Ronnie Perkins Bio
Ronnie Perkins (born September 29, 1999) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football at the University of Oklahoma and was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft. Listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 253 pounds, Perkins has spent time with several NFL organizations and has also appeared in the United Football League (UFL) with the Birmingham Stallions.
Early Life and Background
Ronnie Perkins was born on September 29, 1999, in St. Louis, Missouri. He grew up in the same city where he would later build his reputation as one of the area’s most productive high school defenders. His early athletic development in St. Louis laid the groundwork for a future on the defensive side of the football.
Perkins attended Lutheran High School North in St. Louis, where he emerged as a standout defensive player. As a senior in 2017, he was named the St. Louis Post-Dispatch All-Metro football defensive player of the year, a recognition that highlighted his dominance at the prep level. Following that season, Perkins was invited to participate in the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, one of the premier high school all-star games in the country.
After completing his high school career, Perkins committed to the University of Oklahoma to play college football. His decision to join the Sooners program was a major step in his development as a linebacker and set the stage for his eventual entry into the NFL.
Path to American Football
Perkins’s progression through the football ranks began in earnest at Lutheran High School North, where his play on defense drew statewide attention. The combination of size, athleticism, and football instincts made him a sought-after recruit, and his appearance in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl gave him a national platform.
His commitment to Oklahoma connected him with one of the top college football programs in the Big 12 Conference. The Sooners offered Perkins the chance to compete against elite offensive talent week in and week out, and his early contributions as a freshman signaled that he was on track for a professional future. The exposure of playing in a Power Five conference ultimately positioned him for selection in the 2021 NFL draft.
Ronnie Perkins Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
As a true freshman at Oklahoma in 2018, Perkins started seven games and recorded 37 tackles along with five sacks. His immediate impact showed that he was capable of producing against upper-level competition, and he earned a steady role in the Sooners’ defensive rotation from the start of his college career.
In his sophomore season, Perkins started all 13 games he appeared in, finishing the year with 38 tackles and six sacks. He was later suspended for the 2019 Peach Bowl following a failed drug test, and the suspension carried into his junior year in 2020, costing him the first five games of that season. Despite the setback, Perkins was recognized as a Second-team All-Big 12 selection in both 2019 and 2020, underscoring his productivity whenever he was on the field.
New England Patriots Era (2021–2023)
Perkins was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round, 96th overall, of the 2021 NFL draft. On July 20, 2021, he signed his four-year rookie contract with the organization. Unfortunately, his rookie season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on December 17, 2021, without ever appearing in a regular-season game.
The 2022 campaign offered little additional opportunity, as Perkins was again placed on injured reserve on August 23, 2022. On August 29, 2023, the Patriots released him, only to re-sign him to the practice squad the following day. His time in New England ultimately concluded without regular-season playing time on the active roster.
Denver Broncos Era (2023–2024)
On September 18, 2023, Perkins signed with the Denver Broncos, marking his first opportunity with a different organization. He was waived on December 14, 2023, and re-signed to the practice squad. On January 8, 2024, he signed a reserve/future contract with Denver, signaling the team’s continued interest in his development.
In August 2024, Perkins was designated as waived/injured by the Broncos and reverted to injured reserve the following day after going unclaimed on waivers. He was released by Denver on September 17, 2024, ending his second NFL stop.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2024)
On October 16, 2024, Perkins signed with the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, giving him another chance to revive his professional career. He was waived on December 3, 2024, closing out a brief stint in Arizona.
Birmingham Stallions Era (2025)
On February 4, 2025, Perkins signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL), the spring football league that merged the former XFL and USFL properties. The move provided him a platform to play meaningful snaps again after several injury-marred NFL seasons.
Perkins was placed on injured reserve on May 12, 2025, limiting his availability during the UFL campaign.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2025)
On August 18, 2025, Perkins signed with the Atlanta Falcons. He was released by Atlanta during preliminary roster cuts on August 23, then re-signed to the practice squad on September 2. He was released again on September 9, 2025.
Return to Birmingham Stallions (2026)
On January 29, 2026, Perkins signed with the Birmingham Stallions for a second stint with the UFL franchise. He was released three days later.
Notable Events and Milestones
Perkins was a two-time Second-team All-Big 12 honoree in 2019 and 2020, the most prominent individual recognition of his career. His selection in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft by the New England Patriots stands as his signature professional milestone, while his invitation to the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Bowl remains the highlight of his pre-college journey.
Ronnie Perkins Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Ronnie Perkins’s immediate family is limited, and no verified details about parents, siblings, or extended relatives have been confirmed in available sources.
Personal Life
Perkins has kept his personal life largely private. There are no publicly verified details about a spouse, children, or current residence.
2025 Season Performance
Perkins’s 2025 calendar was split between two stops, beginning with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL. He signed with the Stallions on February 4, 2025, only to be placed on injured reserve on May 12. The injury cut into what had been a promising spring opportunity and limited his on-field production during the UFL season.
Seeking a return to the NFL, Perkins signed with the Atlanta Falcons on August 18, 2025. He was released during preliminary roster cuts on August 23 before being re-signed to the practice squad on September 2. He was released again on September 9, closing out his 2025 NFL window. Career NFL totals stand at 13 tackles across 7 games played.
Heading into 2026, Perkins briefly returned to the Birmingham Stallions on January 29 before being released three days later, leaving his next professional move uncertain.