John Simpson Bio
John Simpson (born August 19, 1997) is an American professional football offensive guard in the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and listed at 330 pounds, he has built a career as a dependable interior lineman since entering the league in 2020. He is recognized for his work at left guard, a position that demands power, footwork, and consistent communication with the quarterback and center.
Simpson first rose to national attention as a member of the Clemson Tigers, where he won two College Football Playoff National Championships and earned consensus All-American honors. He was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft and has since spent time with the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Jets before returning to the Ravens on a multi-year contract.
Early Life and Background
John Simpson was born on August 19, 1997, in Charleston, South Carolina, and grew up in the Dorchester-Waylyn neighborhood of North Charleston. He and his younger brother were raised in a single-parent household by his mother, an experience that helped shape his discipline and work ethic. The family environment encouraged perseverance, traits that later became visible in his approach to training and football.
He attended Fort Dorchester High School, where he developed into a highly rated offensive line prospect. Rated a four-star recruit, Simpson drew scholarship offers from several major programs, including Florida, LSU, South Carolina, and Alabama. He ultimately chose to continue his football career at Clemson, a decision that launched one of the most decorated stretches in the program’s recent history.
Path to American Football
Simpson’s path to the professional ranks began on the practice fields of Fort Dorchester, where his size and movement skills set him apart from his peers. As he moved into college recruitment, his combination of length, strength, and athleticism made him a priority target for some of the top programs in the Southeast. Clemson ultimately won his commitment, giving him an opportunity to compete for championships from his first year on campus.
His development accelerated quickly at the collegiate level. He appeared in nine games as a true freshman, contributing on the offensive line during Clemson’s 2016 national championship run. By his junior season, he had earned a starting role at left guard, and by the end of his senior year he was recognized as one of the top interior linemen in college football. His steady rise prepared him for the jump to the NFL, where he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders.
John Simpson Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
John Simpson was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth round, 109th overall, of the 2020 NFL Draft. He made his NFL debut on Monday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints on September 21, 2020, stepping in at left guard during the second quarter to replace an injured starter and finishing the game. One week later, on September 27, 2020, he earned his first career start against the New England Patriots.
Those early appearances signaled the Raiders’ confidence in his readiness. Although he spent his first year adjusting to the speed and complexity of the professional game, his positional versatility along the interior line gave the coaching staff flexibility. He continued to develop through the 2021 season, working to refine his pass protection and run-blocking technique at the NFL level.
Las Vegas Raiders Tenure (2020–2022)
Simpson spent the bulk of his Raiders tenure rotating into games while learning behind established veterans. He appeared in multiple contests during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, building a foundation of experience against top defensive lines. His ability to play both guard spots made him a valuable depth piece for the organization.
On December 10, 2022, Simpson was waived by the Raiders, ending his initial stint in Las Vegas. The move created an opportunity for him to catch on elsewhere and continue his development as a starting-caliber interior lineman.
Baltimore Ravens Stop (2022–2023)
On December 19, 2022, Simpson was signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad, giving him a chance to re-establish himself within a different offensive system. He signed a reserve and future contract with the Ravens on January 16, 2023, securing his place on the team’s offseason roster.
His time in Baltimore allowed him to immerse himself in a run-heavy scheme that emphasized physicality at the point of attack. Although his role fluctuated, the experience broadened his understanding of offensive line play in a different environment.
New York Jets Era (2024–2025)
On March 14, 2024, John Simpson signed a two-year contract with the New York Jets, marking a fresh chapter in his career. The Jets installed him as a full-time starter at left guard, a role he embraced with consistent snaps and reliable protection. Over two seasons with the team, Simpson started all 34 games he appeared in, playing nearly every offensive snap and anchoring the left side of the line.
His durability and consistency helped stabilize the Jets’ offensive front. He became a trusted presence in the locker room, valued for his preparation and his steady communication with the rest of the line. That level of dependability set the stage for his next career move.
Return to Baltimore Ravens (2026–Present)
On March 12, 2026, the Baltimore Ravens signed Simpson to a three-year, $30 million contract, bringing him back to the organization where he had previously spent time on the practice squad. The deal reflected his growth into a reliable NFL starter and signaled the team’s intention to feature him prominently along the interior line.
The return reunited Simpson with a familiar franchise and offered him the security of a long-term commitment. His role within the offensive scheme is expected to center on left guard, where his size, strength, and experience fit the team’s approach.
Driving Style and Strengths
Simpson is recognized for his size, length, and physical play in the trenches. He excels in pass protection, where his balance and hand placement help him mirror interior pass rushers, and he is a willing finisher in the run game. His experience in both zone and gap schemes has made him a flexible piece for offensive line coaches.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most memorable moments of Simpson’s career came during the 2019 ACC media days, when he represented Clemson wearing a blonde wig to imitate quarterback Trevor Lawrence, a playful gesture that drew national attention. He also reached the milestone of 86 career games played and 72 career games started, underscoring his durability and longevity in the league.
John Simpson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about John Simpson’s extended family remains limited. He has spoken about being raised alongside his younger brother in North Charleston, South Carolina, by his mother, who played a central role in shaping his character. No broader family athletic lineage has been publicly confirmed.
Personal Life
Simpson has kept much of his personal life private. There is no confirmed public information regarding a spouse, partner, or children. His professional social media presence, including his verified Instagram account, offers occasional insight into his training and off-field interests.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season, John Simpson continued his role as a full-time starter at left guard for the New York Jets, building on the consistency he established the previous year. He started every game he appeared in and logged heavy snap counts, serving as a steady presence in pass protection. His reliability helped the offensive line maintain continuity despite broader changes around him.
As the season progressed, Simpson’s performance reinforced his reputation as one of the more dependable interior linemen in the league. His ability to handle a variety of defensive looks and contribute in the run game added balance to the Jets’ offensive attack. By season’s end, his contract was nearing its conclusion, setting the stage for one of the more closely watched offensive line free-agent decisions of the following offseason.
Looking ahead, Simpson’s trajectory pointed toward another chapter with a contender. The blend of experience, durability, and positional flexibility he showcased in 2025 made him an attractive target for teams seeking veteran guard play. His standing as an unrestricted free agent ultimately shaped the multi-year offer that brought him back to the Baltimore Ravens.
