Gregory Junior Bio
Gregory Junior II is an American professional football cornerback currently active in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Born on June 21, 1999, in Crossett, Arkansas, he rose from a small-town high school program to the professional ranks through a standout college career at Ouachita Baptist University. After being selected in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Junior became the first player from his college program to be drafted into the National Football League. His professional journey has carried him through multiple NFL organizations, and he now plays for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL.
Early Life and Background
Gregory Junior II grew up in Crossett, Arkansas, a small community in the southern part of the state. He attended Crossett High School, where he developed into a promising defensive back and laid the foundation for his football career. Listed at 6 feet 0 inches and 203 pounds, Junior combined size and athleticism that drew attention from college recruiters during his high school years.
Coming out of high school, Junior chose to play college football at Ouachita Baptist University, a program competing in the Great American Conference (GAC) of NCAA Division II. The decision to attend a smaller college allowed him to develop in a more focused environment, and he steadily progressed through the Tigers’ defensive scheme over the course of his college career.
Path to American Football
Junior committed to Ouachita Baptist and joined the Tigers football program, where he spent his college years from 2017 through 2021. Working his way up the depth chart, he became a reliable contributor on the defensive side of the ball, particularly in the secondary. His development culminated in a strong senior campaign in 2021, when he recorded 46 tackles, three tackles for loss, and seven pass breakups across the season.
That senior year also brought individual recognition, as Junior was named First-team All-GAC in 2021 for his performance. His play drew NFL attention, and he was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft as the 197th overall pick, becoming the first Ouachita Baptist player ever drafted into the NFL.
Gregory Junior Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Gregory Junior II began his NFL career with the Jacksonville Jaguars after being selected in the 2022 draft. Shortly after joining the team, he was waived on August 30, 2022, and signed to the Jaguars’ practice squad the following day. He was promoted to the active roster on December 19, 2022, marking his first official appearance on an NFL active roster. During this early stretch, Junior recorded his first professional statistics, finishing with 17 total tackles and one pass deflection in his NFL career.
In 2023, Junior’s season was interrupted by injury. He suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1 and was placed on injured reserve on September 16, 2023. After a period of recovery, he was activated on November 11 and returned to the field for the remainder of the season. The Jaguars later waived him with an injury designation on August 6, 2024, ending his time with the organization that originally drafted him.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2022–2024)
Junior’s tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars represented his entry into the NFL and the beginning of his professional career. Selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he made history as the first Ouachita Baptist player to reach the league. Although his role on the active roster was limited early on, his promotion in December 2022 gave him an opportunity to contribute on defense.
His 2023 season was cut short by a hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve, but he returned in November and continued to develop. By August 2024, the Jaguars decided to part ways with him, waiving him with an injury designation. The stint provided Junior with foundational NFL experience that shaped the next phase of his career.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2024)
On September 17, 2024, Junior signed with the Indianapolis Colts practice squad, looking to earn a roster opportunity. His time in Indianapolis, however, was brief. He was released by the Colts on October 7, 2024, just a few weeks after joining the team.
Houston Texans Era (2024–2025)
Gregory Junior II found a new opportunity on October 14, 2024, when he was signed to the Houston Texans practice squad. He remained with the organization long enough to sign a reserve/future contract with Houston on January 21, 2025, signaling the team’s interest in retaining him for the next season. However, on May 13, 2025, the Texans waived him, ending his time in Houston.
Green Bay Packers Era (2025)
Junior signed with the Green Bay Packers on May 21, 2025, shortly after being released by the Texans. His stay in Green Bay lasted through the spring and summer, but he was released by the Packers on August 4, 2025, as the team trimmed its roster heading into the regular season.
Denver Broncos Era (2025)
On August 10, 2025, Junior was signed by the Denver Broncos, giving him another short-term opportunity. Five days later, on August 15, 2025, he was waived with an injury designation, ending his brief tenure in Denver.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Era (2026–Present)
Looking for a fresh start, Gregory Junior II signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League on January 30, 2026. He currently plays defensive back for the Tiger-Cats and wears jersey number 28. His move to the CFL marks a new chapter in his professional career, with the opportunity to compete for playing time north of the border.
Notable Events and Milestones
Junior’s most significant career milestone came in 2022, when he became the first player from Ouachita Baptist University to be drafted into the NFL. He was selected in the sixth round as the 197th overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars. His professional career has also included stops with the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, and now the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL, showcasing his persistence across multiple organizations.
Gregory Junior Career Wins
As a defensive back, Gregory Junior II has built his professional resume through team contributions rather than individual win totals. Across his NFL stops with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers, and Denver Broncos, he has accumulated 17 total tackles and one pass deflection in his career NFL statistics.
Gregory Junior Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Gregory Junior II was raised in Crossett, Arkansas, where he attended Crossett High School and developed into a professional football prospect.
Personal Life
Public information about Junior’s personal life, marital status, and family relationships is limited. He is known to be active on social media, including his verified Instagram presence.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season was a year of transition for Gregory Junior II, as he moved through multiple NFL organizations in rapid succession. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Houston Texans in January 2025 before being waived in May. He then joined the Green Bay Packers in late May, only to be released in early August. A short stint with the Denver Broncos followed before he was waived with an injury designation in mid-August.
Despite the constant movement between teams, Junior remained focused on continuing his professional career. His decision to sign with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL in January 2026 set the stage for a fresh start north of the border. With a full offseason to prepare and a defensive back role secured, Junior entered the new chapter of his career with momentum and a clear opportunity to establish himself in the Canadian game.