Josiah Deguara Bio
Josiah Daniel Deguara is an American professional football tight end and fullback currently playing in the National Football League (NFL). He is a member of the Arizona Cardinals, having joined the organization in 2025 after previous stints with the Green Bay Packers and the Jacksonville Jaguars. A former third-round draft pick, Deguara played his college football at the University of Cincinnati, where he developed into one of the top pass-catching tight ends in the American Athletic Conference.
Listed at 6 feet 2 inches and 240 pounds, Deguara brings a versatile skill set that has allowed him to contribute as both a traditional tight end and a fullback at the professional level. He began his NFL career in 2020 and has continued to compete for roster spots across multiple organizations, earning a reputation as a reliable blocker and special teams contributor.
Early Life and Background
Josiah Daniel Deguara was born on February 14, 1997, in Santa Rosa, California. He grew up in the Northern California region and attended Folsom High School in Folsom, California, where he began his football journey. During his high school years, Deguara developed the foundational skills that would later carry him to the collegiate and professional levels, working on his abilities as both a receiver and a blocker.
Coming out of high school, Deguara was listed as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and a two-star recruit by the 247Sports Composite. Despite receiving an offer from the Air Force Academy, he chose to continue his football career at the University of Cincinnati. His decision to play for the Bearcats proved pivotal, as the program offered him the opportunity to develop his game in a conference that emphasized offensive production from the tight end position.
Path to American Football
Deguara’s path to professional football ran directly through the University of Cincinnati, where he spent five seasons developing his craft. Listed as a tight end throughout his collegiate career, he gained 1,117 receiving yards on 92 receptions and combined for 13 touchdowns during his junior and senior seasons. His consistent production in the passing game made him a reliable target for the Bearcats quarterbacks.
His strong play in college earned him multiple conference honors, including Second-team All-American Athletic Conference recognition in 2018 and First-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in 2019. These accolades helped elevate his draft stock, and the Green Bay Packers selected him in the third round with the 94th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. His selection marked a significant milestone in his transition from a lightly-recruited high school prospect to an NFL draft pick.
Josiah Deguara Career
Early Career (2020)
Josiah Daniel Deguara began his professional career with the Green Bay Packers after being selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He signed his rookie contract on July 24, 2020, and saw his first professional action on September 13, 2020, during a Week 1 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, where he recorded one catch for 12 yards. His debut offered an early glimpse of the role he was expected to play in the Packers’ offensive scheme.
Unfortunately, Deguara’s rookie season was cut short when he suffered a torn ACL in Week 5 and was placed on injured reserve on October 13, 2020. The injury forced him to spend the remainder of his first year recovering, but his early production before the injury gave the Packers reason to remain confident in his long-term development as a versatile offensive player.
Green Bay Packers Breakthrough (2020-2023)
After recovering from his knee injury, Deguara returned to the field in 2021 and continued to carve out a role within the Packers’ offense. On November 21, 2021, he scored his first NFL touchdown on a 25-yard pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers during a 34-31 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. That play represented a major breakthrough moment, showcasing his pass-catching ability at the highest level.
Throughout his time in Green Bay, Deguara served as a hybrid player capable of lining up at both tight end and fullback, providing valuable contributions in the blocking game while also serving as a safety valve in the passing attack. His tenure with the Packers spanned four seasons and laid the foundation for his continued NFL career.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2024)
On March 28, 2024, Josiah Daniel Deguara signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. He was released on August 27 as part of final roster cuts, but he quickly re-signed with the Jaguars’ practice squad. His perseverance paid off when he was elevated to the active roster on September 23 for a game against the Buffalo Bills, and he was signed to the active roster the following week.
During the 2024 season, Deguara played in 15 games for the Jaguars, recording 3 receptions for 14 yards. He contributed 87 offensive snaps and 243 special teams snaps, demonstrating his value as a versatile team player. His work on special teams became an important part of his role with Jacksonville.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2025-Present)
On May 5, 2025, Deguara signed with the Arizona Cardinals on a one-year contract, continuing his NFL journey in a new offensive system. He was waived on August 26 as part of final roster cuts, but he re-signed to the practice squad the following day. His determination to remain with the organization was rewarded on October 15, 2025, when he was signed to the active roster.
Deguara’s time with the Cardinals has featured additional roster movement, as he was released on November 4 and re-signed with the team the following day. Through these transitions, he has continued to provide depth and versatility for Arizona, contributing on offense and special teams as the season progresses.
Driving Style and Strengths
Deguara is recognized for his versatility as a hybrid tight end and fullback, a role that demands proficiency in both the passing and running games. His blocking skills, combined with his reliable hands as a receiver, make him a valuable asset in multiple offensive packages. Coaches have valued his football intelligence and willingness to contribute on special teams, which has helped him remain in the league across multiple organizations.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Josiah Daniel Deguara’s career came on November 21, 2021, when he caught his first NFL touchdown on a 25-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers. Being drafted in the third round by the Green Bay Packers in 2020 also stands as a major milestone, reflecting the years of hard work he invested at Folsom High School and the University of Cincinnati.
Josiah Deguara Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Josiah Daniel Deguara has accumulated steady production as a pass-catcher while also contributing in less visible roles such as blocking and special teams coverage. His career NFL statistics through Week 15 of the 2025 season include 51 receptions for 456 receiving yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. These numbers reflect his role as a complementary piece within the offenses he has played in rather than a primary target.
NFL Highlights
Deguara’s first NFL win came as a member of the Green Bay Packers during his Week 1 debut in 2020, when the team defeated the Minnesota Vikings. He has since been part of multiple winning efforts across his stints with the Packers, Jaguars, and Cardinals. His most recent contributions have come as a reliable special teams player and a dependable depth option on offense.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond the NFL, Deguara earned First-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in 2019 and Second-team All-American Athletic Conference recognition in 2018 during his time at the University of Cincinnati. These collegiate accolades stand as key performances that helped launch his professional career.
Josiah Deguara Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly available information about Josiah Daniel Deguara’s family background is limited. He was born and raised in the Santa Rosa area of Northern California, and his upbringing in that region played an important role in shaping his early football career. Further details about his parents or siblings have not been widely documented in verified sources.
Personal Life
During his time at the University of Cincinnati, Deguara interned in the operations department of FC Cincinnati, the city’s professional soccer club. This experience reflected his interest in the business side of professional sports beyond his playing career. Details about his spouse, children, and other personal relationships have not been publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season has been a year of perseverance for Josiah Daniel Deguara. After signing with the Arizona Cardinals in May, he navigated final roster cuts by spending time on the practice squad before being elevated to the active roster in mid-October. His ability to bounce back from roster moves has been a defining theme of his season.
Through Week 15 of the 2025 campaign, Deguara has continued to contribute on both offense and special teams, adding to his career totals in receptions and receiving yards. His role with the Cardinals reflects the organization’s confidence in his versatility and his value as a depth piece in their tight end and fullback rotations.
Looking ahead, Deguara remains under contract with the Arizona Cardinals through 2026, giving him an opportunity to continue building on his professional resume. His experience across multiple teams has made him a well-rounded veteran, and his special teams work has remained a consistent strength throughout the 2025 season.