Anthony Pittman Bio
Anthony J. Pittman (born November 24, 1996) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football for the Wayne State Warriors and signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 107 kilograms, Pittman has built his career primarily on special teams while contributing as a reserve linebacker. Over the years he has spent time with the Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, and Jacksonville Jaguars organizations.
Early Life and Background
Anthony J. Pittman was born on November 24, 1996, in Detroit, Michigan, USA. He grew up in the Detroit area and attended Birmingham Groves High School, where he played football before moving on to the college ranks. Coming out of high school he was lightly recruited, which meant he had to work his way up from a smaller collegiate program rather than arriving on a major stage.
After high school, Pittman enrolled at Wayne State University in Detroit, where he joined the Wayne State Warriors football program. He became a two-year team captain for the Warriors and earned recognition as a two-time first-team All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference linebacker in 2018 and 2019. During his college career he appeared in 43 games and recorded 181 tackles and 8 sacks, while also contributing on special teams units.
Path to American Football
Pittman’s path to the professional level began at Wayne State, where his production as a tackling linebacker and his role on special teams drew attention from NFL scouts. Despite going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, his college résumé of tackles, sacks, and conference honors was enough to earn him an opportunity. He signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent and immediately began working to earn a roster spot at the next level.
His transition from a Division II program to the NFL was not immediate. Pittman spent his first season moving between the practice squad and the active roster, learning the speed and complexity of professional football. That developmental period laid the foundation for the special teams role that has defined his professional career.
Anthony Pittman Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Pittman signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He was waived on August 30, 2019, and signed to the practice squad the next day. Over the remainder of his rookie season he cycled on and off the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on December 26, 2019.
In 2020, Pittman was again waived on September 5 and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He was placed on the practice squad/COVID-19 list in late December 2020 and restored to the practice squad in early January 2021. He signed a reserve/future contract with Detroit on January 5, 2021, securing his place in the organization for the following season.
Detroit Lions Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Pittman’s role with the Lions grew significantly in 2022. After being waived on August 30 and re-signed to the practice squad, he was promoted to the active roster on September 27, 2022. From that point forward, he became a regular contributor, playing in all 17 regular season games that year primarily on special teams.
In 2023, Pittman again played in all 17 regular season games for the Lions, continuing his work on special teams. He also appeared in all three of Detroit’s playoff games during the 2023 postseason. His reliability in the kicking game and as a reserve linebacker made him a valued member of the Lions’ roster.
Washington Commanders and Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2024)
On March 14, 2024, Pittman signed with the Washington Commanders. His time in Washington was brief, as he was released on August 27, 2024, during the roster cutdown process. Shortly after, on October 7, 2024, he was signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. With Jacksonville he played in one game and recorded one tackle before being released again.
Detroit Lions Second Stint (2024–2025)
On December 17, 2024, Pittman was signed by the Detroit Lions off the Jaguars’ practice squad, returning to the organization where he had spent most of his career. On March 14, 2025, he re-signed with the Lions on a one-year contract. He was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts, then re-signed to the practice squad. Pittman was released again on September 9, 2025.
Notable Events and Milestones
Pittman’s most notable milestone has been his longevity on special teams at the NFL level, a difficult achievement for an undrafted player. He appeared in all three Detroit Lions playoff games during the 2023 postseason and played a full 17-game regular season in both 2022 and 2023. His journey from Division II at Wayne State to multi-year NFL service stands as a marker of perseverance.
Anthony Pittman Career Wins
As a linebacker and core special teams player, Anthony J. Pittman’s statistical résumé is defined more by tackles and roster reliability than by championship wins. His standout achievements include two first-team All-GLIAC selections in 2018 and 2019 at Wayne State, and full-season contributions on Detroit Lions special teams units across multiple seasons.
Anthony Pittman Family
Personal Life
Anthony J. Pittman was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Publicly available verified details about his parents, spouse, or children are not confirmed in available sources.
2025 Season Performance
Anthony J. Pittman re-signed with the Detroit Lions on a one-year contract on March 14, 2025, signaling the franchise’s continued interest in his special teams value. He was released on August 26, 2025, as part of final roster cuts, but quickly returned when he was re-signed to the practice squad.
His stay on the practice squad proved short, as he was released again on September 9, 2025. The midseason transaction reflects the fluid nature of practice squad movement across NFL rosters. His experience on special teams and familiarity with the Lions’ system remain his strongest assets as he looks for the next opportunity.
Outlook for the remainder of the 2025 season depends on whether another NFL organization signs him to its practice squad or active roster. Given his track record of returning to Detroit and contributing on special teams, another opportunity within the league remains a realistic possibility.