Clelin Ferrell Bio
Clelin Ferrell (born May 17, 1997) is an American professional football defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Clemson Tigers, where he won the 2018 Ted Hendricks Award as the nation’s top defensive end, and was selected fourth overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2019 NFL Draft. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 265 pounds, Ferrell has also spent time with the Washington Commanders and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Across his NFL career, Ferrell has been recognized for his run defense and his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. He is a two-time College Football Playoff national champion at Clemson, and he continues to compete at the professional level as a defensive end in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
Ferrell was born on May 17, 1997, in Richmond, Virginia. He grew up in a household with deep ties to the United States military, as both of his parents served in the armed forces. Ferrell’s father, Cleavester, passed away from cancer in March 2012, leaving a lasting impression on the young athlete.
Ferrell is the youngest of nine children. He has four brothers and four sisters, all of whom are at least ten years older than him. Coming from such a large family helped shape his sense of responsibility and discipline, qualities that would later serve him well in competitive sports.
For high school, Ferrell attended Benedictine College Preparatory, a private military academy in Richmond. The structured environment at Benedictine helped reinforce the values he learned at home. He committed to play college football at Clemson roughly three months before suffering a torn ACL, an injury that forced him to miss his entire senior football season but did not change his college plans.
Path to American Football
Despite the ACL injury that ended his senior year at Benedictine College Preparatory, Ferrell remained firmly committed to Clemson. The Clemson coaching staff stayed loyal to their recruitment, and Ferrell arrived in Tigertown ready to develop his defensive skills at the highest level of college football.
His path to the NFL was not without setbacks. As a true freshman in 2015, Ferrell suffered a hand injury that forced him to redshirt the season. The redshirt year allowed him to learn the playbook, add strength, and prepare for a larger role once he returned to the field healthy.
When Ferrell finally stepped on the field in 2016, he made an immediate impact. He recorded 50 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks, earning co-defensive rookie of the year honors alongside teammate Dexter Lawrence. From that point on, Ferrell was viewed as a cornerstone of the Clemson defense and a future professional prospect.
Clelin Ferrell Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Ferrell’s early college career quickly established him as one of the top defensive linemen in the country. After his redshirt season, he burst onto the scene in 2016 with strong production and was recognized as co-defensive rookie of the year in the Clemson program.
He continued his ascent in 2017, when he was named first-team All-American and helped lead Clemson to the College Football Playoff National Championship. His consistent performance and explosive first step made him a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles.
Clemson Tigers Breakthrough (2017–2018)
In 2018, Ferrell reached the peak of his collegiate career. He recorded 53 tackles, 11.5 sacks, four pass breakups, and three forced fumbles, leading the Atlantic Coast Conference in both sacks and tackles for loss. He earned consensus All-American honors, was named first-team All-ACC, and was selected as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
That same season, Ferrell won the Ted Hendricks Award, given annually to the top defensive end in college football. He also helped Clemson win another College Football Playoff National Championship, cementing his legacy as one of the most decorated defensive players in program history. Following the 2018 season, Ferrell declared for the 2019 NFL Draft.
Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders (2019–2022)
Ferrell was selected by the Oakland Raiders as the fourth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. The selection drew widespread criticism, as many analysts viewed him as a late first-round or early second-round prospect, with players like Josh Allen and Ed Oliver still on the board. On June 18, 2019, Ferrell signed his four-year rookie contract, worth a fully guaranteed $31.2 million, including a $20.8 million signing bonus.
Ferrell made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2019 season against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football, recording three tackles and his first career sack on quarterback Joe Flacco in a 24–16 victory. He later produced one of his strongest performances of the year in Week 10, when he tallied eight tackles and 2.5 sacks against Philip Rivers and the Los Angeles Chargers in a 26–24 win.
His second season was interrupted by a stint on the reserve/COVID-19 list in November 2020 and a placement on injured reserve in late December 2020. He finished 2020 with 27 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles across 11 games. In April 2022, the Raiders declined to pick up Ferrell’s fifth-year option, making him a free agent after the 2022 season.
San Francisco 49ers First Stint (2023)
On March 16, 2023, Ferrell signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. The move offered him a fresh start in a new defensive scheme and a chance to prove his value outside of Las Vegas.
Ferrell made the most of the opportunity, starting all 17 regular season games for the 49ers. He finished the 2023 season with 3.5 sacks, 28 total tackles (15 solo), one pass defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Among his most notable performances were his first full sack as a 49er, which came against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a 34–3 victory, and a sack against the Seattle Seahawks in a 28–16 win.
Washington Commanders (2024–2025)
On March 18, 2024, Ferrell signed with the Washington Commanders. Over 14 appearances, including 10 starts, he recorded 26 combined tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble, providing a steady presence on the defensive line.
Ferrell re-signed with the Commanders on a one-year contract on March 15, 2025, but was released on August 26, 2025, as part of the team’s final roster cuts.
Los Angeles Chargers (2025)
On September 18, 2025, Ferrell signed with the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster on October 4 and appeared in the Chargers’ October 5 game against the Washington Commanders. Ferrell was returned to the practice squad on October 6 and released by the team on October 14.
San Francisco 49ers Second Stint (2025–Present)
On October 29, 2025, Ferrell signed with the 49ers’ practice squad, returning to the organization where he had previously enjoyed his most productive professional season. On November 15, 2025, he was promoted to the active roster, where he continues to contribute as a rotational defensive end.
Driving Style and Strengths
Ferrell is known for his powerful run defense, his ability to set the edge against the run, and his consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He uses a strong first step, heavy hands, and a high motor to disrupt offensive game plans. Throughout his career, he has produced best when paired with a defensive line coach who can maximize his physical tools and put him in position to attack one-on-one matchups.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ferrell’s most memorable professional moments include his first career sack on Joe Flacco in his NFL debut in 2019, his 2.5-sack performance against Philip Rivers later that same season, and his 2023 rebound season with the 49ers in which he started all 17 games. In college, his 2018 Ted Hendricks Award and two College Football Playoff National Championships with Clemson stand as the defining milestones of his career to date.
Clelin Ferrell Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ferrell’s family background is rooted in military service, with both of his parents having served in the United States military. He attended Benedictine College Preparatory, a private military academy in Richmond, Virginia, which reflected the values and discipline ingrained in him by his family.
He is the youngest of nine children, and the age gap with his older siblings helped shape his maturity. The passing of his father, Cleavester, from cancer in March 2012 deeply affected Ferrell, and he has often credited his family for instilling the resilience and perseverance that have defined his football career.
Personal Life
Ferrell is a native of Richmond, Virginia, and continues to maintain ties to his hometown community. Details about his marital status, spouse, or children are not publicly confirmed in verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a year of transitions for Clelin Ferrell. After re-signing with the Washington Commanders in March and being released in late August, he joined the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad in September before being released in mid-October. He then returned to the San Francisco 49ers, signing with their practice squad on October 29 and being promoted to the active roster on November 15.
Ferrell’s most productive stretch of the 2025 campaign came during his brief time with the Commanders, where he appeared in 14 games with 10 starts during the 2024 season that carried into 2025, posting 3.5 sacks and 26 combined tackles. With the 49ers, he has rejoined a defensive line room that previously helped him produce a career-best 3.5 sacks and a full 17-game starting season in 2023.
Looking ahead to the remainder of the 2025 season and beyond, Ferrell’s outlook depends on his ability to carve out a consistent rotational role with the 49ers. His experience, two College Football Playoff National Championship pedigree, and proven run-defense skills make him a valuable depth piece, with the potential to grow into a larger role if he can stay healthy and continue producing at the line of scrimmage.