Jalen A. Graham Bio
Jalen A. Graham is an American professional football linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers and was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft. Graham has also been a member of the Washington Commanders.
Early Life and Background
Jalen A. Graham was born on January 11, 2001, in Detroit, Michigan. He attended Detroit Country Day School for his freshman and sophomore years before transferring to Cass Tech High School. At Cass Tech, he played quarterback and defensive back, earning first-team all-state honors as a defensive back during his senior year. A three-star recruit, Graham committed to play college football for the Purdue Boilermakers as a defensive back.
Path to American Football
Graham saw immediate playing time as a true freshman at Purdue in 2019, participating in 11 games and starting eight, where he recorded 37 tackles and 2.5 tackles-for-loss. In 2020, he played in five games, posting 16 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. He had a breakout season in 2021, starting 13 games and tallying 64 tackles, two interceptions, seven pass breakups, and a sack, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference recognition. Despite suffering injuries in his senior year, he managed to record 52 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, one sack, and one interception in nine games. Graham concluded his college career with 169 tackles, 12.5 tackles-for-loss, three forced fumbles, and 13 pass breakups over 38 games.
Jalen A. Graham Career
Early Career (2023)
Jalen A. Graham was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round (255th overall) of the 2023 NFL draft. During his rookie season, he appeared in four games and recorded one tackle. His journey began with significant promise as he transitioned from college football to the professional ranks.
Breakthrough (2024)
In August 2024, Graham was waived by the 49ers as part of the final roster cuts before the start of the 2024 season. Shortly after, he signed with the practice squad of the Washington Commanders on August 28, 2024. His time with the Commanders was brief, as he was signed back to the 49ers’ active roster on October 1, 2024. However, he faced further challenges, being released again on November 5, only to be signed back to the practice squad two days later. Graham’s perseverance paid off when he was promoted to the active roster on December 21, 2024, and he re-signed with the 49ers on April 22, 2025.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jalen A. Graham’s signature work includes his college career at Purdue, where he established himself as a formidable linebacker. His journey through the NFL has seen him navigate the challenges of roster changes while maintaining his commitment to the sport.
Jalen A. Graham Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jalen A. Graham has not yet received any notable award nominations, as he is still in the early stages of his professional football journey.
Jalen A. Graham Awards Won
Jalen A. Graham has not yet won any awards in his professional football career, reflecting his current status as an emerging player in the NFL.
Jalen A. Graham Family
There is limited public information available regarding Jalen A. Graham’s family background, as he has kept his personal life private.
Personal Life
Jalen A. Graham’s personal life details, including marital status and relationships, are not publicly disclosed, focusing instead on his professional career and achievements.