Josh Hayes Bio
Josh Hayes is an American professional football cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 24, 1999, in Lakeland, Florida, he played college football for the North Dakota State Bison, Virginia Cavaliers, and Kansas State Wildcats. Selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 181st overall pick, Hayes has steadily built a role in the Buccaneers’ secondary.
Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and listed at 190 pounds, Hayes wears jersey number 32 for Tampa Bay. He has been active with the franchise since his rookie season and continues to contribute on defense.
Early Life and Background
Josh Hayes was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, where he attended Lake Gibson High School. Growing up in central Florida, he developed an early interest in football and played multiple positions as a young athlete before settling into the defensive backfield.
At Lake Gibson, Hayes worked on the fundamentals that would later define his professional game, including footwork, ball tracking, and physicality in coverage. His high school performance drew attention from college programs looking for a versatile defensive back prospect.
Hayes comes from a family with a clear football background. His uncle, Geno Hayes, was a linebacker who also played in the NFL, giving the younger Hayes an early connection to the professional game and an understanding of the work required to reach the league.
Path to American Football
Hayes’ college path began at North Dakota State, where he joined a program widely recognized as one of the most dominant in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). He spent the bulk of his college career with the Bison, competing at a high level and contributing to championship-level teams during the 2017, 2018, and 2019 seasons.
After his time at North Dakota State, Hayes transferred to the University of Virginia, where he played during the 2021 season. The move to the Atlantic Coast Conference allowed him to test himself against a different caliber of competition and showcase his skills on a larger stage.
Hayes completed his college career at Kansas State, playing for the Wildcats during the 2022 season. Across three different programs, he gained experience in varied defensive schemes, which helped prepare him for the next level and ultimately caught the attention of NFL scouts.
Josh Hayes Career
Early Career (2017–2022)
Hayes’ early career was defined by his time at North Dakota State, where he was part of three consecutive FCS national championship teams in 2017, 2018, and 2019. His role on those rosters helped him develop a championship mindset and an understanding of what it takes to compete for titles.
During the 2019 season, Hayes earned Second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) honors, recognizing his performance as one of the top defensive players in the conference. This recognition helped establish his profile heading into the next phase of his college career.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2023–Present)
Hayes entered the NFL when he was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 181st overall pick. He joined a Buccaneers team that has consistently competed in the NFC South and offered him an opportunity to develop as a professional cornerback.
Since being drafted, Hayes has remained on the active roster and contributed on defense. As of the 2025 season, his career NFL statistics include 67 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 3 pass deflections, reflecting his role as a reliable contributor in the secondary.
Hayes has continued to work within the Buccaneers’ defensive system, gradually expanding his responsibilities and establishing himself as a dependable depth piece with the potential for further growth.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining milestones of Josh Hayes’ career came in the 2017, 2018, and 2019 seasons at North Dakota State, where he was part of three consecutive FCS national championship teams. Earning Second-team All-MVFC honors in 2019 further cemented his reputation as a playmaker. Being selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2023 NFL Draft represented the realization of a long-held professional goal, and reaching the field as a contributing member of the secondary has been a major achievement in his early pro career.
Josh Hayes Career Wins
Josh Hayes’ most notable team accomplishments came at the collegiate level, where he contributed to championship success with the North Dakota State Bison. His three FCS national championship rings stand as the cornerstone of his early résumé and reflect the winning culture he developed within.
FCS National Championship Highlights
Hayes was a member of the North Dakota State Bison teams that won the FCS national championship in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Those three consecutive titles placed him within one of the most successful dynasties in FCS history, and he contributed to a defense that consistently performed at a championship level.
During the 2019 championship run, Hayes was recognized individually with Second-team All-MVFC honors, an acknowledgment of his play throughout the season and the postseason. His role on those title-winning squads shaped the habits and expectations he has carried into his NFL career.
Josh Hayes Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Josh Hayes comes from a family with established ties to professional football. His uncle, Geno Hayes, was an NFL linebacker, which gave Josh direct exposure to the realities of playing at the highest level of the sport. The family connection to the game helped shape his understanding of the dedication required to pursue a professional football career.
Personal Life
Josh Hayes was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, the community that supported his early athletic development. He has kept much of his personal life private, focusing public attention on his football career and his ongoing work with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 NFL season, Josh Hayes has continued his role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ secondary, contributing on defense and on special teams. His accumulated career totals of 67 tackles, 3 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery reflect steady involvement in the team’s game plans.
As a young defensive back within the Buccaneers’ organization, Hayes is focused on building on his early professional experience and taking on expanded responsibilities. The 2025 season represents another important step in his development as he works toward becoming a full-time contributor in the secondary.
Looking ahead, Hayes’ continued presence on the active roster signals that the Buccaneers value his versatility and football intelligence. With each season, he is positioned to grow into a larger role within the team’s defensive rotation.