Keion Crossen Bio
Keion Crossen is an American professional football cornerback who was born on April 17, 1996, in Garysburg, North Carolina. He played college football for the Western Carolina Catamounts and distinguished himself both in football and track and field during his time at the university. Crossen was drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft and helped his team win Super Bowl LIII. Over the years, he has played for several NFL teams, including the Houston Texans, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, and Arizona Cardinals, while developing a reputation for his skills on the field.
Early Life and Background
Keion Crossen grew up in Garysburg, a small town in Northampton County, North Carolina. He attended Northampton County High School in nearby Gaston, where he first built the athletic foundation that would carry him into college sports. His background in a tight-knit rural community helped shape the discipline and work ethic that later defined his approach to football and track.
During his time at Northampton County, Crossen stood out as a multi-sport athlete, competing in both football and track and field. That dual-sport experience gave him the speed, footwork, and competitive edge that would later become central to his identity as a cornerback. His high school career laid the groundwork for the next chapter of his journey at the college level.
Path to American Football
After high school, Crossen committed to Western Carolina University, where he played for the Catamounts from 2014 through 2017. He chose to remain in his home state of North Carolina to continue his development, joining a Football Championship Subdivision program known for producing competitive defensive backs. His college years marked the most formative stretch of his football career.
At Western Carolina, Crossen became a two-year starter in the defensive secondary, playing in 46 games over four seasons. He finished his career with 165 total tackles, including 106 solo stops and five tackles for loss, along with three interceptions and 19 pass break-ups. Beyond football, he also competed for the Western Carolina track and field teams, winning the Southern Conference outdoor championship in the men’s 100-meter dash in 2016 with a school-record time of 10.33 seconds, a mark that qualified him for the NCAA East Preliminary. That blend of speed and defensive skill drew the attention of NFL scouts.
Keion Crossen Career
Early Career (2018)
Keion Crossen entered the NFL when he was selected by the New England Patriots in the seventh round, 243rd overall, of the 2018 NFL Draft. As a late-round pick, he faced the challenge of earning a role on a championship-caliber roster, but his speed and special teams versatility gave him an opportunity. His first professional season quickly produced the biggest highlight of his early career.
During his rookie year, Crossen was part of the Patriots team that advanced to Super Bowl LIII. He helped New England defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13–3, earning a Super Bowl championship ring in his very first NFL season. That early success established him as a player capable of contributing on the biggest stage.
Houston Texans Era (2019–2020)
On August 31, 2019, the New England Patriots traded Keion Crossen to the Houston Texans in exchange for a conditional future draft pick. The move gave him a fresh start in the AFC South and a chance to expand his role on defense and special teams. He quickly became a regular contributor in the Texans’ secondary and on coverage units.
Crossen’s most notable postseason moment with Houston came during the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, he recovered a fumble lost by Chiefs punt returner Tyreek Hill during a 51–31 loss. The play highlighted his nose for the football and his reliability in high-pressure situations.
New York Giants Era (2021)
On August 16, 2021, the Houston Texans traded Keion Crossen to the New York Giants in exchange for a 2023 sixth-round draft pick. The move brought him to the NFC East and offered a new environment to showcase his coverage skills. His single season with the Giants added another chapter to his journey through the league.
Miami Dolphins Era (2022–2023)
On March 17, 2022, Keion Crossen signed a three-year contract with the Miami Dolphins, marking his longest commitment to a team since entering the NFL. He was expected to contribute on defense and special teams as the Dolphins continued their roster build. His tenure in Miami showed both his durability and the physical demands of life as an NFL cornerback.
On August 29, 2023, Crossen was placed on injured reserve, halting his momentum with the Dolphins. He was later released on March 5, 2024, closing his time in Miami after two seasons. Despite the early end to his contract, his run with the Dolphins further cemented his reputation as a dependable veteran presence.
Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers Stints (2024–2025)
On October 16, 2024, Keion Crossen signed with the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, returning to the league after his release from Miami. He was released by the Cardinals on October 29, 2024. The brief stay in Arizona reflected the unpredictable nature of late-career movement in the NFL.
On October 7, 2025, Crossen signed with the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad, continuing his journeyman career. He was released on October 21, 2025. Through each stop, he has remained a respected veteran known for his preparation and special teams value.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining milestone of Keion Crossen’s career remains his Super Bowl LIII championship with the New England Patriots during his rookie season. Recovering a fumble in a Divisional Round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs stands as another signature moment. Across his stops with the Patriots, Texans, Giants, Dolphins, Cardinals, and Panthers, he has consistently delivered on special teams while competing for a defensive role.
Keion Crossen Career Wins
Keion Crossen’s career win total is anchored by team success rather than individual championship trophies. His primary achievement came as a member of the Super Bowl LIII-winning New England Patriots in the 2018 season. Across his time with the Houston Texans, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, and Carolina Panthers, he has contributed as a rotational cornerback and core special teams player. Verified individual win totals by series are not available, so specific numeric breakdowns are omitted.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond the NFL, Crossen’s most notable individual victory came at the 2016 Southern Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships, where he won the men’s 100-meter dash with a school-record time of 10.33 seconds. That performance also qualified him for the NCAA East Preliminary. His college career at Western Carolina produced 165 tackles, three interceptions, and 19 pass break-ups across 46 games.
Keion Crossen Family
Personal Life
Publicly verified details about Keion Crossen’s immediate family are limited. He has built his professional life around football and track, moving between several NFL cities since 2018. Information about his parents, spouse, and children has not been publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season for Keion Crossen began as he signed with the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad on October 7, 2025. His stay with the Panthers was short, as he was released on October 21, 2025. The brief stint reflected the challenge of finding a stable roster spot late in a long professional career.
Through Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season, Crossen’s career statistics include 118 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 10 pass deflections. Those numbers reflect his value as a versatile defensive back and special teams contributor over multiple seasons.
Looking ahead, Crossen remains an experienced cornerback capable of stepping into a depth role or special teams position. His track record of durability and postseason experience continues to make him a candidate for future NFL opportunities whenever a roster need arises.