Pierre Strong Jr. Bio
Pierre Strong Jr. (born December 10, 1998) is an American professional football running back for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He previously played for the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns after a standout college career at South Dakota State University. Listed at 5 feet 11 inches and 207 pounds, Strong has built a reputation as a versatile and durable back, contributing both as a rusher and a pass catcher. He entered the league as a fourth-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Strong played his college football for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits from 2017 through 2021, where he earned multiple conference and national honors. Across his professional career, he has served as a complementary back and special teams contributor, gradually expanding his role on offense. His path from a lightly recruited high school prospect to an NFL roster reflects steady development and perseverance at every level.
Early Life and Background
Pierre Strong Jr. was born on December 10, 1998, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He grew up in the same city and attended John L. McClellan High School, where he quickly emerged as a dynamic offensive talent. As a junior, Strong rushed for 2,248 yards and 30 touchdowns, helping McClellan reach the Class 5A state championship game.
During his senior year, Strong battled through a season-ending injury on McClellan’s final drive of a regular-season game against Pulaski Academy. Even with the setback, he finished with 1,423 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns, giving him 4,268 rushing yards and 57 touchdowns across his final two high school seasons. His accomplishments earned him recognition as a Landers Award finalist.
Despite his production, Strong received scholarship offers from very few NCAA Division I programs. In January 2017, he made a verbal commitment to South Dakota State University, choosing to develop at the FCS level rather than wait for additional Division I offers.
Path to American Football
Strong arrived at South Dakota State in 2017 and redshirted his true freshman season, preserving a year of eligibility while adjusting to the college game. As a redshirt freshman in 2018, he rushed for 1,116 yards and 11 touchdowns, performances that earned him the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) Freshman of the Year award.
In his redshirt sophomore season, Strong added 1,018 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 143 carries, earning first-team All-MVFC recognition. He repeated as a first-team All-MVFC selection in subsequent seasons and was also named a First-team FCS All-American in 2021, capping his rise from under-recruited high schooler to one of the top FCS players in the country.
Pierre Strong Jr. Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
Strong’s early college career was defined by patience and gradual progression. After redshirting in 2017, he broke out as a redshirt freshman in 2018 and steadily built his production across three more seasons. His redshirt senior year was his most complete, totaling 1,686 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, 22 receptions for 150 yards, and even four completed passes on four attempts for 62 yards and four touchdowns.
Across his South Dakota State tenure, Strong earned three first-team All-MVFC selections (2019, 2020, 2021), a First-team FCS All-American nod in 2021, and the MVFC Freshman of the Year award in 2018. His development under the Jackrabbits’ coaching staff prepared him for the jump to the NFL level.
New England Patriots Era (2022)
Strong was selected by the New England Patriots with the 127th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he served in a complementary role, recording ten carries for 100 yards over the season. On December 12, 2022, Strong scored his first career touchdown on a three-yard run in a 27–13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, a moment that highlighted his potential as a scoring threat at the next level.
Cleveland Browns Era (2023–2024)
On August 27, 2023, Strong was traded to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for offensive lineman Tyrone Wheatley Jr. In his first season with Cleveland, he appeared in all 17 games with one start, totaling 63 rushing attempts for 291 yards and one touchdown. In 2024, his role was more limited, with 26 carries for 108 scoreless yards across 14 appearances.
On August 26, 2025, Strong was waived by the Browns with an injury designation as part of the team’s final roster cuts, ending his tenure in Cleveland.
Green Bay Packers Era (2025–Present)
On September 8, 2025, Strong was signed to the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster for Weeks 7 and 15 of the 2025 season, giving him an opportunity to contribute on both offense and special teams. On January 12, 2026, Strong signed a reserve/future contract with Green Bay, securing his place with the franchise beyond the current campaign.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Strong’s most notable milestones are his first career NFL touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in December 2022 and his trade to the Cleveland Browns in 2023, which expanded his role on offense. His reserve/future contract with the Packers in January 2026 marked another key step in his professional journey.
Pierre Strong Jr. Family
Personal Life
Public information about Pierre Strong Jr.’s personal and family life is limited. He was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, and maintains an active presence on social media, including his accounts on X and Instagram. Further details about his immediate family or marital status have not been publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Pierre Strong Jr. being waived by the Cleveland Browns at the end of training camp. He quickly found a new home when the Green Bay Packers added him to their practice squad in early September, giving him a chance to compete for a role in a new offensive system.
Strong earned elevations to the active roster for Weeks 7 and 15, providing depth at running back and contributing on special teams. Through his elevated appearances, he continued to showcase the receiving and pass-blocking skills he refined during his time with the Browns.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 regular season, Strong signed a reserve/future contract with the Packers on January 12, 2026. The deal positions him to compete for a roster spot during the 2026 offseason program and training camp, with momentum from a full season in Green Bay’s building.
