D’Shawn Jamison Bio
D’Shawn Jamison (born June 4, 1999) is an American professional football cornerback who is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 184 pounds, he plays in the defensive backfield and also contributes on special teams as a returner. After playing college football for the Texas Longhorns, where he developed into a versatile defensive back and return specialist, Jamison signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and has since worked his way through the league with stints in Carolina and Pittsburgh.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jamison now resides in Houston, Texas. His professional journey reflects perseverance, as he has transitioned between practice squad roles and active roster appearances across multiple franchises in just his first few seasons.
Early Life and Background
D’Shawn Jamison was born on June 4, 1999, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and spent his early childhood in the city. In 2005, his family was displaced by Hurricane Katrina, a defining event that led them to settle in Houston, Texas, where Jamison would grow up and develop as an athlete. The relocation introduced him to a new community and school system, and he later credited his upbringing for shaping his work ethic on the football field.
Jamison attended Lamar High School in Houston, where he played football and also ran track, showcasing his speed and athleticism in multiple sports. His performance on the gridiron earned him recognition as a four-star recruit by major scouting outlets. When it came time to choose a college, Jamison committed to play football at the University of Texas over scholarship offers from several prominent programs, including Michigan, Oregon, TCU, and USC.
The decision to join the Texas Longhorns set the foundation for his development into a multi-dimensional defensive back. His track background, combined with his football training at Lamar High School, prepared him for the demands of Big 12 Conference competition and beyond.
Path to American Football
Jamison arrived at the University of Texas as a highly regarded recruit and made an immediate impact during his freshman season. He was used primarily on offense as a wide receiver and also returned punts and kicks, demonstrating the versatility that would become a hallmark of his career. His ability to contribute in multiple roles caught the attention of the coaching staff and hinted at his future on the defensive side of the ball.
Prior to his sophomore year, Jamison was moved to cornerback, a transition that allowed him to use his speed and football instincts on the defensive side of the football. In his first full season at cornerback, he finished with 35 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, three interceptions, and three passes defended. He also returned nine punts for 118 yards and a touchdown, showing that his value as a returner remained intact.
As he progressed through his junior and senior seasons, Jamison continued to develop his craft. He was named honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference as a returner after a productive junior campaign and tallied significant kick and punt return yardage throughout his college career. After deciding to use the extra year of eligibility granted due to the coronavirus pandemic, he returned for a fifth season and recorded 25 tackles, two interceptions including one returned for a touchdown, and seven passes defended in his final year at Texas.
D’Shawn Jamison Career
Early Career (2023)
Following the conclusion of his college career at Texas, D’Shawn Jamison entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. On April 29, 2023, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers, joining a defensive backfield known for its depth and competition. The 49ers gave him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during training camp and the preseason.
Jamison’s time in San Francisco was brief, as he was waived on August 29, 2023, before the start of the regular season. The transaction came just one day before he would be claimed by another franchise, opening the next chapter of his professional journey.
Carolina Panthers Breakthrough (2023-2024)
On August 30, 2023, D’Shawn Jamison was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers, giving him a fresh opportunity to compete for a role in the secondary. He quickly earned a place on the roster and saw action in the defensive backfield and on special teams. During a Week 4 game against the Minnesota Vikings, Jamison recorded increased playing time due to injuries in the Panthers secondary and produced one of the most memorable plays of his young career.
During that contest, teammate Sam Franklin Jr. recorded a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown, and Jamison raced down the sideline at a speed surpassing 22 miles per hour to deliver a key block on Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, clearing the path to the end zone. The highlight-reel block exemplified his speed, effort, and willingness to contribute in any role. Across his time with Carolina, Jamison recorded 10 tackles and a pass defended, showcasing his value as a depth cornerback and special teams contributor. He was waived by the Panthers on August 28, 2024.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2024-Present)
On September 17, 2024, D’Shawn Jamison signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad, joining one of the most stable franchises in the NFL. He continued to develop his skills and stayed ready for an opportunity to contribute on the active roster. On January 14, 2025, Jamison signed a reserve and future contract with Pittsburgh, signaling the organization’s confidence in his long-term potential.
In August 2025, Jamison was waived by the Steelers before being re-signed to the practice squad two days later. His continued presence on the Steelers roster reflects his value as a versatile defensive back and returner who can contribute on special teams while pushing for a spot on the active 53-man roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jamison’s playing style is built around his speed, quickness, and football intelligence. His track background gives him an edge in man-to-man coverage and as a returner, where acceleration and field vision are critical. He has shown a willingness to contribute on special teams and in run support, including the memorable downfield block against the Minnesota Vikings that highlighted his motor and selflessness.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the signature moments of D’Shawn Jamison’s young NFL career came during his Week 4 game with the Carolina Panthers in 2023, when his clutch block helped spring Sam Franklin Jr. for a 99-yard interception return touchdown. The play reached top speeds surpassing 22 miles per hour and became an early highlight of his professional resume, along with his career totals of interceptions, passes defended, and tackles accumulated across his time in the league.
D’Shawn Jamison Career Wins
D’Shawn Jamison’s professional statistics as a cornerback continue to develop as he moves between practice squad and active roster roles. His most notable statistical contributions have come on special teams and in spot defensive duty with the Carolina Panthers, where he recorded 10 tackles and a pass defended across his appearances.
Pittsburgh Steelers Highlights
Since joining the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad in September 2024 and signing a reserve and future contract in January 2025, Jamison has been focused on earning an expanded role within the organization. His work ethic and special teams value have positioned him as a developmental piece for the Steelers’ defensive backfield.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his NFL experience, D’Shawn Jamison’s college career at Texas included multiple standout seasons, highlighted by All-Big 12 honorable mention recognition as a returner and a five-year body of work that included three interceptions in his sophomore season, two more in his final year, and significant production as both a punt and kickoff returner throughout his time with the Longhorns.
D’Shawn Jamison Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
D’Shawn Jamison was raised in a family that experienced significant upheaval when Hurricane Katrina displaced them from New Orleans in 2005. The family relocated to Houston, Texas, where Jamison grew up and pursued his athletic ambitions. Specific details about his parents and siblings are not widely documented in publicly available sources.
Personal Life
Jamison currently resides in Houston, Texas. Public information about his marital status, spouse, or children is not available, and he has kept his personal life largely private as he focuses on his professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, D’Shawn Jamison remains with the Pittsburgh Steelers organization after being waived and re-signed to the practice squad in August 2025. His reserve and future contract signed in January 2025 underscores the Steelers’ belief in his developmental potential and special teams value. The upcoming season represents an opportunity for Jamison to compete for a larger role on the active roster.
Jamison’s blend of cornerback experience and return ability gives him multiple avenues to contribute. With his track-record speed and the lessons learned from his time with the Carolina Panthers, he could push for playing time in nickel and dime packages, as well as on kick and punt coverage units.
The outlook for the 2025 season will depend largely on the Steelers’ depth chart in the secondary and any opportunities that arise through injuries or performance. Jamison’s perseverance, work ethic, and prior production suggest he will continue to be a candidate to earn an expanded role as the season progresses.