Isaiah Foskey Bio
Isaiah Ulysses Foskey is an American professional football defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and listed at 280 pounds, Foskey has developed into a pass-rushing presence since entering the league in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Isaiah Ulysses Foskey was born on October 30, 2000, in Antioch, California. He grew up in the East Bay region of Northern California and attended De La Salle High School in nearby Concord, where he played on the football team as both a defensive end and a tight end. The De La Salle program is one of the most storied high school football programs in the United States, and competing at that level helped shape his early development as a player.
During his high school career, Foskey emerged as a top national recruit and was invited to play in the 2019 All-American Bowl, a showcase featuring the country’s leading high school seniors. After completing his prep career, he committed to play college football at the University of Notre Dame, choosing the Fighting Irish over several other major programs.
Path to American Football
Foskey arrived at Notre Dame in 2019 as a freshman and immediately saw action in four games, recording five tackles and a blocked punt. As a sophomore in 2020, he took a meaningful step forward with 20 tackles and 4.5 sacks, showing the pass-rushing traits that would later make him a draft prospect. His growth continued into 2021, when he returned to the program as a full-time starter on the defensive line.
By the end of his senior season in 2022, Foskey had built impressive career totals at Notre Dame, including 122 tackles, 26.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and two pass breakups. That production earned him Consensus All-American honors in 2022, confirming his status as one of the top defensive linemen in college football and setting the stage for his entry into the NFL.
Isaiah Foskey Career
New Orleans Saints (2023–2024)
Isaiah Ulysses Foskey was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 40th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft. As a rookie in 2023, he appeared in ten games while adjusting to the speed and physicality of the professional game. He spent the 2024 season continuing his development within the Saints’ defensive rotation.
On August 26, 2025, Foskey was waived by the New Orleans Saints as part of final roster cuts, ending his tenure with the team that had drafted him two years earlier. The move opened the door for the next phase of his professional career.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2025–Present)
On September 9, 2025, Isaiah Ulysses Foskey was signed to the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad, giving him an opportunity to continue his career in a new environment. He was promoted to the active roster on November 21, 2025, and went on to appear in eight games for Cincinnati, compiling four combined tackles during that stretch.
On January 5, 2026, the Bengals signed Foskey to a one-year contract extension, signaling the organization’s confidence in his continued development. As of the most recent reporting, he remains an active member of the Cincinnati defensive line.
Notable Events and Milestones
Foskey’s career has been marked by a series of significant milestones, beginning with his Consensus All-American selection at Notre Dame in 2022. Being chosen 40th overall in the 2023 NFL draft confirmed his projection as a high-level professional pass rusher, while his promotion to the Bengals’ active roster in November 2025 marked a turning point in his post-draft trajectory. His January 2026 contract extension further validated his standing within the Cincinnati organization.
Isaiah Foskey Career Statistics
NFL Highlights
Through his first three professional seasons, Isaiah Ulysses Foskey has appeared in games for both the New Orleans Saints and the Cincinnati Bengals. In 2023, he played in ten games as a rookie, and in 2025 he added eight appearances for Cincinnati with four combined tackles. His career NFL statistics as of Week 14 of the 2025 season include 29 total tackles and one pass deflection, reflecting his ongoing growth as a defensive end.
Isaiah Foskey Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Detailed information about Isaiah Ulysses Foskey’s parents and immediate family is not widely documented in publicly available sources. His upbringing in Antioch, California, and his education at De La Salle High School in Concord suggest a family environment that supported his athletic development from an early age, given the program’s demanding tradition.
2025 Season Performance
Isaiah Ulysses Foskey’s 2025 season began with his release by the New Orleans Saints on August 26, 2025, during final roster cuts. He quickly found a new opportunity when the Cincinnati Bengals signed him to their practice squad on September 9, 2025, keeping him within the league and positioned to compete for a roster spot.
His season turned in mid-November when Cincinnati signed him to the active roster on November 21, 2025. In eight appearances down the stretch, Foskey produced four combined tackles, contributing to the Bengals’ defensive rotation as the team pushed through the back half of its schedule. Career totals as of Week 14 of the 2025 season stand at 29 tackles and one pass deflection.
The Bengals rewarded Foskey’s late-season work by signing him to a one-year contract extension on January 5, 2026. Heading into the 2026 offseason, the deal reflects the organization’s belief that his pass-rushing skills and continued physical development make him a valuable part of their defensive plans.