Rashod Berry Bio
Rashod Berry is an American football linebacker who currently plays for the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 255 pounds, he is known for his positional versatility after beginning his football life as a wide receiver and defensive end before moving to tight end in college. Berry started his professional career as an undrafted free agent with the New England Patriots in 2020, having previously played college football at Ohio State University. Since then, he has been part of several teams, including the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Indianapolis Colts, and continues his career in the UFL.
Early Life and Background
Rashod Berry was born on October 14, 1996, in Lorain, Ohio, in the United States. He grew up in the same working-class city where he would later become a celebrated high school athlete. Berry attended Lorain High School, where he developed the multi-sport foundation that would shape his football future.
At Lorain, Berry was a two-sport standout, playing both basketball and football. On the football field, he lined up as a wide receiver and a defensive end, giving him early experience on both sides of the ball. That versatility caught the attention of college recruiters and set the stage for his transition to the next level.
Path to American Football
Berry’s path to the professional ranks ran directly through Ohio State University, one of the most storied programs in college football. He spent five years with the Buckeyes, where he was initially listed as a defensive end during his freshman year before settling in at tight end. Over his college career, he recorded 17 receptions for 198 yards and four touchdowns, contributing as a reliable target in the passing game.
After his final college season, Berry declared for the 2020 NFL Draft but went undrafted. He signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2020, beginning his professional journey in the league. His path from a small Ohio high school to a top college program and then to the NFL reflected steady progression built on positional flexibility and durability.
Rashod Berry Career
Early Career (2020)
Rashod Berry began his professional career with the New England Patriots after signing as an undrafted free agent on May 5, 2020. He was waived during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, but was signed to the team’s practice squad the following day. Berry was elevated to the active roster twice during the 2020 season, on October 17 and December 5, for the Patriots’ games against the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers. He made his official NFL debut in the Week 6 matchup against Denver. On January 2, 2021, he was promoted to the active roster for the remainder of the season.
Berry’s first stint with New England ended on August 15, 2021, when he was waived by the team. Even though his time on the active game-day roster had been brief, the experience of joining a perennial contender provided him with a strong introduction to the professional level.
Detroit Lions Era (2021–2022)
On August 18, 2021, Berry signed with the Detroit Lions, looking to find a longer-term home in the NFL. He was waived on August 31 and re-signed to the practice squad the next day, only to be released again shortly after. The Lions brought him back on October 6 and later promoted him to the active roster on December 4, giving him another opportunity to contribute late in the season.
Berry re-signed with the Lions on March 10, 2022, in an effort to build on that late-season momentum. However, he was waived on May 10, 2022, ending his second stint in Detroit.
Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts (2022–2023)
On May 11, 2022, Berry was claimed by the Jacksonville Jaguars, continuing his tour of NFL rosters. He was waived on August 30, 2022, and re-signed to the team’s practice squad on October 12. While his active playing time in Jacksonville was limited, his practice squad role kept him in the league.
On January 4, 2023, Berry signed with the Indianapolis Colts off the Jaguars’ practice squad. His time in Indianapolis, however, took an unexpected turn on June 29, 2023, when he was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating the league’s policy on gambling. Shortly after the suspension was announced, the Colts waived him along with teammate Isaiah Rodgers Sr. On April 18, 2024, Berry was reinstated by the NFL, making him eligible to return to professional football.
San Antonio Brahmas and Houston Roughnecks Era (2024–Present)
Following his reinstatement, Berry signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League on August 1, 2024, beginning a new chapter in the spring football league. He spent the 2025 UFL season with the Brahmas before being claimed off waivers by the Houston Roughnecks on April 16, 2025. He now plays for the Houston Roughnecks, the franchise that has continued his professional career in the UFL.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most notable events in Berry’s career came on June 29, 2023, when he received an indefinite NFL suspension for violating the league’s gambling policy. The suspension, which led to his release from the Indianapolis Colts, was lifted on April 18, 2024, allowing him to resume his playing career. His NFL career statistics, as of 2023, include four total tackles. Berry also made his official NFL debut against the Denver Broncos in 2020 while with the New England Patriots.
Rashod Berry Career Wins
Rashod Berry’s professional path has been defined more by persistence and roster survival than by championship victories, and verified win totals at the professional level are not part of the public record for his career.
Rashod Berry Family
Personal Life
Rashod Berry was born and raised in Lorain, Ohio, the city he has often spoken of as home. Public information about his immediate family, marital status, spouse, or children has not been confirmed, and those details have been kept private.
2025 Season Performance
Rashod Berry began the 2025 UFL season with the San Antonio Brahmas, the team he had joined the previous August. His role with the Brahmas provided him with consistent playing time in the spring league after sitting out the 2023 NFL season due to suspension. On April 16, 2025, however, his season took a new turn when he was claimed off waivers by the Houston Roughnecks.
Moving to the Houston Roughnecks gave Berry a fresh opportunity to compete for a roster spot and contribute on defense in a new uniform. The midseason change placed him back in a developmental environment, where his experience as a converted tight end and edge player continued to be a strength. The 2025 UFL campaign represented his return to full-time football after a year away from the field.
Looking ahead, Berry’s path in the UFL will depend on his ability to translate his practice-squad experience and physical tools into consistent defensive production. With his NFL reinstatement secured and his move to Houston complete, the 2025 season offered a chance to reestablish himself as a reliable linebacker at the professional level.