Justin Herron Bio
Justin Herron (born November 27, 1995) is an American professional football offensive tackle currently with the New Orleans Saints. He played college football at Wake Forest and was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Herron has also played for the Las Vegas Raiders during his NFL career.
Early Life and Background
Justin Herron was born in Silver Spring, Maryland. He attended Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, where he was a multi-sport athlete playing football, baseball, and basketball. Herron also participated in his school’s jazz band as a trumpeter, showcasing diverse talents beyond athletics. He was rated as a three-star recruit and chose to play college football at Wake Forest over offers from several other universities.
Path to American Football
Herron’s football journey began as an offensive lineman in high school, where his size and athleticism stood out. His commitment to Wake Forest marked the start of his collegiate football career, where he steadily developed his skills. Despite suffering a torn ACL in the first week of the 2018 season, he returned to play as a graduate student and earned third-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors in 2019. Herron set a school record with 51 games played during his time at Wake Forest.
Justin Herron Career
Early Career (2020–2022)
Justin Herron was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round, 195th overall, of the 2020 NFL Draft. His rookie season was interrupted by an ankle injury that placed him on injured reserve in October 2020, but he was activated later that November. Herron contributed to the Patriots’ offensive line over three seasons, gaining valuable professional experience and appearing in multiple games.
Las Vegas Raiders Breakthrough (2022–2023)
In September 2022, Herron was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. His time with the Raiders was hampered by injuries, including a torn ACL sustained in practice that placed him on injured reserve. He played in seven regular-season games across two seasons but faced setbacks due to knee and concussion injuries. Herron was waived by the Raiders in December 2023.
New Orleans Saints Era (2024–Present)
Justin Herron signed with the New Orleans Saints in April 2024. Unfortunately, he was placed on injured reserve in July 2024, ending his season before it began. Herron’s tenure with the Saints is in its early stages, and he aims to return to full health and contribute to the team’s offensive line depth.
Driving Style and Strengths
Herron is known for his size and athleticism as an offensive tackle, standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 305 pounds. His experience playing multiple sports in his youth contributes to his agility and coordination on the field. Herron’s resilience in overcoming injuries and leadership as a college team captain highlight his mental toughness and work ethic.
Notable Events and Milestones
Herron earned third-team All-ACC honors in 2019 during his collegiate career, a significant recognition of his performance at Wake Forest. He also set the school record for most games played with 51. Off the field, Herron received an Outstanding Service award from the Tempe, Arizona Police Department in 2021 for assisting in saving a woman from a violent assault, reflecting his character and community involvement.
Justin Herron Career Wins
As an offensive tackle, Justin Herron’s contributions are measured in games played and started rather than individual wins. He has played in 35 NFL games and started 11 as of 2024, demonstrating his role as a valuable team player across multiple franchises.
NFL Highlights
Herron’s NFL career began with the New England Patriots, where he gained his first professional experience. His trade to the Las Vegas Raiders marked a new chapter, although injuries limited his playing time. Signing with the New Orleans Saints represents his latest opportunity to establish himself as a consistent starter in the league.
Other Performances
In college, Herron’s record-setting 51 games played at Wake Forest and his leadership as a team captain are notable achievements. His resilience in returning from a major ACL injury to earn conference honors underscores his dedication and skill development.
Justin Herron Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Justin Herron’s father, Reggie Herron, played basketball at Villanova University. His uncle, Keith Herron, was a second-round pick in the 1978 NBA Draft and played five seasons in the NBA. This athletic lineage highlights a family tradition of competitive sports at high levels.
Personal Life
Herron is recognized for his community involvement, notably receiving an award for heroism in 2021. Details about his marital status or children are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Justin Herron signed with the Detroit Lions but was placed on injured reserve shortly after due to injury. He was released later that year, making the 2025 season a challenging period in his professional career. Herron will be focused on recovery and seeking opportunities to return to active play in the NFL.