James Bradberry Bio
James Bradberry IV (born August 4, 1993) is an American professional football cornerback who currently plays in the National Football League (NFL). A second-round selection by the Carolina Panthers in the 2016 NFL Draft, Bradberry built his reputation as a dependable outside cornerback over stints with the Panthers, the New York Giants, and the Philadelphia Eagles. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2020, a Second-Team All-Pro honor in 2022, and a Super Bowl championship with Philadelphia in 2024.
Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 209 pounds, Bradberry combines length with physicality at the line of scrimmage. His career has spanned nearly a decade of professional football, including deep playoff runs and a memorable appearance in Super Bowl LVII.
Early Life and Background
James Bradberry IV was born on August 4, 1993, in Pleasant Grove, Alabama, to Rosie and James Bradberry Sr. He grew up in the Birmingham-area community and attended Pleasant Grove High School, where he wore the Spartans’ colors. From an early age, he gravitated toward multiple sports, ultimately choosing football as his primary path.
At Pleasant Grove High, Bradberry was a three-year varsity letterman in football and also played varsity basketball. As a senior during the 2010 season, he recorded nine interceptions and 45 tackles while playing both cornerback and safety. His play earned all-metro and first-team all-state honors, and he served as team captain. He was also a member of the National Honor Society, reflecting a balance of academics and athletics.
Despite his productive high school career, Bradberry was rated as only a two-star recruiting prospect, which kept major college programs at bay and shaped the next stage of his development.
Path to the NFL
Following his 2011 graduation from Pleasant Grove, Bradberry enrolled at Arkansas State University, where he spent time as a defensive back before redshirting the 2012 season. Looking for a clearer opportunity at cornerback, he transferred to Samford University and joined the Bulldogs for the 2012 season.
At Samford, Bradberry quickly became a starter. He opened his Bulldogs career by playing in all 11 games as a starting cornerback and was named to the 2012 Southern Conference All-Freshman team after posting 32 tackles and two interceptions. Over the next three seasons, he developed into a shutdown cover man, finishing his Samford tenure with a redshirt senior year in 2015 while majoring in sports administration.
Bradberry’s development at Samford pushed him onto the NFL radar, and he became only the seventh player drafted from the program since 1967 when the Carolina Panthers selected him 62nd overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.
James Bradberry Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
The Carolina Panthers selected James Bradberry IV in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft and signed him to a four-year rookie contract. After competing for a starting role in training camp, head coach Ron Rivera named Bradberry a starting cornerback to begin his rookie year. He made his professional debut on September 8, 2016, against the Denver Broncos and recorded his first career interception the following week against the San Francisco 49ers.
A severe case of turf toe limited Bradberry to 13 games as a rookie, but he finished as the top-graded rookie cornerback and the Panthers’ top defensive back according to Pro Football Focus. By 2017, Bradberry was a fixture on the outside, starting all 16 games and notching his first career sack against Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz. That season, he also helped the Panthers to an 11–5 record and an NFC Wild Card berth, starting his first playoff game against the New Orleans Saints.
Carolina Panthers Era (2016–2019)
Across four seasons in Carolina, James Bradberry IV steadily grew into one of the league’s most reliable cornerbacks. In 2018, he started every game and led the team with 15 pass deflections, demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing passing games. The following season included one of the finest performances of his Panthers tenure: on October 13, 2019, he recorded 11 solo tackles and two interceptions against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 37–26 victory.
Bradberry started 59 games for the Panthers and consistently paired with rotating partners on the outside. He was inactive late in the 2019 campaign after the firing of head coach Ron Rivera, ending a streak of 49 consecutive starts. When his rookie contract expired, Bradberry entered free agency as one of the most coveted cornerbacks available.
New York Giants Era (2020–2021)
On March 16, 2020, the New York Giants signed James Bradberry IV to a three-year, $43.50 million contract that included $31.98 million in guarantees. Named the team’s No. 1 cornerback under head coach Joe Judge, Bradberry quickly justified the investment. He recorded three interceptions and 18 passes defended in 2020, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and a ranking among the NFL Top 100 Players.
