Oshane Ximines Bio
Oshane Ximines is an American professional football linebacker who has played in the National Football League since 2019. A native of Queens, New York, he built his name as a pass rusher at Old Dominion University before being selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. He is the only player in NFL history to have played under a last name beginning with the letter X.
Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and listed at 254 pounds, Ximines is known for his length and edge-rushing ability. After five seasons with the Giants, he signed with the New England Patriots in 2024. His journey from Ahoskie, North Carolina, to the NFL has made him a notable figure both for his play and for his unusual place in league history.
Early Life and Background
Oshane Ximines was born on December 7, 1996, in Queens, New York. His family immigrated to the United States from Jamaica before he was born, and he later grew up in North Carolina. He attended Hertford County High School in Ahoskie, where he developed into a strong defensive prospect.
During his high school career, Ximines racked up 145 tackles and 35 sacks, numbers that quickly attracted attention from college recruiters. He committed to Old Dominion University to play college football, choosing the Monarchs as the program that would give him the opportunity to refine his skills at the FBS level.
His path to college football reflected both his athletic ability and the influence of his family, who supported his move into the sport. The combination of size, speed, and production he showed in high school laid the foundation for a successful college career.
Path to American Football
Ximines arrived at Old Dominion University in 2014 and played as a defensive end for the Monarchs through the 2018 season. Over five years with the program, he emerged as one of the most productive pass rushers in school history, finishing his college career with 176 tackles, 32.5 sacks, and one interception.
His consistent production earned him two First Team All-Conference USA selections, in 2017 and 2018, cementing his status as one of the top defensive players in the league. These honors helped raise his profile ahead of the 2019 NFL Draft, where evaluators looked at him as a promising edge rusher with the frame and motor to develop at the next level.
Ximines’ combination of college production, size, and athleticism made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams looking to add depth to their defensive front. His decision to declare for the draft after his senior season paid off when he heard his name called in the third round.
Oshane Ximines Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Oshane Ximines was selected by the New York Giants in the third round, 95th overall, of the 2019 NFL Draft, becoming the first player from Old Dominion ever taken in the draft. The Giants had acquired the pick through a trade that sent Odell Beckham Jr. and Olivier Vernon to the Cleveland Browns. Ximines wasted little time making an impact, recording his first career sack against Jameis Winston of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3, a 32–31 Giants victory.
Later that season, he added two more sacks on Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles, taking down Carson Wentz twice in a 23–17 overtime loss. He also made the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker during his rookie year, showing the kind of flexibility that would define his early career. Entering 2020, he was viewed as one of the Giants’ starting pass rushers, but a shoulder injury in Week 4 sent him to injured reserve, and he ultimately underwent season-ending surgery.
New York Giants Era (2019–2023)
After his injury-shortened 2020 campaign, Ximines returned to a more limited role in 2021, averaging about 23 snaps per game as part of the Giants’ defensive rotation. He finished that season with 13 tackles. In 2022, he opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list with a hamstring issue but worked his way back into the lineup, appearing in 506 total snaps and recording 24 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.
On May 5, 2023, the Giants re-signed Ximines, though he was released late in August and brought back on the practice squad. He was elevated for the Week 2 game against the Arizona Cardinals and remained with the team before being released on November 30. Across his five seasons in New York, he established himself as a reliable rotational pass rusher and a respected presence in the locker room, even as injuries and role changes occasionally slowed his progress.
New England Patriots Era (2024–Present)
On April 30, 2024, Ximines signed with the New England Patriots, beginning a new chapter in his career. The move gave him a fresh opportunity to contribute on a defense looking to add experienced edge depth. He was placed on injured reserve on September 18, 2024, limiting his availability during the early portion of the season.
Through his time in New England, Ximines has continued to bring the same work ethic and pass-rushing instincts that defined his Giants tenure. His veteran presence and familiarity with multiple defensive schemes have made him a useful piece for the Patriots as they build their defensive front. Career NFL statistics through the 2024 season include 72 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 6 pass deflections.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ximines is known for his long frame, active hands, and ability to win off the edge against offensive tackles. His combination of length and burst allows him to challenge passing lanes, and he has shown the flexibility to play both with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end and standing up as an outside linebacker. His discipline and motor make him a dependable rotational piece in any defensive scheme.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Ximines’ career are his first NFL sack against Jameis Winston in 2019, his two-sack performance against the Eagles on Monday Night Football that same season, and his distinction as the only player in NFL history whose last name begins with the letter X. He also holds the honor of being the first Old Dominion player ever selected in the NFL Draft.
Oshane Ximines Career Wins
While pass rushing statistics are tracked differently from race wins, Oshane Ximines has built a résumé of verified production since entering the NFL in 2019. His career totals include 6.5 sacks, 72 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 6 pass deflections through the 2024 season. These numbers reflect a player who has consistently contributed as a rotational edge defender for two NFL franchises.
Career Highlights
Ximines’ most notable on-field moments include his Week 3 debut sack in 2019, his two-sack game against the Eagles later that season, and his 2022 campaign in which he posted 2 sacks along with a forced fumble and fumble recovery. Each of these performances underscored his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and finish plays around the line of scrimmage.
His selection as a two-time First Team All-Conference USA honoree at Old Dominion remains a defining achievement from his college years. That back-to-back recognition in 2017 and 2018 helped establish him as one of the premier defensive players in his conference and paved the way for his third-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Oshane Ximines Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Oshane Ximines comes from a Jamaican family that immigrated to the United States before he was born. Growing up with that heritage, he was raised with a strong connection to his cultural roots while developing in the American football system. His family’s support played an important role in his move from Queens, New York, to North Carolina, where he attended high school and began his path to college football.
Personal Life
Public information about Ximines’ personal life is limited. He was born in Queens, New York, and later lived in North Carolina during his high school years. Beyond his professional football career, he is known for his connection to his Jamaican heritage and his community ties.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Oshane Ximines enters the year continuing his tenure with the New England Patriots. After being placed on injured reserve early in the 2024 campaign, he will be looking to re-establish himself as a rotational piece on the Patriots’ defensive front. His experience and versatility as both a defensive end and an outside linebacker give New England options along the edge.
The Patriots’ defensive scheme under their current staff is expected to lean on players who can pressure the quarterback and set the edge against the run, areas where Ximines has shown he can contribute. With a full offseason to prepare, he has the opportunity to carve out a larger role and add to his career sack total, which stands at 6.5 through the 2024 season.
If he can stay healthy and remain in the defensive rotation, Ximines has the chance to become a meaningful contributor for New England in 2025. His track record of production, combined with his unique status as the only NFL player whose last name begins with X, ensures that he remains a player worth watching as the new season unfolds.