JT Woods Bio
Jalen Terrell Woods (born June 10, 2000) is an American professional football safety. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 195 pounds, he is known to fans and teammates as JT Woods. He played college football for the Baylor Bears and was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft by the Los Angeles Chargers.
Since entering the league, Woods has navigated a journeyman path through multiple organizations, splitting time between active rosters and practice squads. He is currently a member of the New York Jets, continuing his career in the National Football League.
Early Life and Background
Jalen Terrell Woods was born on June 10, 2000, in San Antonio, Texas. He grew up in the San Antonio area, where football is a central part of the local sports culture. The city has produced numerous professional players, and Woods grew up immersed in that tradition, which helped shape his early interest in the sport.
Woods attended Steele High School in Cibolo, Texas, a competitive program that helped him develop the athletic foundation required to play at the college level. During his high school years, he worked on the skills that would eventually define his position as a safety, including coverage awareness and open-field tackling. His performance at Steele drew the attention of college recruiters, leading to his commitment to Baylor University.
At Baylor, Woods spent four seasons with the Bears from 2018 through 2021, continuing his development in a Big 12 Conference program. His college experience prepared him for the next stage of his career, as scouts evaluated his combination of size, speed, and instincts at the safety position.
Path to American Football
Woods’ path to professional football began in earnest during his time at Steele High School, where he established himself as a promising defensive back. The high school program offered him the chance to compete against strong regional competition, and his performances there laid the groundwork for his recruitment to the college ranks.
At Baylor, Woods progressed through the Bears’ defensive system over four seasons, building the technical and physical tools required of an NFL safety. By the conclusion of his college career, he had positioned himself as a legitimate professional prospect. His combination of height, weight, and athletic ability made him an attractive option for teams seeking depth and upside in the secondary.
That trajectory culminated in the 2022 NFL draft, where the Los Angeles Chargers selected Woods in the third round with the 79th overall pick. The selection marked his official transition from college athlete to professional football player.
JT Woods Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Woods began his professional career with the Los Angeles Chargers after being drafted 79th overall in 2022. He spent his first two NFL seasons with the organization, working to establish himself within the defensive backfield. The Chargers invested a third-round selection in him, signaling their belief in his long-term potential at the safety position.
On September 30, 2023, Woods was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list, pausing his on-field contributions. He was later activated on December 5, 2023, returning to the team for the final stretch of the season. His time in Los Angeles offered valuable exposure to the speed and complexity of the professional game.
Los Angeles Chargers Breakthrough (2022–2023)
As a third-round pick, Woods entered the Chargers organization with the expectation of competing for a role in the secondary. The transition from Big 12 football to the NFL required him to adjust to a faster, more sophisticated passing game, and he used his early seasons to absorb the nuances of professional defensive schemes.
His second season was interrupted by his placement on the reserve/non-football illness list, but his activation in December 2023 demonstrated his standing within the organization. According to his career NFL statistics, Woods recorded 8 total tackles during his time on active duty. His tenure with the Chargers ended when he was waived on August 28, 2024, as the team reshaped its roster ahead of the new season.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2024)
Shortly after his release from the Chargers, Woods was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad on August 30, 2024. The move provided him an opportunity to continue his development within another NFL organization. Practice squad roles are common pathways for young players seeking to refine their skills and earn a return to an active roster.
Woods was released by the Eagles on October 22, 2024, ending a brief stint in Philadelphia. Despite the short duration, the experience allowed him to learn a new defensive system and remain engaged in the league.
Chicago Bears Era (2024)
On November 7, 2024, Woods signed with the Chicago Bears practice squad, picking up his career with another NFC organization. The transition reflected the journeyman nature of his early professional years, as he worked to find a stable roster home following his initial release from the Chargers.
Seattle Seahawks Era (2025)
Woods signed a reserve/future contract with the Seattle Seahawks on January 17, 2025, securing his place with the organization heading into the offseason. Reserve/future contracts are typically used to retain players through the spring, with the chance to compete for a roster spot in training camp. He was later waived by the Seahawks on July 2, 2025.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2025)
On July 22, 2025, Woods signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, continuing his search for a long-term professional home. He was waived on August 26, 2025, as part of the league’s final roster cuts. The Raiders re-signed him to their practice squad the following day, August 27, giving him another opportunity to contribute. His time in Las Vegas ended on October 21, 2025, when he was released.
New York Jets Era (2025–Present)
Just one day after his release from the Raiders, Woods was signed to the New York Jets’ practice squad on October 22, 2025. The Jets represent his most recent organization and the current chapter of his NFL journey. As of late 2025, he was released by the Jets on November 11, 2025. The frequent movement between practice squads and active rosters illustrates the competitive nature of sustaining a career at the safety position in the modern NFL.
Driving Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 2 inches and 195 pounds, Woods brings the size and length that modern NFL teams look for in a safety. His background at Baylor prepared him for the physical demands of professional defensive schemes, and his ability to navigate multiple organizations speaks to a degree of football intelligence and adaptability. His career totals reflect the limited but meaningful on-field opportunities he has earned since entering the league.
Notable Events and Milestones
Woods’ most notable milestone came in the 2022 NFL draft, when he was selected in the third round as the 79th overall pick by the Los Angeles Chargers. That selection validated his college career at Baylor and launched his professional path. Since then, he has been a part of six NFL organizations in just a few seasons, a testament to his perseverance in one of the most competitive professional leagues in the world.
JT Woods Career Wins
Jalen Terrell Woods’ professional resume is defined more by his movement between organizations than by championship victories. As a defensive back, his on-field production is measured in tackles and coverage contributions rather than win totals. According to his career NFL statistics, he has recorded 8 total tackles during his time in the league.
Los Angeles Chargers Highlights
Woods’ most established tenure came with the Los Angeles Chargers, the team that drafted him in 2022. During his two seasons with the organization, he contributed to the secondary and recorded his career tackle totals. His activation from the reserve/non-football illness list in December 2023 marked a successful return to active duty before his eventual release in August 2024.
Other Wins and Performances
Following his departure from the Chargers, Woods signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Jets practice squads and active rosters between 2024 and 2025. While he has not recorded a Super Bowl or conference championship, his ability to remain active in the NFL across multiple teams represents an ongoing professional achievement.
JT Woods Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly available information about Woods’ family background is limited. He was raised in the San Antonio, Texas, area, where he developed his early passion for football.
Personal Life
Details about Woods’ personal life beyond his professional career are not widely documented in public sources. He is primarily known for his work as a professional football safety, and his social media presence on Instagram can be found under the handle jt_woods22.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been defined by significant movement for JT Woods. After signing a reserve/future contract with the Seattle Seahawks in January 2025, he was waived in July before joining the Las Vegas Raiders later that month. The Raiders waived him as part of their final roster cuts in August before re-signing him to their practice squad the following day. His release on October 21, 2025, led to a quick transition to the New York Jets practice squad on October 22.
While his role on practice squads has limited his statistical impact during the 2025 season, his continued presence in the league reflects his value as a depth piece in the secondary. Practice squad players often serve as important reserves who can be elevated to the active roster as injuries and roster needs arise throughout the season.
Looking ahead, Woods’ path back to an active roster will depend on his performance in practice and his ability to seize opportunities when they arise. His combination of size, athleticism, and familiarity with multiple defensive systems makes him a candidate to contribute wherever the next chapter of his career takes him.