Quinton Jefferson Bio
Quinton Jefferson is an American professional football defensive tackle who was born on March 31, 1993, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft after playing college football at the University of Maryland. Jefferson has had multiple stints with several teams in the NFL, including the Seahawks, Rams, Bills, Raiders, and Jets, showcasing his versatility and skill as a defensive player. As of 2025, he is a member of the Detroit Lions.
Early Life and Background
Quinton Jefferson was born to Larry and Bahiyyah Jefferson in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh, where he played both football and basketball. Jefferson’s early exposure to sports laid the foundation for his future career in professional football. After high school, he continued his education and athletic career at the University of Maryland, where he played college football for the Maryland Terrapins from 2011 to 2015.
Path to American Football
Jefferson verbally committed to the University of Maryland on January 24, 2011, and signed with the team on February 2, 2011. During his college career, he played in 37 games and made significant contributions to the team, including 12.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in his final season. His performance at Maryland helped him gain attention from NFL scouts, leading to his selection in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Quinton Jefferson Career
Early Career (2016)
Quinton Jefferson was selected in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the 147th overall selection by the Seattle Seahawks. The team made a strategic move to trade up in the draft to secure Jefferson. He signed his rookie contract with the Seahawks on May 6, 2016, but faced challenges early in his career, including a knee injury that placed him on injured reserve during his rookie season. He appeared in three games in 2016, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
Breakthrough (2017-2019)
Jefferson’s breakthrough came during his second stint with the Seattle Seahawks from 2017 to 2019. After being waived by the Seahawks in September 2017, he was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams. However, he returned to the Seahawks later that season. In 2018, Jefferson had a notable season with three sacks and 25 total tackles. His performance continued to improve, and in 2019, he recorded 3.5 sacks and played a crucial role in the Seahawks’ Wild Card Round victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Notable Works and Milestones
Quinton Jefferson’s signature work includes his impactful performances during the playoffs and his ability to adapt to various defensive schemes across multiple teams. His career statistics reflect his contributions, including a total of 206 tackles and 28.5 sacks as of Week 8, 2025.
Quinton Jefferson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Quinton Jefferson has not received any major award nominations, but his consistent performance has earned him respect within the league.
Quinton Jefferson Awards Won
Quinton Jefferson has not won any major awards during his professional career, but his contributions to his teams have been recognized by coaches and teammates alike.
Quinton Jefferson Family
Quinton Jefferson is married to Nadia Jefferson, and together they have four children. The family includes three daughters, with the youngest two being twins, and a son. Jefferson’s family life is an important aspect of his personal identity.
Personal Life
Quinton Jefferson graduated in December 2015 from the University of Maryland with a degree in family science. His educational background reflects his commitment to personal development alongside his athletic career.