Rashad Weaver Bio
Rashad Capone Weaver (born November 10, 1997) is an American professional football outside linebacker. He played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers before entering the National Football League (NFL) through the 2021 NFL Draft. Standing 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) and listed at 259 lb (117 kg), Weaver has built his career as a defensive edge player known for his length and pursuit at the line of scrimmage.
Born in Marion, Indiana, Weaver moved to Florida during his youth and developed into a multi-sport high school athlete. After a strong senior season at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned national recognition, he transitioned to the professional ranks and has since appeared for multiple NFL organizations.
Early Life and Background
Rashad Capone Weaver was born on November 10, 1997, in Marion, Indiana, to Autumn DeLaPorte and Nevin Weaver. He is one of three children and has two sisters. Although born in the Midwest, Weaver grew up in Florida, where he attended Cooper City High School in Cooper City, Florida. At Cooper City, he played both defensive end and tight end, showcasing the size and athleticism that would later define his college recruitment.
During his high school years, Weaver drew attention from several college programs for his combination of length, motor, and positional versatility. He originally committed to the University of Michigan to play college football, but he later changed his commitment to the University of Pittsburgh, a decision that would shape his path toward a professional career on the defensive line.
Path to American Football
Weaver’s path to professional football began in earnest when he enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh in 2016. He redshirted his first year on campus, using the season to develop his body and learn the Panthers’ defensive scheme. In 2017, he played in 12 games and made five starts, finishing the year with 28 tackles and three sacks, signaling his emergence as a young pass rusher.
In 2018, Weaver started all 14 games for Pittsburgh, recording 47 tackles and leading the team with 6.5 sacks. His production that season established him as one of the top edge defenders in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). After missing the 2019 season due to a torn ACL, Weaver returned for his senior campaign in 2020, where his play earned him Consensus All-American and First-team All-ACC honors. He also completed a dual bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems and finance, and later enrolled at Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Business, demonstrating a strong commitment to academics alongside athletics.
Rashad Weaver Career
Early Career (2016-2020)
Weaver’s early career unfolded entirely within the University of Pittsburgh program. After redshirting in 2016, he steadily increased his role, breaking into the starting lineup in 2017 and becoming a full-time starter in 2018. That second season as a starter produced his first major statistical breakthrough, including a team-leading 6.5 sacks and 47 tackles across 14 games.
An ACL injury forced him to sit out the 2019 season, but he returned healthy for 2020. His senior year cemented his draft stock, as he was named a Consensus All-American and a First-team All-ACC selection. Pittsburgh’s defensive staff relied on him as an edge setter and pass rusher, and his growth in technique and strength during this period prepared him for the rigors of NFL competition.
Tennessee Titans Era (2021-2024)
Weaver entered the NFL when the Tennessee Titans selected him in the fourth round, 135th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract with Tennessee on June 10, 2021, beginning his professional tenure. The Titans placed him on injured reserve on September 28, 2021, an early setback that limited his debut season.
Over the following seasons, Weaver worked to carve out a role as a rotational outside linebacker and edge rusher. His time in Tennessee concluded on August 28, 2024, when he was waived by the Titans. Despite the short career arc with the club, the Titans era provided his first exposure to NFL-level coaching and competition.
Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams Era (2024)
Shortly after his release, Weaver joined the Houston Texans practice squad on September 2, 2024. He was promoted to the active roster on September 11 and appeared in games for Houston before being released on November 20, 2024.
On December 17, 2024, Weaver signed with the Los Angeles Rams practice squad, finishing the calendar year within the NFC West organization. This rapid movement between practice squads and active rosters reflected the journeyman phase of his early professional journey.
New York Jets and Los Angeles Chargers Era (2025)
On March 17, 2025, Weaver signed with the New York Jets, marking his first full offseason contract of the year. He was placed on injured reserve on August 21 and released four days later, ending his short tenure with the Jets.
On September 18, 2025, Weaver signed with the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad, before being released on September 30. Through these moves, Weaver has continued to pursue a stable NFL role while adapting to multiple defensive schemes.
Driving Style and Strengths
As an outside linebacker, Weaver leverages his 6 ft 4 in frame, long arms, and 259 lb build to set the edge against the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks. His college track record at Pittsburgh demonstrates a steady progression as a pass rusher, while his ability to play in space allows defensive coordinators to use him in both odd and even front structures.
Notable Events and Milestones
Weaver’s career highlights include his 2020 Consensus All-American selection and First-team All-ACC honors, both earned in his senior year at Pittsburgh. He was also part of a fourth-round draft class in 2021, picked 135th overall, marking a significant personal milestone in his professional journey.
Rashad Weaver Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Rashad Capone Weaver was raised by his mother, Autumn DeLaPorte, and his father, Nevin Weaver. He has two sisters, making his upbringing a family-oriented experience that emphasized education alongside athletics.
Personal Life
Weaver has prioritized academics during his athletic career, earning a dual bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems and finance from the University of Pittsburgh, and later enrolling at Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Business. His commitment to education reflects a balanced approach to professional sports and long-term career planning.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a transitional year for Weaver. After signing with the New York Jets in March, he was placed on injured reserve in August and released shortly afterward. He then joined the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad in September before being released later that same month.
Through these moves, Weaver has continued to pursue opportunities across multiple NFL organizations, working to secure a stable roster spot. The season has tested his resilience, requiring constant adaptation to new defensive systems and locker rooms.
Looking ahead, Weaver’s experience as a rotational edge defender and his strong college pedigree position him as a candidate for future practice squad or active roster opportunities, depending on team needs and his continued recovery from injury.