Matthew Judon Bio
Matthew Judon is an American professional football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He played college football for the Grand Valley State Lakers, where he set the Division II record for sacks. Judon was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL draft. Throughout his career, he has also played for the New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, and the Miami Dolphins, consistently proving to be a strong defensive asset on the edge.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Judon was born on August 15, 1992, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He grew up in a large family as one of ten children, an upbringing that helped shape his competitive drive and physical toughness. Judon is of Burundian descent and later moved with his family to Michigan, where he attended West Bloomfield High School. During his youth, he developed an early passion for football and used the sport as an outlet to channel his energy and discipline.
At West Bloomfield, Judon emerged as a promising defensive prospect, drawing attention from college programs across the region. His combination of size, speed, and strength made him a standout on the defensive line and helped him earn opportunities to continue his career at the collegiate level. His family environment, surrounded by siblings who shared his love for competition, reinforced the work ethic that would later define his professional approach.
Path to American Football
Judon chose to attend Grand Valley State University, where he joined the Grand Valley State Lakers football program. Playing at the Division II level, he quickly established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in the country. His production over multiple seasons helped raise the profile of the program and showcased his ability to disrupt opposing offenses at a high level.
During his college career, Judon set the Division II record for sacks, a milestone that highlighted his pass-rushing ability and consistency. He also earned First-team All-American honors and won the Gene Upshaw Award in 2015. In addition, he was recognized as the GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year, further cementing his status as one of the top small-school defensive prospects in the nation. His success at Grand Valley State earned him an invitation to the NFL Combine, where he impressed scouts with his athleticism.
Matthew Judon Career
Early Career (2016-2017)
The Baltimore Ravens selected Judon in the fifth round, 146th overall, of the 2016 NFL draft. On May 5, 2016, the Ravens signed him to a four-year rookie contract, and the team transitioned him to outside linebacker to fit their 3-4 defensive scheme. As a rookie, he appeared in 14 games without a start, recording four sacks and 27 combined tackles while learning behind veterans like Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil.
In 2017, Judon earned the starting strongside linebacker job and made his first career start in the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. He played in all 16 games with 12 starts, finishing with eight sacks, 60 combined tackles, three passes defended, and two forced fumbles. His breakout performance earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after a dominant showing against the Green Bay Packers.
Baltimore Ravens Breakthrough (2018-2020)
Judon continued his development in 2018, playing in 16 games with eight starts and finishing tied for second on the team with seven sacks. He added 44 combined tackles and three passes defended, reinforcing his value as a reliable edge rusher. The 2019 season marked his first true breakout, as he started all 16 games and recorded 9.5 sacks, 54 tackles, and four forced fumbles, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
In 2020, the Ravens placed the franchise tag on Judon, and he signed the one-year tender. Despite battling injuries and COVID-19 related absences, he appeared in 14 games with 13 starts and recorded six sacks, one safety, and 50 tackles. His strong play during this stretch helped solidify his reputation as one of the league’s most productive pass rushers and earned him consecutive Pro Bowl nods.
New England Patriots Era (2021-2023)
On March 19, 2021, Judon signed a four-year, $56 million contract with the New England Patriots, immediately becoming a central figure on their defense. In his first season, he set a new career high with 12.5 sacks and earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection. He was also ranked 52nd by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022, reflecting his growing league-wide respect.
Judon’s 2022 campaign was his most productive yet, as he finished with 15.5 sacks, ranking fourth in the NFL, along with 60 tackles and two forced fumbles. His performance earned him another Pro Bowl selection and an AFC Defensive Player of the Week award. However, in 2023, he suffered a torn lower bicep in Week 4 and was placed on injured reserve, limiting his impact during the latter portion of the season.
Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins (2024-2025)
On August 14, 2024, Judon was traded to the Atlanta Falcons, where he finished the season with 5.5 sacks, 41 tackles, one interception returned for a touchdown, and five passes defended. His veteran presence helped anchor a young Falcons defensive front throughout the year.
On August 19, 2025, Judon signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. He appeared in 13 games with three starts, recording 19 combined tackles and one pass deflection, before being waived by the team on December 17. Shortly after, on December 20, 2025, he was signed to the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad, and was elevated to the active roster in early January.
Driving Style and Strengths
Judon is known for his combination of power, length, and explosive first-step quickness, which allows him to win against both offensive tackles and tight ends. He excels at setting the edge in run defense while also generating consistent pressure as a pass rusher. His football intelligence and motor enable him to adapt to multiple defensive schemes, making him a versatile chess piece for defensive coordinators.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Judon’s signature moments was his 2017 AFC Defensive Player of the Week performance against the Green Bay Packers, where he forced a fumble and recorded two sacks. He also earned a franchise tag with the Ravens in 2020 before signing a major free-agent deal with the Patriots in 2021. His four consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2019 to 2022 stand as a defining milestone of his career.
Matthew Judon Career Wins
While linebackers are not typically measured by win totals, Matthew Judon’s career has been highlighted by sustained individual excellence across multiple franchises. He has earned four Pro Bowl selections and one First-team All-American honor, marking him as one of the most decorated pass rushers of his draft class.
NFL Highlights
Judon has recorded 72 career sacks, 429 total tackles, nine forced fumbles, and one interception returned for a touchdown as of the 2025 season. His career-best 15.5 sacks in 2022 ranked fourth in the NFL and represented the peak of his statistical production. He has also been recognized as AFC Defensive Player of the Week on multiple occasions throughout his career.
Other Performances
At Grand Valley State, Judon earned GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year and First-team All-American honors in 2015. He also won the Gene Upshaw Award, given to the best Division II lineman or linebacker in the country, cementing his legacy as one of the most decorated players in program history.
Matthew Judon Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Matthew Judon was raised in a large household as one of ten children, an upbringing that helped foster his toughness and competitive nature. He is of Burundian descent and moved to Michigan during his youth. His family provided the foundation for his disciplined approach to football and continues to play an important role in his personal life.
Personal Life
Judon wore the number 9 throughout his college career at Grand Valley State to honor his nine siblings. When the NFL changed its uniform rules in 2021 to allow defensive linemen to wear single-digit numbers, he continued the tradition by choosing number 9 with the New England Patriots. His personal life has remained largely private throughout his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
Matthew Judon began the 2025 season with the Atlanta Falcons before being released during the summer and signing a one-year, $6 million contract with the Miami Dolphins on August 19, 2025. With Miami, he appeared in 13 games and made three starts, contributing 19 combined tackles and one pass deflection. After being waived by the Dolphins on December 17, he quickly found a new opportunity with the Buffalo Bills.
Judon was signed to the Bills’ practice squad on December 20, 2025, and elevated to the active roster on January 3. He appeared in the Bills’ 35-8 win over the New York Jets the following day, adding veteran depth to a contending defense. His late-season move to Buffalo positioned him for a potential postseason role with one of the AFC’s top teams.
Looking ahead, Judon’s current contract runs through the 2026 season, giving him an opportunity to continue contributing as a rotational pass rusher and mentor. His experience and productivity make him a valuable asset for a Bills defense looking to make a deep playoff run. Whether as a situational rusher or a rotational starter, Judon remains a respected veteran presence in the NFL.