Isaiah Oliver Bio
Isaiah Oliver (born September 30, 1996) is an American professional football safety for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Colorado Buffaloes and was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing around 203 pounds, Oliver has developed into a versatile defensive back known for his tackling, length, and coverage skills at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Isaiah Oliver was born on September 30, 1996, in Phoenix, Arizona. He grew up in a household with strong athletic ties, as his father, Muhammad Oliver, played in the NFL and his uncle, Damon Mays, also played in the league. That family connection to professional football gave him early exposure to the demands of the sport and shaped his approach to the game from a young age.
Oliver attended Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, where he played both wide receiver and cornerback on the high school football team. He was rated as a three-star recruit by ESPN and also competed on the school’s track team, posting a personal best of 10.56 seconds in the 100-meter dash. After considering offers from Arizona and New Mexico, he committed to the University of Colorado to continue his football career.
Path to American Football
At the University of Colorado, Isaiah Oliver joined the Buffaloes and split time between the football team and the track and field program. Playing primarily as a cornerback, he appeared in games from 2015 through 2017 and built a reputation as a long, athletic defender with strong ball skills. Across his three collegiate seasons, he recorded 82 total tackles and three interceptions, and he earned First-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2017.
After his junior season in 2017, Isaiah Oliver chose to forgo his senior year and enter the 2018 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and Pac-12 recognition made him an appealing prospect for NFL teams seeking cornerback help. That decision set the stage for his transition from college standout to professional defensive back.
Isaiah Oliver Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
The Atlanta Falcons selected Isaiah Oliver in the second round, 58th overall, of the 2018 NFL Draft. He was the eighth cornerback taken in that draft class. On May 9, 2018, the Falcons signed him to a four-year, $4.63 million contract that included $2.14 million in guarantees and a $1.45 million signing bonus.
As a rookie, Oliver worked into the Falcons’ secondary and made steady progress. During Week 16 of the 2018 season, he recorded his first career interception against the Carolina Panthers. In 2019, he continued to grow into a larger role and delivered one of the signature plays of his early career in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles, when he tackled tight end Zach Ertz just short of the first down marker on fourth down to seal a 24–20 Falcons victory.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2018–2022)
Oliver spent his first five NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, evolving from a depth piece into a starting cornerback. He became a regular contributor on defense and special teams, and by 2021 he had earned a spot as a starting cornerback for the Falcons’ secondary. His length, physicality at the line of scrimmage, and willingness to support the run made him a fit for Atlanta’s defensive scheme.
Injuries, however, interrupted his momentum. Oliver suffered a knee injury in Week 4 of the 2021 season and was placed on injured reserve on October 5, 2021. On March 18, 2022, he signed a one-year contract extension with Atlanta, but he was placed on injured reserve again on September 1, 2022, before being activated on October 15 of that year. The Falcons released him before the start of the 2023 league year, ending his Atlanta tenure.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2023–2024)
On March 15, 2023, Isaiah Oliver signed a two-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers, joining one of the league’s most established defenses. He played in all 17 games that season with six starts, recording 67 tackles, two passes defended, and one interception. His role gave him an opportunity to showcase his versatility in a scheme that demanded strong tackling from the secondary.
Oliver’s time in San Francisco was brief, as the 49ers released him on February 23, 2024. Despite the short stay, the experience allowed him to refine his game within a championship-caliber organization and prepared him for his next opportunity.
New York Jets Era (2024–Present)
Oliver signed with the New York Jets on March 11, 2024, landing in a defensive backfield headlined by cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and D. J. Reed. He settled in as the third cornerback on the depth chart and played in all 17 games with seven starts, finishing the season with 57 tackles, one sack, and three passes defended. His production helped stabilize the Jets’ nickel and dime packages while providing valuable veteran depth.
On March 17, 2025, Oliver signed a one-year contract extension with the Jets, confirming his place in the team’s defensive plans. The deal runs through the 2025 season and reflects the organization’s continued confidence in his ability to contribute on the boundary and in the slot.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although he is now listed as a safety, Isaiah Oliver built his reputation as a press-man cornerback who uses his length and physicality to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage. He is a reliable open-field tackler, comfortable supporting the run, and his track background gives him the speed to stay with vertical routes. Coaches have praised his football IQ and his willingness to take on multiple roles within a secondary.
Notable Events and Milestones
Oliver’s early-career tackle of Zach Ertz to seal a win against the Eagles in 2019 stands out as one of his most memorable plays. Other milestones include his first career interception against Carolina in 2018, his first career sack on Teddy Bridgewater in 2020, his First-team All-Pac-12 selection in 2017, and his ongoing role as a starter-level contributor for the New York Jets.
Isaiah Oliver Career Wins
Across his time in the NFL, Isaiah Oliver has been a steady contributor rather than a headline stat-sheet leader, with his impact most visible in team defensive performances and key individual stops. His career win total spans regular-season games with the Falcons, 49ers, and Jets, and he has been part of multiple playoff-contending rosters throughout his professional journey.
NFL Regular Season Highlights
With the Atlanta Falcons, Oliver appeared in games from 2018 through 2022 and recorded his first career interception and first career sack during that stretch. With the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, he posted 67 tackles and added an interception across 17 games. With the New York Jets in 2024, he started seven games and added a sack while helping the defense remain competitive.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond the NFL, Isaiah Oliver earned First-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2017 during his final season at Colorado. He also competed on Colorado’s track and field team and posted a personal best of 10.56 seconds in the 100-meter dash during high school, underlining the athletic foundation that has supported his football career.
Isaiah Oliver Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Isaiah Oliver comes from a family with deep ties to professional football. His father, Muhammad Oliver, played in the NFL, and his uncle, Damon Mays, also played in the league. Growing up around the game gave Isaiah a clear understanding of the work required to reach the professional level and helped shape his disciplined approach to training and competition.
Personal Life
Isaiah Oliver is an American citizen who was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. His family connections to the NFL remain an important part of his story, and he continues to be recognized as part of a multi-generational football family.
2025 Season Performance
Isaiah Oliver is set to continue with the New York Jets in 2025 after signing a one-year contract extension on March 17, 2025. He is expected to remain a key part of the Jets’ secondary depth behind Sauce Gardner and D. J. Reed, providing a veteran presence in the rotation. His ability to play multiple roles in the defensive backfield gives the coaching staff flexibility in both base and sub-packages.
Heading into the season, Oliver will look to build on his 2024 production of 57 tackles, one sack, and three passes defended while targeting more takeaways and contested catches broken up. With a full offseason in the Jets’ system, he is well positioned to take on a larger leadership role among the team’s defensive backs.