In 2021, Bradberry set a career high with four interceptions and started all 17 games. Despite his strong individual play, the Giants released him on May 9, 2022, after being unable to find a trade partner, opening the door for his next chapter in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2022–Present)
The Philadelphia Eagles signed James Bradberry IV to a fully guaranteed one-year, $7.25 million contract on May 18, 2022. Paired opposite All-Pro cornerback Darius Slay, Bradberry played a key role on a defense that powered Philadelphia to a 14–3 record and the NFC Championship. In Super Bowl LVII, he recorded five tackles against the Kansas City Chiefs, though a controversial late holding penalty on JuJu Smith-Schuster helped set up the game-winning field goal in a 38–35 loss.
On March 15, 2023, Philadelphia signed Bradberry to a three-year, $38.00 million contract extension. Following a 2023 season in which he started 16 games, a torn Achilles and Soleus injury suffered in August 2024 landed him on injured reserve. Despite missing the season, he was part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX championship roster after Philadelphia defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22. On March 12, 2025, the Eagles released Bradberry with a post-June 1 designation.
Driving Style and Strengths
Bradberry is known for his length, physical press coverage, and ball production. He thrives in man coverage on the outside, where his 6-foot-1 frame allows him to contest throws at the catch point. His pairing with elite cornerbacks such as Darius Slay has allowed him to handle the opposing team’s top receivers while remaining disciplined in zone concepts.
Notable Events and Milestones
Bradberry’s career milestones include his first career interception in 2016, his first Pro Bowl in 2020, and a Super Bowl LVII start in 2023. His late-game holding penalty in that Super Bowl became one of the most debated moments of the season, though he publicly accepted responsibility. Two years later, he earned a Super Bowl ring as part of Philadelphia’s championship roster in Super Bowl LIX.
James Bradberry Career Highlights
Across nearly a decade in the NFL, James Bradberry IV has built a résumé defined by durability, ball production, and postseason experience. From a second-round pick out of Samford to a Super Bowl champion in Philadelphia, his career has featured consistent starting roles and individual recognition.
NFL Career Highlights
Bradberry has recorded multiple interceptions in each of his first several NFL seasons, including a career-high four picks in 2021 with the Giants. He has tallied double-digit pass deflections in multiple seasons, including a team-leading 15 for the Panthers in 2018. His 2020 Pro Bowl and 2022 Second-Team All-Pro selections reflect his standing among the league’s top cornerbacks during that span.
In the postseason, Bradberry has started key games for the Panthers, Giants, and Eagles, including a Wild Card start for Carolina in 2018 and a Super Bowl LVII start for Philadelphia in 2023. He added a Super Bowl LIX championship as a member of the Eagles’ roster.
James Bradberry Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
James Bradberry IV was raised by his mother, Rosie, and his father, James Bradberry Sr., in Pleasant Grove, Alabama. The senior Bradberry supported his son’s athletic path throughout his youth, helping shape a young player who would go on to excel at multiple levels of football.
Personal Life
Bradberry remains closely tied to his hometown of Pleasant Grove. On April 5, 2024, Pleasant Grove High School retired his No. 10 Spartan jersey in a ceremony recognizing his contributions to the program. He is active on social media and continues to be recognized as one of the notable professional athletes from the Birmingham area.
2025 Season Outlook
Following his March 12, 2025 release from the Philadelphia Eagles, James Bradberry IV entered the 2025 offseason as an unrestricted free agent coming off a torn Achilles and Soleus injury. His recovery timeline and ability to pass a physical will shape any potential return to the field.
Bradberry’s track record as a starting-caliber cornerback with Pro Bowl credentials and a Super Bowl ring should generate interest from teams seeking experienced outside coverage help. A healthy Bradberry would offer immediate depth and leadership in any defensive backfield.
Whether he returns to the field in 2025 or transitions into a complementary role, Bradberry’s legacy as a multi-time Pro Bowl contributor and Super Bowl champion remains firmly intact. His next steps will be worth watching as the 2025 NFL season approaches.