mobile, Alabama, and attended Spanish Fort High School, where he developed into a recruited football player. Details about his parents and broader family are not widely documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Public information about James’ personal life is limited. He is known to be an American professional athlete focused on his football career, and his social media presence, including his Instagram account, reflects his ongoing connection to the sport.
2025 Season Performance
James entered the 2025 season with the New England Patriots after signing a reserve/future contract in January 2025. His work during the offseason helped him earn a spot on the Patriots’ initial 53-man roster, a significant step for a player who had been on a practice squad the previous fall. The 2025 campaign represented his first opportunity to be part of an active NFL roster heading into the regular season.
Despite making the initial roster, James was waived by the Patriots on September 9, 2025, as the team finalized its roster. The decision did not diminish the progress he had made, as he had shown enough in camp to put himself in the mix for an active role. His release opened the door for his next move in professional football.
Looking ahead, James’ 2025 experience served as a bridge to his next chapter, which began in 2026 when he signed with the Orlando Storm of the UFL. The time he spent in New England’s defensive system is expected to inform his play in the spring league. With his combination of NFL experience and a fresh opportunity in Orlando, James is positioned to take on a featured role in the Storm’s secondary.