Junior Colson Bio
Junior Colson is a Haitian-American professional football linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, winning three consecutive Big Ten Conference titles and a national championship in 2023. He also won the Lott Trophy and was a two-time All-Big Ten selection. Colson was selected by the Chargers in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft.
Early Life and Background
Junior Colson was born on December 6, 2002, in Mirebalais, Haiti. His father passed away when he was seven years old, leading to his placement in an orphanage in Port-au-Prince operated by his uncle. At the age of eight, he met Americans Steve and Melanie Colson, who were visiting Haiti on a church mission after the 2010 Haiti earthquake. He was adopted by the Colsons and moved to Brentwood, Tennessee, at the age of nine in May 2012. Upon arriving in the United States, he was struck by the sight of a Michigan hat worn by his new family, who are avid Michigan fans. Colson grew up speaking Haitian Creole and learned English after relocating to Tennessee. He initially played soccer but later took up American football, where he excelled as a linebacker at Ravenwood High School in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Path to American Football
Considered a four-star recruit by the 247Sports Composite rankings, Junior Colson was rated as a top 100 player in the nation, the 10th overall linebacker, and the second-best player in Tennessee in 2021. He met Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh at a football camp, which led to a scholarship offer. Colson ultimately committed to play college football at the University of Michigan, turning down offers from prestigious programs such as Louisiana State University, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Mississippi, the University of Oregon, and the University of Tennessee.
Junior Colson Career
Early Career (2021–2023)
Junior Colson enrolled at the University of Michigan in 2021 and made an immediate impact, starting seven games as a true freshman. He recorded a total of 60 tackles, ranking fourth on the team, and earned his first career sack during a game against Penn State. His performance earned him a selection as a Freshman All-American. In 2022, Colson started all 14 games, leading the team with 101 tackles and two sacks, and was named a second-team All-Big Ten selection. His standout performance in the Big Ten Championship Game against Purdue included a career-high 15 tackles. In 2023, he continued his success by starting all 15 games, leading the Wolverines to a national championship with a team-high 95 tackles and earning second-team All-Big Ten honors from both coaches and media. He also received the prestigious Lott IMPACT Trophy.
Breakthrough (2024)
Junior Colson was selected 69th overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft. During his rookie season, he made 11 appearances, including one start, and recorded 29 combined tackles along with one pass deflection. His performance in the NFL showcased his potential as a valuable linebacker for the Chargers.
Notable Works and Milestones
Junior Colson’s signature achievements include winning the CFP national championship in 2023 and receiving the Lott Trophy in the same year. He was also recognized as a two-time second-team All-Big Ten selection and a Freshman All-American, marking significant milestones in his early career.
Junior Colson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Junior Colson has received several nominations and accolades, including recognition as a Freshman All-American and multiple All-Big Ten selections.
Junior Colson Awards Won
Junior Colson has won significant awards, including the Lott Trophy in 2023 and the CFP national championship in the same year. He has also been honored as a two-time second-team All-Big Ten selection.
Junior Colson Family
Information regarding Junior Colson’s family is limited. He was adopted by Steve and Melanie Colson after spending time in an orphanage in Haiti.
Personal Life
Junior Colson’s personal life details are not extensively documented. He currently resides in Brentwood, Tennessee, and plays for the Los Angeles Chargers. As of now, there are no public details regarding a spouse or children.