M.J. Stewart Bio
Marvin Stewart Jr., commonly known as M.J. Stewart, is an American professional football safety for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels and was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft. Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing around 205 pounds, Stewart has built his career on physicality and versatility in the secondary. He has also been a member of the Cleveland Browns.
Early Life and Background
Marvin Stewart Jr. was born on September 16, 1995, in Arlington, Virginia, United States. He grew up in the Arlington area and attended Yorktown High School, where he developed into a promising football prospect. His upbringing in Northern Virginia placed him near a competitive high school football scene that helped shape his athletic foundation.
At Yorktown, Stewart showed the traits that would later define his professional career, including speed, instincts, and a willingness to contribute in multiple roles across the secondary. His performances in high school drew the attention of several college programs along the Atlantic Coast Corridor. He ultimately committed to the University of North Carolina, choosing to continue his football journey at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
Stewart enrolled at North Carolina and joined the Tar Heels football program, competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) from 2014 through 2017. His development progressed steadily, and by his sophomore season he had earned a role in the defensive backfield. Stewart was recognized for his play with a Second Team All-ACC selection in 2015, signaling his emergence as one of the conference’s top young defensive backs.
During his sophomore year, Stewart was briefly suspended from the team for a violation of team rules, an issue that was later resolved when he was reinstated. There was speculation that he might enter the 2017 NFL Draft early, but he chose to return for his senior season. After his senior year, he earned First Team All-ACC honors from Pro Football Focus, cementing his status as an NFL prospect.
M.J. Stewart Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Stewart in the second round, 53rd overall, of the 2018 NFL Draft. He was the fifth cornerback taken in that year’s draft. Shortly after the draft, the Buccaneers signed him to a four-year, $5.08 million contract that included $2.48 million in guarantees and a signing bonus of $1.77 million.
Stewart opened his rookie season as the fifth cornerback on Tampa Bay’s depth chart. He made his professional regular-season debut against the New Orleans Saints, recording four solo tackles in a 48–40 victory. A foot injury sidelined him for several weeks, and he lost his starting role during that absence. Stewart finished his rookie year with 33 combined tackles and three pass deflections across 11 games. He was waived by the Buccaneers in August 2020.
Cleveland Browns Era (2020–2021)
Stewart was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns on August 8, 2020. He quickly found a role in the Browns’ secondary, registering his first career sack against Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in Week 4. Later that season, Stewart recorded his first career interception off a pass from Ryan Tannehill of the Tennessee Titans.
In the 2020 AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Stewart delivered one of his most memorable performances, leading the team with 10 tackles and intercepting a pass from Ben Roethlisberger in a 48–37 win. He spent part of the 2021 season on injured reserve before being activated in November. The Browns released him following the 2021 campaign, opening the door for his next opportunity.
Houston Texans Era (2022–Present)
On March 24, 2022, Stewart signed with the Houston Texans, beginning a new chapter in his career. He transitioned into a safety role and quickly became a regular contributor in the defensive backfield. In March 2023, he signed a two-year contract extension with the Texans, reaffirming the organization’s confidence in his abilities.
In 2024, Stewart appeared in nine games with four starts, recording two pass deflections, one forced fumble, and 25 combined tackles. A torn quadriceps suffered in Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars required season-ending surgery, announced in November. On March 11, 2025, Stewart re-signed with the Texans for his fourth season with the club, and he later agreed to a one-year extension in March 2026.
Playing Style and Strengths
Stewart is known for his physicality, tackling consistency, and willingness to play both cornerback and safety. His compact frame and aggressive mentality allow him to thrive in run support and short-area coverage. Coaches have valued his versatility, deploying him across multiple spots in the secondary depending on matchups and game plans.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Stewart’s career highlights are his Second Team All-ACC honor in 2015, his first-team recognition from Pro Football Focus after his senior season, and his first career interception against the Tennessee Titans. His playoff performance against the Steelers, including an interception of Ben Roethlisberger, remains a signature moment.
M.J. Stewart Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Marvin Stewart Jr. grew up in Arlington, Virginia, the son of a supportive family that encouraged his athletic development. Specific details about his parents and siblings have not been publicly confirmed in available records. His path through Yorktown High School and the University of North Carolina reflects the strong football culture of the Mid-Atlantic region.
Personal Life
Stewart keeps his personal life largely private. He was born Marvin Stewart Jr. and is known by the nickname M.J. He is active on social media and remains connected to his community in Arlington. Further details about his relationships and family are not publicly verified.
2025 Season Performance
Stewart entered the 2025 season re-signed with the Houston Texans after agreeing to a new contract in March. He continued to serve as a rotational safety, contributing in run support and pass coverage. His veteran presence helped stabilize a young Texans secondary throughout the early portion of the schedule.
Across the season, Stewart provided reliable tackling and leadership on the back end of Houston’s defense. He remained a steady presence in the locker room and on special teams. Heading into the later stages of the year, his experience continued to be a valuable asset for the Texans’ defensive coaching staff.
