Jerome Ford Bio
Jerome Ford, born September 12, 1999, in Tampa, Florida, is an American professional football running back and kickoff returner for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 210 pounds, Ford is known for his versatility as both a rusher and a pass catcher out of the backfield. He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Cincinnati Bearcats before being selected by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft.
Since entering the league, Ford has developed into a dependable offensive contributor and a key member of Cleveland’s backfield rotation. His career has been marked by steady production, resilience through injury, and the ability to step into larger roles when called upon. He has also contributed on special teams as a kickoff returner, showcasing the all-around skill set that made him an attractive draft prospect.
Early Life and Background
Jerome Ford was born on September 12, 1999, in Tampa, Florida, and grew up in the surrounding area. He attended Armwood High School in Seffner, Florida, a program with a strong tradition of producing college-level football talent. His time at Armwood helped shape his early development as a running back, giving him the physical and competitive foundation needed to advance to the next level.
Coming out of high school, Ford drew attention from several college programs and ultimately committed to the University of Alabama. His decision to join one of the most decorated programs in college football reflected both his ambitions and the confidence that college recruiters had in his potential. The transition from high school to the Southeastern Conference represented the first major step in his football journey.
Path to American Football
Ford’s path to the NFL began at the University of Alabama, where he played during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Over those two years with the Crimson Tide, he rushed for 151 yards on 31 carries, scoring three touchdowns while learning behind a deep and talented running back room. The experience of competing in a championship-caliber program helped him refine his fundamentals and prepare for a larger role elsewhere.
In 2020, Ford transferred to the University of Cincinnati seeking a clearer opportunity to contribute. During his first season with the Bearcats, he served as the backup to Gerrid Doaks, playing in 10 games and rushing for 483 yards on 73 carries with eight touchdowns. The following year, he became Cincinnati’s starting running back, helping lead the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff. His performance that season earned him First-team All-AAC honors and the American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game MVP award.
Jerome Ford Career
Early Career (2022)
Jerome Ford was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round, 156th overall, of the 2022 NFL draft. He joined a backfield that already included established veteran Nick Chubb, which meant his rookie year would likely be spent in a complementary role. Ford showed early promise as both a runner and a kickoff returner before his first season was interrupted by injury.
In Week 4 of the 2022 season, Ford suffered an ankle injury and was placed on injured reserve on October 4, 2022. He was activated from injured reserve on November 12 and returned to the field later that season. Despite the setback, his rookie year gave him valuable experience within the Browns’ offensive system and a clearer sense of the physical and mental demands of professional football.
Cleveland Browns Breakthrough (2023)
The 2023 season marked a turning point in Ford’s professional career. After Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2, Ford took over as the Cleveland Browns’ starting running back. He responded with a strong campaign, finishing the season with 813 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 204 rushing attempts. He also became a meaningful presence in the passing game.
Beyond his rushing totals, Ford recorded 44 catches for 319 yards and five touchdowns on 63 targets during the 2023 season, demonstrating his ability to contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. His production helped stabilize the Browns’ offense during Chubb’s absence and established Ford as a player capable of handling an expanded workload. The season positioned him as a central part of Cleveland’s offensive plans heading into the following year.
Current Team Era (2024–2025)
Entering the 2024 season, Ford was named the Cleveland Browns’ starting running back while Nick Chubb continued to recover from his 2023 injury. He was later moved to a backup role following Chubb’s midseason return. In 14 games with six starts, Ford recorded 565 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground, along with 37 catches for 225 yards as a receiver.
In 2025, Ford operated as Cleveland’s third-string running back behind Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson. In 13 appearances, he rushed 24 times for 73 yards and logged 26 receptions for 103 yards. After suffering a shoulder injury in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans, Ford was placed on injured reserve on December 9, 2025, closing out his season earlier than expected. His willingness to remain productive in a reserve role underscored his value to the Browns’ depth chart.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jerome Ford is recognized for his balanced skill set as a modern NFL running back. He combines efficient between-the-tackles running with reliable hands as a pass catcher, making him a dependable option on third downs and in two-minute drills. His background as a kickoff returner also highlights his open-field vision and acceleration, traits that translate well to special teams duties.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Ford’s career came in 2023, when he was asked to step in for an injured Nick Chubb and responded with an 813-yard rushing season. Earlier, his 2021 campaign at Cincinnati, which included helping lead the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff, resulted in First-team All-AAC recognition and the AAC Football Championship Game MVP award. His fifth-round selection in the 2022 NFL draft itself represented an important milestone, validating his journey from Alabama to Cincinnati to the professional ranks.
Jerome Ford Career Wins
Jerome Ford’s career has been built more on consistent production and reliability than on a long list of championship victories, but he has accumulated several notable achievements at the college and professional levels. His standout 2021 season at Cincinnati stands as the centerpiece of his résumé, and his role with the Cleveland Browns has provided him with a steady platform to contribute on offense and special teams.
Cincinnati Bearcats Highlights
During his time with the Cincinnati Bearcats, Ford emerged as one of the top running backs in the American Athletic Conference. In 2021, he was named First-team All-AAC and earned American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game MVP honors. He also helped lead the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff, the program’s first appearance in the four-team event. His rushing totals and receiving production at Cincinnati established him as a draft-worthy prospect.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his college accolades, Ford has posted strong individual seasons at the NFL level, including his 813-yard rushing campaign in 2023. His ability to contribute as a runner, receiver, and kickoff returner has made him a versatile piece of Cleveland’s roster, even as his role has shifted between starter, backup, and third-string contributor in different seasons.
Jerome Ford Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jerome Ford was raised in the Tampa, Florida, area and attended Armwood High School in nearby Seffner, a community known for its strong football culture. Details about his parents and broader family background are not widely documented in publicly available sources.
Personal Life
Jerome Ford’s personal life, including details about a spouse or children, has not been publicly confirmed in available sources. He is known to maintain a presence on social media, where he is identified by the handle that reflects his nickname “Rome.” His focus outside of football appears to center on his professional development and his role with the Cleveland Browns organization.
2025 Season Performance
Jerome Ford’s 2025 season with the Cleveland Browns was defined by a defined role within a crowded backfield. Operating as the team’s third-string running back behind Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, Ford contributed in limited but dependable fashion, appearing in 13 games. He finished with 24 rushing attempts for 73 yards and added 26 receptions for 103 yards, continuing to showcase his value as a pass-catching option out of the backfield.
His season was cut short in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans, when he suffered a shoulder injury that led to a placement on injured reserve on December 9, 2025. Despite the abbreviated ending, Ford’s ability to remain ready and productive in a reserve role reinforced his standing as a reliable depth piece for Cleveland. The Browns leaned heavily on Judkins and Sampson as primary rushers, while Ford’s experience provided a steadying presence in the rotation.
Looking ahead, Ford’s future with the Cleveland Browns will depend on his recovery from the shoulder injury and the team’s evaluation of its backfield depth. His contract, which began in 2022, has continued through his current tenure, and his experience as both a starter and a contributor in multiple offensive systems gives him a clear professional profile. If healthy, he remains well-positioned to compete for a larger role in the Browns’ offensive plans moving forward.