James Bradberry Bio
James Bradberry IV is an American professional football cornerback who currently plays for the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football League. Born on August 4, 1993, in Pleasant Grove, Alabama, he played college football for the Samford Bulldogs after spending time at Arkansas State. Bradberry was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft and has since become a Super Bowl champion, a Pro Bowl selection, and a Second-team All-Pro honoree.
Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 210 pounds, Bradberry has built his reputation on physical coverage, reliable tackling, and the ability to match up against some of the league’s top wide receivers. Across his career, he has appeared in more than 100 regular-season games and has developed into one of the more experienced cornerbacks in the NFC.
Early Life and Background
James Bradberry IV was born in August 1993 in Pleasant Grove, Alabama, to Rosie and James Bradberry Sr. He grew up in the same Birmingham-area community where he would later become a celebrated high school athlete. From an early age, Bradberry showed an interest in multiple sports, eventually becoming a two-sport star in both football and basketball at Pleasant Grove High School.
As a member of the Pleasant Grove Spartans football team, Bradberry played cornerback and safety and was a three-year varsity letterman. During his senior season in 2010, he recorded nine interceptions and 45 tackles while also serving as team captain. He earned all-metro and first team all-state honors and was a member of the National Honor Society. Although he was rated only a two-star recruiting prospect, his size, instincts, and production attracted college interest.
Path to Professional Football
After graduating from Pleasant Grove in 2010, Bradberry enrolled at Arkansas State University, where he spent his freshman season in 2011 as a defensive back before redshirting the 2012 season. Seeking a clearer path to playing time, he transferred to Samford University and joined the Bulldogs for the 2012 season. He immediately earned a starting cornerback role, appearing in all 11 games and recording 32 tackles and two interceptions as a freshman.
Bradberry remained a starter throughout his time at Samford, contributing on defense across the 2013 and 2014 seasons and redshirting his senior year in 2015. He majored in sports administration and developed into one of the most dependable defensive backs in the Southern Conference. When the 2016 NFL draft arrived, Bradberry was selected in the second round, 62nd overall, by the Carolina Panthers, becoming one of the most prominent Samford alumni drafted in decades.
James Bradberry Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
Bradberry signed a four-year rookie contract with the Carolina Panthers and quickly earned a starting role during his first training camp. He made his professional debut on September 8, 2016, against the Denver Broncos and recorded six tackles and a pass deflection. Later that month, he notched his first career interception against the San Francisco 49ers, establishing himself as a reliable outside cornerback.
By his second season, Bradberry had become the Panthers’ No. 1 cornerback. In 2017, he started all 16 games, recorded 85 combined tackles, two interceptions, ten pass deflections, and his first career sack. He also appeared in his first playoff game, a Wild Card loss to the New Orleans Saints, and continued to develop into one of Carolina’s defensive leaders.
Carolina Panthers Breakthrough (2016–2019)
Throughout his time in Carolina, Bradberry served as a full-time starter and one of the team’s most durable defensive backs. In 2018, he started all 16 games, led the team with 15 pass deflections, and added a sack and an interception. The following season, he started 15 games, collected three interceptions, and posted 65 tackles despite missing one game due to injury.
Bradberry’s steady play across four seasons in Carolina earned him a reputation as a dependable, physical cornerback. After his rookie contract expired, he entered free agency and signed a three-year, $43.50 million deal with the New York Giants in March 2020.
New York Giants Era (2020–2021)
Bradberry immediately became the Giants’ No. 1 cornerback, pairing with Corey Ballentine in 2020 and later with Adoree’ Jackson in 2021. In his first season in New York, he recorded three interceptions, 18 passes defended, and earned his first Pro Bowl selection. He also ranked 74th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.
In 2021, Bradberry posted a career-high four interceptions while starting all 17 games. Despite his production, the Giants released him in May 2022 after being unable to find a trade partner, making him a free agent once again.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2022–Present)
Bradberry signed a one-year, $7.25 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in May 2022 and quickly became a key part of the secondary alongside Darius Slay. He finished the regular season with 44 tackles, three interceptions, and 17 passes defended. During the playoffs, he helped the Eagles reach Super Bowl LVII, where they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs 38–35.
In March 2023, the Eagles signed Bradberry to a three-year, $38 million extension. He appeared in 16 games during the 2023 season and continued as a starter entering 2024. Although he suffered a torn Achilles and Soleus muscle before the season, he remained with the team and became a Super Bowl champion when Philadelphia defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22 in Super Bowl LIX.
Notable Events and Milestones
Bradberry’s career has included signature moments such as his first career touchdown on an interception return in 2022 and his first Pro Bowl nod in 2020. He reached the Super Bowl twice with the Eagles, ultimately winning Super Bowl LIX. His jersey number 10 was retired at Pleasant Grove High School in April 2024 in recognition of his contributions to the program.
James Bradberry Career Highlights
Across his NFL career, James Bradberry IV has been a durable and productive cornerback, earning recognition as a Pro Bowl player, a Second-team All-Pro, and a Super Bowl champion. He has recorded 19 career interceptions, more than 110 pass deflections, and over 475 total tackles while starting in more than 100 regular-season games.
NFL Highlights
Bradberry’s first career interception came in 2016 against the San Francisco 49ers, and he has since added interceptions against quarterbacks such as Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Drew Brees, and Jared Goff. His most recent championship came as part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory in February 2025.
Other Performances
At Samford, Bradberry earned Southern Conference All-Freshman honors in 2012 and remained a multi-year starter. He was also recognized in 2022 as a Second-team All-Pro selection, cementing his place among the league’s top cornerbacks that season.
James Bradberry Family
Family Background and Personal Life
James Bradberry IV was raised in Pleasant Grove, Alabama, by his parents, James Bradberry Sr. and Rosie. His family supported his athletic development from an early age, and his accomplishments have been celebrated in his hometown, including the retirement of his high school jersey in April 2024.
Bradberry has continued to maintain ties to his Alabama roots even as his professional career has taken him across several NFL cities. His journey from a two-star recruit at Pleasant Grove High School to a Super Bowl champion reflects the strong foundation provided by his family and community.
2025 Season Outlook
Following the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory, Bradberry was released by Philadelphia on March 12, 2025, with a post-June 1 designation. As a veteran cornerback coming off a significant lower-leg injury, his 2025 outlook depends on his recovery progress and the level of interest he draws from teams in need of experienced secondary help.
Bradberry’s track record as a starter, his coverage skills, and his championship experience make him a potential fit for teams seeking depth at outside cornerback. His next opportunity will likely hinge on his health, with a return to full form potentially positioning him for another meaningful role in 2025.