Jordan Akins

Image of Jordan Akins
Image of Player Jordan Akins

Player Information

Jordan Nikemian Akins is an American professional football tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UCF Knights, demonstrating significant skill during his time there. After initially pursuing a career in baseball, Akins transitioned back to football and was drafted by the Houston Texans in 2018, where he established himself as a reliable player. Akins has since played for several teams, showcasing his talent and versatility on the field.
Birthdate:
19 April 1992
Full Name:
Jordan Nikemian Akins
Birthplace:
Locust Grove, Georgia, USA
Nationality:
United States
Gender:
Male
Height (cm):
191
Weight (kg):
113
Education:
Union Grove High School (High School), UCF (College)
Career Started:
2018
Notable Achievements:
Colley Matrix national champion (2017), AAC Fifth Anniversary Team (2018), First-team All-AAC (2017)
Awards:
First-team All-AAC (Win Year 2017), AAC Fifth Anniversary Team (Win Year 2018)
Current Team:
Jacksonville Jaguars
Contract:
Contract Year 2025 to 2026
Draft Year:
2018
Drafted By:
Houston Texans
Previous Teams:
Houston Texans (From 2018, To 2021), New York Giants (From 2022, To 2022), Houston Texans (From 2022, To 2022), Cleveland Browns (From 2023, To 2024), Jacksonville Jaguars (From 2025, To present)
Player Active:
From - 2018, To - Present

Jordan Akins Bio

Jordan Nikemian Akins is an American professional football tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Central Florida Knights, demonstrating significant skill during his time there. After initially pursuing a career in baseball, Akins transitioned back to football and was drafted by the Houston Texans in 2018, where he established himself as a reliable player. Akins has since played for several teams, showcasing his talent and versatility on the field.

Early Life and Background

Jordan Akins was born on April 19, 1992, in Locust Grove, Georgia. He graduated from Union Grove High School in McDonough, Georgia, where he earned All-State honors as both a junior and senior, as well as All-Conference as a sophomore. Akins committed to play football for the University of Central Florida, choosing the Knights over other prominent schools such as Louisiana State University and the University of Georgia. However, after being drafted by the Texas Rangers in the third round of the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft, he opted to pursue a baseball career instead of attending UCF. Akins struggled in the minor leagues, hitting .218 over four seasons and never rising above high-A ball. He ultimately retired from baseball after the 2013 season and returned to football at UCF.

Path to American Football

Akins began his college football career as a true freshman in 2014, playing in all 13 of UCF’s games and catching 12 passes for 135 yards while also returning 15 kickoffs for 363 yards. He started the 2015 season as a starter but suffered a season-ending injury in UCF’s third game against Furman, which led him to take a medical redshirt. In 2016, Akins played in all 13 games again, tallying 23 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns. Prior to the 2017 season, he was named to the John Mackey Award watch list, a recognition for the best tight end in college football. Akins played in 12 of UCF’s 13 games that season, catching 32 passes for 515 yards and four touchdowns. After the season, he declared for the 2018 NFL Draft.

Jordan Akins Career

Early Career (2018-2021)

The Houston Texans selected Jordan Akins in the third round (98th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft, making him the highest drafted tight end in UCF’s history. On May 10, 2018, the Texans signed Akins to a four-year contract worth $3.32 million, which included a signing bonus of $761,520. In his NFL debut during the season opener against the New England Patriots, Akins had two receptions for 11 yards. He played in 16 games with six starts during his rookie season, recording 17 receptions for 225 yards. In Week 3 of the 2019 season against the Los Angeles Chargers, he caught three passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns, finishing the season with 36 receptions for 418 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Breakthrough (2022-2024)

Akins signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants on April 22, 2022, but was released on August 24, 2022. He returned to the Houston Texans on August 31, 2022, signing with their practice squad and was promoted to the active roster on October 12. In 2023, Akins signed a two-year contract with the Cleveland Browns, further establishing his presence in the NFL. He is currently signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, having joined their practice squad on October 13, 2025.

Notable Works and Milestones

Throughout his career, Jordan Akins has been recognized for his achievements, including being named to the First-team All-American Athletic Conference in 2017 and the AAC Fifth Anniversary Team in 2018. He has accumulated impressive statistics, including 206 receptions for 2,277 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns as of 2024.

Jordan Akins Award Nominations

Jordan Akins has received several nominations throughout his career, highlighting his skills and contributions to the sport of football.

Jordan Akins Awards Won

Akins has won notable awards, including the First-team All-American Athletic Conference in 2017 and being named to the AAC Fifth Anniversary Team in 2018. These accolades reflect his performance and impact in college football and the NFL.