Noah Dawkins Bio
Noah Dawkins is an American football linebacker who has built his professional career through perseverance and adaptability. After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, he has spent time with several National Football League franchises and has continued his career in spring football leagues. He is currently a member of the Columbus Aviators of the United Football League.
Known for his work ethic and positional versatility, Dawkins has transitioned from a fringe roster hopeful into a long-tenured professional. His path has taken him from the practice squads of the NFL to a starting role in the USFL and UFL, where he continues to compete at a high level.
Early Life and Background
Noah Dawkins was born on August 13, 1997, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He grew up in the same community that helped shape his competitive nature and passion for football. Spartanburg, located in the Upstate region of South Carolina, has a strong football tradition that influenced his early athletic development.
He attended James F. Byrnes High School in nearby Duncan, South Carolina, where he became a two-year letterman for the football program. As a senior, Dawkins set a school record with 23 sacks, demonstrating his natural ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. His standout senior season earned him the ESPN Upstate Player of the Year award and the Spartanburg Herald Journal Defensive Player of the Year honor.
Path to Professional Football
Following high school, Dawkins committed to The Citadel, a military college in Charleston, South Carolina, where he played four seasons for the Bulldogs. His development as a linebacker steadily progressed over his college career, and he became a leader on the defensive side of the ball by his senior year. The Citadel’s disciplined environment helped refine his technique and football intelligence.
In his final collegiate season, Dawkins finished second on the team with 66 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss. He also led the Bulldogs with 5.5 sacks, earning first-team All-Southern Conference recognition. By the end of his college career, he had accumulated 166 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 14.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions, showcasing his all-around playmaking ability.
Noah Dawkins Career
Early Career (2019)
Despite an impressive Pro Day performance and a spot on Mel Kiper’s Big Board list of the top 300 draft prospects, Noah Dawkins went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. Shortly afterward, on May 11, 2019, he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent. He was waived at the end of training camp but was re-signed to the team’s practice squad, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
While on the Bengals’ practice squad, Dawkins was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, giving him an opportunity with a new organization. He made his NFL debut on October 27, 2019, against the Tennessee Titans, recording his first career tackles at the highest level of professional football.
New York Jets Tenure (2020–2021)
After being waived by the Buccaneers in September 2020, Dawkins joined the New York Jets practice squad later that month. Over the course of the 2020 season, he was elevated to the active roster multiple times for weeks 13 through 17, contributing on special teams and defense. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Jets in January 2021.
His time in New York continued into the 2021 season, with the organization waiving and re-signing him as roster needs shifted. He was promoted to the active roster on October 30, 2021, before being waived again in early November. Through it all, Dawkins maintained his reputation as a reliable practice squad contributor and team-first player.
Chicago Bears Stint (2022)
On February 22, 2022, Dawkins signed with the Chicago Bears, earning another opportunity to compete for an NFL roster spot. He participated in the team’s offseason program and training camp as he worked to secure a role on the defensive depth chart.
Unfortunately, his time in Chicago was short-lived, as he was released on August 16, 2022. Despite the setback, Dawkins remained determined to continue his professional career and explore opportunities in other football leagues.
Michigan Panthers Era (2023–2025)
On March 14, 2023, Noah Dawkins signed with the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League, beginning a new chapter in his career. The USFL provided him with an opportunity to play significant snaps and re-establish himself as a starting-caliber linebacker. He quickly became a contributor for the Panthers and earned a consistent role within the defense.
Dawkins re-signed with the Michigan Panthers on August 23, 2024, solidifying his position with the organization. He continued to be a reliable defensive presence as the league merged into the United Football League, helping the Panthers compete at a high level during the transition.
Columbus Aviators Era (2026–Present)
On January 13, 2026, Noah Dawkins was selected by the Columbus Aviators in the 2026 UFL Draft. The move marked another fresh start in his professional journey, giving him the chance to compete for a new franchise in a familiar league.
Listed at six foot one and 239 pounds, Dawkins brings experience, leadership, and positional versatility to the Aviators. His transition to Columbus represents an opportunity to take on a larger role and continue building his legacy in professional football.
Driving Style and Strengths
As an inside linebacker, Dawkins brings physicality, tackling consistency, and pass-rush ability to the field. His college production, including 14 career sacks, demonstrates his capability to pressure the quarterback from the second level. He combines instincts with disciplined fundamentals, allowing him to read plays quickly and contribute in both run defense and coverage situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most memorable moments of Dawkins’s career came during his senior season at The Citadel, when he set a school record with 23 sacks at James F. Byrnes High School. He also made his NFL debut against the Tennessee Titans in 2019 and earned first-team All-Southern Conference honors in 2018. His selection in the 2026 UFL Draft added another notable chapter to his ongoing professional story.
Noah Dawkins Career Highlights
All-Southern Conference Recognition
Noah Dawkins earned first-team All-Southern Conference honors in 2018 following a standout senior season at The Citadel. That year, he recorded 66 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks, leading the Bulldogs in sacks and finishing second on the team in total tackles. The recognition cemented his status as one of the top defensive players in the conference.
Other Performances
Throughout his career, Dawkins has accumulated 3 total tackles in NFL regular-season action, with contributions coming during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets. He has also made a consistent impact at the USFL and UFL levels, where he has been able to showcase his full range of skills as a starting linebacker.
Noah Dawkins Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Noah Dawkins was raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where his family roots helped shape his early passion for football. The strong football culture of the Upstate region and the support of his hometown community played an important role in his development as a young athlete.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season, Noah Dawkins continued his role with the Michigan Panthers as the USFL transitioned into the United Football League. He remained a steady contributor on defense, using his experience to help guide a roster that featured a mix of established professionals and emerging talent. His consistency and leadership provided stability to the Panthers’ linebacker corps.
As the season progressed, Dawkins was a reliable presence in both run support and pass coverage, helping the Panthers remain competitive in the UFL standings. His veteran presence allowed younger players to develop under his mentorship, and he continued to produce solid statistical performances on a weekly basis.
Looking ahead, Dawkins’s selection in the 2026 UFL Draft by the Columbus Aviators signals a new opportunity for the veteran linebacker. As he transitions to Columbus, he is expected to bring the same toughness, intelligence, and work ethic that have defined his career since his days at The Citadel.