Jordan Akins Bio
Jordan Nikemian Akins is an American professional football tight end who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds, Akins has built a career as a reliable pass catcher and blocker since entering the league in 2018. Before his football journey, Akins was also a professional baseball prospect, having been selected in the 2010 MLB Draft. His path from the baseball diamond to the football field has shaped him into a versatile athlete who has contributed to multiple NFL franchises.
Early Life and Background
Jordan Nikemian Akins was born on April 19, 1992, in Locust Grove, Georgia, in the United States. He grew up in nearby McDonough, Georgia, where he attended Union Grove High School and developed into a multi-sport standout. At Union Grove, Akins earned All-State honors as both a junior and a senior, along with All-Conference recognition as a sophomore. His performances on the gridiron drew attention from several college football programs, including LSU and Georgia.
Despite his football talent, Akins was also a gifted baseball player. He was selected by the Texas Rangers in the third round of the 2010 MLB Draft and chose to pursue a professional baseball career rather than enroll at UCF. Over four seasons in the minor leagues, Akins hit .218, never advancing above the High-A level. After the 2013 season, he retired from baseball and decided to return to football.
Path to American Football
Following his departure from professional baseball, Akins committed to playing football for the UCF Knights, the program he had originally signed with out of high school. He joined the Knights in 2014 and quickly became a contributor on offense and special teams. As a true freshman, he played in all 13 games, catching 12 passes for 135 yards and returning 15 kickoffs for 363 yards.
Akins suffered a season-ending injury early in 2015 and elected to take a medical redshirt, but he returned in 2016 to play in all 13 games, recording 23 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns. His senior season in 2017 proved to be his most productive, as he was named to the John Mackey Award watch list and finished with 32 receptions for 515 yards and four touchdowns. That year, UCF also earned recognition as a Colley Matrix national champion.
Jordan Akins Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
The Houston Texans selected Jordan Nikemian Akins in the third round, 98th overall, of the 2018 NFL Draft, making him the fifth tight end taken that year and the highest-drafted tight end in UCF history. On May 10, 2018, the Texans signed him to a four-year, $3.32 million contract that included a signing bonus of $761,520. In his NFL debut during the season opener against the New England Patriots, Akins recorded two receptions for 11 yards. He played in 16 games with six starts as a rookie, finishing with 17 receptions for 225 yards.
In his second season, Akins posted one of the most memorable performances of his early career during a Week 3 road victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019, catching three passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns. He finished 2019 with 36 receptions for 418 yards and two touchdowns overall, establishing himself as a dependable target in the Texans offense.
Houston Texans Breakthrough (2018–2021)
During his first stint with the Houston Texans, Akins developed into a steady contributor and earned recognition for his work ethic and toughness. He became a regular in the team’s passing game, providing a reliable intermediate target for Houston quarterbacks. By the end of his initial run with the franchise in 2021, he had logged significant playing time and started to demonstrate the consistency that would define his career.
Akins’ work in Houston also earned him All-AAC honors during his final college season in 2017, and he was later named to the AAC Fifth Anniversary Team in 2018, reflecting his standing as one of the conference’s top tight end products of his era.
Cleveland Browns Era (2023–2024)
On March 18, 2023, Jordan Nikemian Akins signed a two-year contract with the Cleveland Browns. In his first season with the team in 2023, he recorded 15 receptions for 132 yards while serving primarily as a complementary piece in the Browns offense. His role expanded in 2024, when he posted 40 receptions for 390 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his ability to contribute as both a receiver and a blocker.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2025–Present)
On October 13, 2025, Akins signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad, joining his fifth NFL organization. The move provided him an opportunity to continue his career in the AFC South and contribute to a team building for the future. His experience and versatility have made him a valuable addition as the Jaguars continue to shape their roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Akins is recognized for his physical presence at the tight end position, using his 6-foot-3 frame and 250-pound build to excel as both a blocker and a pass catcher. His background in baseball has contributed to strong hand-eye coordination and body control, allowing him to make contested catches in traffic. Throughout his career, he has been valued for his consistency, reliability in the middle of the field, and willingness to contribute on special teams.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most dramatic moments of Jordan Nikemian Akins’ career came on January 8, 2023, in the final game of the Houston Texans’ season against the Indianapolis Colts. Trailing 31-24 with under a minute to play, Akins caught a touchdown pass from Davis Mills and converted the two-point attempt to give Houston a 32-31 lead, the final score. The win cost the Texans the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, which instead went to the Chicago Bears and was eventually used to select Caleb Williams.
Jordan Akins Career Wins
Jordan Nikemian Akins has accumulated 206 receptions for 2,277 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns across his NFL career through the 2025 season. While individual game victories are tied to team performance, Akins has been part of several memorable wins during his stints with the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns. His most notable win came in the dramatic 2022 season finale against the Indianapolis Colts, a victory that altered the trajectory of the 2023 NFL Draft.
NFL Highlights
Since being drafted in 2018, Akins has appeared in games for the Houston Texans, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and Jacksonville Jaguars. His most productive receiving season to date came in 2024 with Cleveland, when he recorded 40 receptions for 390 yards and two touchdowns. His first NFL touchdown came during the 2019 season against the Los Angeles Chargers, a game in which he caught three passes for 73 yards and two scores.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his NFL accomplishments, Akins was part of UCF’s 2017 Colley Matrix national championship team and earned First-team All-AAC honors that same year. He was also recognized on the AAC Fifth Anniversary Team in 2018, underscoring his standing among the conference’s top tight ends of that era.
Jordan Akins Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jordan Nikemian Akins was raised in Locust Grove and McDonough, Georgia, where his family supported his early involvement in both baseball and football. Publicly available details about his parents and siblings are limited, and Akins has largely kept his family life private.
Personal Life
Akins has maintained a relatively private personal life throughout his professional career. He is known primarily for his dedication to football and his transition from professional baseball back to the gridiron. Details regarding his marital status and children are not publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season brought Jordan Nikemian Akins a fresh start when he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad on October 13, 2025. Joining a Jaguars team in the midst of a transitional phase, Akins provides veteran depth at the tight end position and a reliable target in the passing game. His familiarity with AFC South opponents from his time with the Houston Texans also gives him insight into divisional matchups.
While his role with Jacksonville is still developing, Akins has the opportunity to contribute on both offense and special teams as the Jaguars evaluate their roster for the future. His career totals of 206 receptions, 2,277 receiving yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns through the 2025 season reflect a player who has remained productive across multiple organizations. Looking ahead, Akins is under contract through the 2025 season and will look to extend his NFL journey with a strong finish in Jacksonville.