T.J. Edwards Bio
T.J. Edwards (born August 12, 1996) is an American professional football linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing 228 pounds, he plays the linebacker position wearing jersey number 53. He entered the NFL in 2019 as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Edwards first established himself as a reliable defensive starter with the Philadelphia Eagles before joining his hometown Chicago Bears in 2023. Across his professional career he has tallied 740 tackles, 12 sacks, 7 interceptions, and 1 defensive touchdown, demonstrating consistency and durability at the linebacker position.
Early Life and Background
T.J. Edwards was born on August 12, 1996, in Lake Villa, Illinois, in the United States. He grew up in the Lake Villa community and attended Lakes Community High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete on the gridiron. His family background is rooted in the northern suburbs of Chicago, an area known for producing competitive football talent at the high school level.
At Lakes Community High School, Edwards lined up primarily as a quarterback, leading the offense through his prep career. During his senior season he also appeared in three games on the defensive side of the ball at safety, producing 20 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and an interception in limited defensive action. Those numbers hinted at the defensive instincts that would eventually define his college recruitment.
Despite his role as an offensive leader in high school, Edwards was recruited to play defense at the college level. He originally committed to Western Michigan before flipping his commitment to Wisconsin in early December 2013, after being pursued by Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda.
T.J. Edwards Career
Early Career (2014–2018)
Edwards enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and joined the Wisconsin Badgers football program. As a true freshman in 2014, he redshirted the season, preserving a year of eligibility while learning the defensive system under coordinator Dave Aranda. Even in that developmental year, his work in bowl preparation drew praise from the coaching staff.
From 2015 through 2018, Edwards blossomed into one of the most productive linebackers in the Big Ten Conference. In 2015 he started all 13 games and led the team with 84 tackles, earning Freshman All-American honors. He later added First-team All-American recognition in 2017 and was a two-time First-team All-Big Ten selection in 2017 and 2018.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2019–2022)
Edwards entered the 2019 NFL Draft and went undrafted before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles on April 28, 2019, to a three-year rookie contract. He opened his rookie season as a special teams contributor and defensive backup, eventually earning his first career start at outside linebacker in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills. He finished his debut year with 30 combined tackles across 16 games and four starts.
By 2020, Edwards had secured the starting middle linebacker role, where he produced key moments including a strip sack of quarterback Ben DiNucci against the Dallas Cowboys that was returned for a defensive touchdown. In 2021 he blocked a punt against the Carolina Panthers that helped swing a late-game win, earning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. In 2022 he helped the Eagles reach Super Bowl LVII, recording six tackles and a pass defended in the 38–35 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Chicago Bears Era (2023–Present)
On March 13, 2023, Edwards signed a three-year contract with his hometown Chicago Bears worth $19.50 million, including $7.90 million guaranteed. He debuted with 14 tackles against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 and quickly became a defensive leader in the middle of the field. His first interception as a Bear came in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions.
In the 2024 season, Edwards started all 17 games and recorded 129 tackles, tying a single-game career high with 15 tackles against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1. On April 16, 2025, he and the Bears agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract extension. During the 2025 campaign he returned an interception 34 yards for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17 before a fractured fibula in the wild card round ended his season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Edwards is recognized for his football intelligence, sure tackling, and ability to read offensive tendencies from the middle linebacker position. His preparation and communication have allowed him to serve as a defensive signal-caller, while his tackling volume and coverage skills have produced consistent production against both the run and the pass.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his signature moments are his strip sack returned for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, a game-winning blocked punt versus the Carolina Panthers in 2021, and a Super Bowl LVII appearance with the Eagles in 2022. His career-defining off-field move came in 2023 when he signed with his hometown Chicago Bears.
T.J. Edwards Career Wins
Edwards has compiled a steady resume of team successes across his NFL career, including playoff berths and a Super Bowl appearance. His 2019 Eagles team captured the NFC East, and he has been part of multiple postseason runs with both Philadelphia and Chicago.
NFL Highlights
Edwards helped the Philadelphia Eagles finish the 2019 regular season atop the NFC East with a 9–7 record, clinching a playoff spot. He later started on the 2022 Eagles team that advanced to Super Bowl LVII against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Since joining the Chicago Bears, Edwards has helped anchor a defense that returned to the postseason in 2025, including a wild card victory before his season ended due to injury.
Other Performances
Beyond his team results, Edwards earned individual recognition as the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week in 2021 following his blocked punt against Carolina. He has also been a durable presence on defense, starting the majority of games since becoming a full-time starter in 2020.
| Series | Wins | Top Tens | Poles |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Regular Season (Eagles 2019) | 9 | 7 | 0 |
T.J. Edwards Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Edwards’ parents and broader family lineage are limited. He grew up in the Lake Villa, Illinois, area and has credited his community roots as a motivating factor in joining the Chicago Bears.
Personal Life
Edwards is a Christian and got engaged to his girlfriend Kelly Jo in January 2022. The couple married in March 2023 at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 campaign marked a new chapter for Edwards after his two-year, $20 million contract extension with the Bears in April. He continued to handle starting duties at linebacker and opened the year tied for the league lead in tackles after recording 15 against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1.
Midway through the season Edwards underwent surgery to repair a broken hand, an injury announced by head coach Ben Johnson on November 8, which caused him to miss four games. He returned to record a 34-yard interception return for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17, providing a signature moment for the Bears defense.
Edwards’ season ended in the wild card round when he fractured his fibula during a Bears victory, capping a year that reinforced his value as a core defensive leader. His long-term role in Chicago appears secure as he recovers and prepares for the next phase of his contract.
