Jordan Howden Bio
Jordan Howden is an American professional football safety for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 14, 2000, in San Diego, California, he played college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers before being selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. He currently wears jersey number 31 for New Orleans and is regarded as a developing defensive back within the Saints organization.
Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing 209 pounds, Howden has steadily built his reputation as a reliable contributor in the Saints secondary. His career began with the team as a fifth-round pick, and he has since grown into a versatile role on defense, contributing in pass coverage, run support, and special teams units.
Early Life and Background
Jordan Howden was born on May 14, 2000, in San Diego, California, and grew up in the United States with a strong interest in sports from a young age. While he was born in Southern California, he later moved to Nevada, where he attended Desert Pines High School in Las Vegas. It was during his high school years that he began to focus seriously on football and developed the skills that would eventually attract college scouts.
At Desert Pines High School, Howden played as a defensive back and earned recognition for his athleticism, field awareness, and coverage ability. His performances in the Las Vegas high school football scene helped position him as a college prospect, leading to an opportunity to play at the Division I level.
Path to American Football
Following his high school career, Jordan Howden committed to the University of Minnesota, where he played college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 2018 to 2022. During his collegiate years, he developed into a consistent presence in the Golden Gophers’ secondary, gaining experience against top-tier competition in the Big Ten Conference.
Howden’s development at Minnesota prepared him for the next level, and after the 2022 college season, he declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. His combination of coverage instincts, tackling, and athleticism made him an appealing prospect for teams looking to add depth to their defensive backfield.
Jordan Howden Career
Early Career (2023)
Jordan Howden was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round, 146th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. He joined a Saints defense looking to add young talent to its secondary, and he quickly adapted to the professional level during his rookie season. His early work in training camp earned him a role on the defensive rotation.
During his rookie campaign, Howden appeared in 16 games with seven starts, recording five pass deflections, one forced fumble, one sack, and 43 combined tackles. His performance gave the Saints confidence in his long-term potential and established him as a young contributor worth developing within the defensive scheme.
NFL Breakthrough (2024)
In his second season, Jordan Howden played in all 17 games for the New Orleans Saints during the 2024 campaign, demonstrating improved durability and consistency. He logged two interceptions, two pass deflections, and 50 combined tackles across the year, reinforcing his value as a versatile member of the secondary.
His growing role on defense reflected the Saints’ trust in his ability to handle expanded responsibilities. The 2024 season allowed him to build on his rookie foundation and establish himself as a steady presence in the team’s defensive backfield.
New Orleans Saints Era (2025–Present)
Jordan Howden began the 2025 season as one of the New Orleans Saints’ auxiliary defensive backs, continuing to develop within the team’s defensive system. His role has allowed him to contribute in a variety of defensive packages while continuing to gain valuable in-game experience.
A notable moment came in Week 5 against the New York Giants, when Howden recovered a fumble by Cam Skattebo following a punch-out by teammate Bryan Bresee. He returned the loose ball 86 yards for his first career NFL touchdown, marking a memorable milestone in his young career. He also recorded one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one defensive touchdown during the season, contributing to a total of 122 tackles, 7 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions through his career to date.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Jordan Howden’s career came with his 86-yard fumble return touchdown against the New York Giants in 2025, showcasing his speed and awareness in turnover situations. He has also recorded two career interceptions and one career sack, highlighting his ability to impact the game in multiple ways as a defensive back.
Jordan Howden Career Statistics
Through his NFL career, Jordan Howden has recorded 122 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 7 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, and 1 defensive touchdown. These totals reflect his consistent contributions on defense and special teams across multiple seasons with the New Orleans Saints.
Jordan Howden Family
Personal Life
Jordan Howden maintains a public presence through social media and is known to be active on platforms where he connects with fans. He was born in San Diego, California, and later relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he completed his high school education before moving on to the University of Minnesota.
2025 Season Performance
Jordan Howden’s 2025 season with the New Orleans Saints has continued his development as a key member of the team’s secondary. As an auxiliary defensive back, he has been used in a variety of roles, contributing in coverage and run support while remaining a presence on special teams. His career totals have grown steadily, reflecting increased trust from the coaching staff.
His 86-yard fumble return touchdown in Week 5 against the New York Giants stands as the most memorable highlight of his 2025 campaign, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on turnover opportunities. Combined with his consistent tackling and coverage work, the season represents another step forward in his growth as an NFL defensive back.
Looking ahead, Howden’s role within the Saints’ defense is expected to continue expanding as he gains more experience at the professional level. His production through the 2025 season suggests he will remain a contributor for New Orleans as the team builds around its young defensive talent.