Jerry Tillery Bio
Jerry Dewayne Tillery Jr. (born October 8, 1996) is an American professional football defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish before being selected 28th overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Across his professional career, Tillery has played for the Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, and Indianapolis Colts.
Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 295 pounds, Tillery has developed into a reliable interior defensive lineman known for his length, run-stopping ability, and steady pass-rush production. His career totals include 195 combined tackles, 14 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 4 pass deflections.
Early Life and Background
Jerry Dewayne Tillery Jr. was born on October 8, 1996, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He grew up in the Shreveport community and attended Evangel Christian Academy, a private school recognized for producing competitive football talent in Louisiana. From an early age, Tillery was drawn to the defensive side of the game, where his size and athleticism allowed him to stand out among his peers.
During his senior season at Evangel Christian Academy, Tillery recorded 93 tackles and seven sacks, establishing himself as one of the top defensive line prospects in the state. His performance drew the attention of several college programs, and he ultimately committed to the University of Notre Dame to continue his football career. The combination of strong academics, a national brand, and a respected defensive tradition made Notre Dame a natural fit for his development.
Path to American Football
Tillery arrived at Notre Dame in 2015 as a highly regarded recruit expected to contribute along the defensive front. The coaching staff initially considered using him on offense, but the plan was adjusted and he was shifted to defensive tackle, where his frame and quickness were a better match for the position.
As a freshman in 2015, Tillery played in 12 games and made three starts, finishing the season with 12 tackles and a sack. The experience gave him a foundation to build on, and by his sophomore year in 2016, he had become a regular starter, logging 11 starts in 12 games and recording 37 tackles. His continued growth through his junior and senior seasons cemented his status as an NFL prospect, leading to his first-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Jerry Tillery Career
Early Career (2015–2018, Notre Dame)
Tillery spent four seasons at Notre Dame, steadily increasing his responsibility within the defensive line rotation. After a developmental freshman year, he became a full-time starter by 2016 and earned a reputation for disrupting both the run game and the passing game from the interior of the defensive line.
His junior campaign in 2017 was particularly strong, as he started all 13 games and posted 56 tackles along with 4.5 sacks. He chose to return for his senior season in 2018 and produced a career-high seven sacks, showcasing the pass-rush potential that would eventually translate to the professional level.
Los Angeles Chargers (2019–2022)
The Los Angeles Chargers selected Tillery 28th overall in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he appeared in 15 games with three starts and recorded two sacks and 17 total tackles, including nine solo stops. The early production gave the Chargers confidence that he could grow into a long-term contributor along their defensive front.
In 2020, Tillery delivered one of the defining moments of his Chargers tenure when he recorded a strip sack and fumble recovery against Raiders quarterback Derek Carr in Week 9. He finished the 2020 season with three sacks, 30 tackles, two passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. The following year, in 2021, he started all 16 games and posted 4.5 sacks and 51 total tackles, establishing himself as a consistent interior presence. The Chargers declined the fifth-year option on his rookie contract in May 2022, and he was waived on November 10, 2022.
Las Vegas Raiders (2022–2023)
Tillery was claimed off waivers by the Las Vegas Raiders on November 14, 2022, and quickly integrated into the defensive line rotation. He finished the 2022 season with one sack, 18 tackles, and one forced fumble across 15 games and four starts split between the Chargers and Raiders.
He re-signed with the Raiders on March 17, 2023, and went on to play 17 games with six starts that season, recording two sacks, 31 tackles, and one fumble recovery. In an October 1 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Tillery was ejected following a late hit on former teammate Justin Herbert. The Raiders released him on March 13, 2024.
Minnesota Vikings (2024)
On March 14, 2024, Tillery signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings. He appeared in 17 games and made 11 starts, providing veteran stability along the interior of the defensive line. His 2024 production included two pass deflections, one forced fumble, and 28 combined tackles.
Kansas City Chiefs (2025)
Tillery signed a one-year, $1.79 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs on March 19, 2025. He appeared in 17 games with three starts, contributing one fumble recovery, 1.5 sacks, and 20 combined tackles as part of a deep and competitive defensive line rotation.
Indianapolis Colts (2026–Present)
On March 17, 2026, Tillery signed a one-year, $1.49 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts, where he continues his professional career as an active member of the roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Tillery is known for his length, leverage, and ability to occupy multiple blockers in the run game. His combination of size and quickness allows him to collapse the pocket from the interior, while his motor and conditioning have helped him remain productive in both base and passing-down packages. He has thrived in rotational roles where he can focus on pass-rush situations while preserving energy for key late-game snaps.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Tillery’s career are his 2019 first-round selection, his strip sack and recovery against Derek Carr in 2020, and his 4.5-sack, 51-tackle season with the Chargers in 2021. Posting a career-high seven sacks during his senior season at Notre Dame also stands out as a milestone that validated his decision to return for his final college year.
Jerry Tillery Career Wins
Jerry Dewayne Tillery Jr. has built a steady professional resume as a rotational and starting defensive tackle across multiple NFL teams, with a career line that includes 195 total tackles, 14 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 4 pass deflections.
Los Angeles Chargers Highlights
During his Chargers tenure, Tillery accumulated the bulk of his career production, including 9.5 sacks, 98 combined tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two passes defended across the 2019, 2020, and 2021 seasons. His 4.5-sack, 51-tackle campaign in 2021 represented his most productive season to that point.
Las Vegas Raiders Highlights
Across two seasons with the Raiders, Tillery totaled three sacks, 49 combined tackles, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 32 games and ten starts, demonstrating his value as a versatile interior defender.
Other Performances
With the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 and the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025, Tillery added 1.5 sacks, 48 combined tackles, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two pass deflections, continuing to contribute as a veteran presence on competitive defensive lines.
Jerry Tillery Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Jerry Dewayne Tillery Jr.’s immediate family and upbringing is limited. He was raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, and attended Evangel Christian Academy, where his football development began to take shape.
Personal Life
Tillery has kept much of his personal life private, with limited confirmed details about his relationships or family beyond his parents and hometown. His professional focus has remained on maintaining his career as a defensive tackle in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
In his first season with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025, Jerry Dewayne Tillery Jr. served as a rotational defensive tackle on a deep and talented defensive line. He appeared in 17 games and made three starts, posting 1.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, and 20 combined tackles while contributing to a defense that competed for postseason positioning.
Tillery’s role with the Chiefs allowed him to focus on interior pass-rush situations and run-defense snaps, and his production reflected his value as a reliable veteran option in the rotation. His ability to stay healthy and productive across 17 appearances was a positive sign for a player who has navigated multiple team changes since 2022.
Looking ahead, Tillery’s one-year contract with the Chiefs expired at the end of the 2025 season. He has since signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts, opening a new chapter in his career as he continues to pursue consistent playing time and postseason success.