Jerry Tillery Bio
Jerry Dewayne Tillery Jr. (born October 8, 1996) is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 295 pounds, Tillery has built a career as an interior defensive lineman since entering the league in 2019. A first-round draft pick out of Notre Dame, he has played for the Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings before joining the Chiefs in March 2025.
Born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, Tillery developed into one of the top defensive tackle prospects in his draft class after a strong career with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Known for his size, length, and ability to disrupt both the run and the pass, he has appeared in more than 80 regular-season games across his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Jerry Dewayne Tillery Jr. was born on October 8, 1996, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He grew up in the Shreveport area and attended Evangel Christian Academy, a program with a strong tradition of producing college football talent. During his time at Evangel, Tillery played on the defensive line and drew attention from college recruiters for his combination of size and athleticism.
As a senior at Evangel Christian Academy, Tillery posted 93 tackles and seven sacks, establishing himself as one of the most productive defensive linemen in Louisiana. His senior performance helped him earn recognition as a priority recruit, and he ultimately committed to the University of Notre Dame to continue his football career. The decision to attend Notre Dame set the stage for his transition into major college football.
Path to Professional Football
Tillery arrived at Notre Dame in 2015 and was originally projected to play offensive tackle as a freshman. The coaching staff later decided to move him to defensive tackle, a position that better suited his length and physical tools. That season, he appeared in 12 games with three starts, recording 12 tackles and one sack while adjusting to his new role on the defensive line.
As a sophomore in 2016, Tillery became a more regular presence in the lineup, starting 11 of 12 games and finishing with 37 tackles. His junior season in 2017 saw him start all 13 games, producing 56 tackles and 4.5 sacks and emerging as one of the top interior defensive linemen in college football. Tillery returned to Notre Dame for his senior year in 2018, completing a four-year college career that positioned him as a first-round NFL Draft prospect.
Jerry Tillery Career
Early Career with the Los Angeles Chargers (2019–2020)
The Los Angeles Chargers selected Tillery 28th overall in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, making him one of the top defensive tackle prospects taken that year. As a rookie, he appeared in 15 games and made three starts, finishing the season with two sacks and 17 total tackles, including nine solo stops. His role grew as he gained experience in the Chargers’ defensive rotation.
In the 2020 season, Tillery recorded three sacks, 30 total tackles, two passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery across the year. A highlight came in Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders, when he produced a strip sack on quarterback Derek Carr that he also recovered, marking his first forced fumble and fumble recovery in the NFL. The performance was a sign of his growing impact as an interior pass rusher.
Los Angeles Chargers Continued and Las Vegas Raiders (2021–2023)
Tillery’s 2021 season represented his most productive year with the Chargers, as he started all 16 games and recorded 4.5 sacks along with 51 total tackles, including 24 solo stops. His ability to pressure the quarterback and defend the run helped anchor the Chargers’ defensive front, and he became a regular presence in the starting lineup.
On May 2, 2022, the Chargers declined the fifth-year option on Tillery’s rookie contract, making him a free agent after the season. He was waived on November 10, 2022, and two days later was claimed off waivers by the Las Vegas Raiders on November 14, 2022. Tillery finished the 2022 campaign with one sack, 18 total tackles, and one forced fumble over 15 games and four starts between the two teams. He re-signed with the Raiders on March 17, 2023, and during an October 1, 2023, game against the Chargers, he was ejected for a late hit on former teammate Justin Herbert. In 2023, he appeared in 17 games with six starts, finishing with two sacks, 31 total tackles, and one fumble recovery. The Raiders released him on March 13, 2024.
Minnesota Vikings (2024)
On March 14, 2024, Tillery signed with the Minnesota Vikings, continuing his journeyman stretch as an interior defensive lineman. He joined a Vikings defensive front that was undergoing roster changes and provided veteran depth at the defensive tackle position. His time in Minnesota was brief, as he moved on after one season with the organization.
Kansas City Chiefs Era (2025–Present)
On March 19, 2025, Tillery signed a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, joining one of the most consistent contenders in the NFL. The move gave him an opportunity to contribute on a championship-caliber roster and added another chapter to his professional career. Tillery’s contract with the Chiefs is scheduled to run through the 2026 league year.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a defensive tackle, Tillery relies on his 6-foot-6 frame, long arms, and lower-body strength to hold up against double teams and disrupt the pocket. He is effective against the run thanks to his size and length, and he has shown the ability to collapse the pocket as an interior pass rusher. His role in Kansas City centers on providing rotational depth and contributing in both base and passing-down situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Tillery’s most notable early milestone came in his rookie season as a first-round pick, followed by his first career forced fumble and fumble recovery on a strip sack of Derek Carr in 2020. His 4.5-sack season in 2021 marked his most productive pass-rushing year, and his transitions among three teams between 2022 and 2025 highlighted his durability and willingness to adapt to new defensive systems.
Jerry Tillery Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Tillery was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he attended Evangel Christian Academy before continuing his football career at Notre Dame. Public details about his immediate family and personal life are limited, and he has kept much of his private life out of the spotlight. His professional decisions and team moves have been the most documented aspects of his adult life.
2025 Season Performance
Tillery entered the 2025 season with the Kansas City Chiefs after signing a one-year contract on March 19, 2025, adding interior defensive line depth to a team with championship aspirations. His role is expected to focus on rotational snaps, run defense, and situational pass-rush opportunities behind the Chiefs’ starting defensive tackles.
Joining a veteran defensive front in Kansas City gives Tillery a chance to contribute to a contender while extending his professional career. The Chiefs’ defensive scheme, which frequently uses multiple defensive line rotations, fits his profile as a long, powerful interior lineman capable of playing on early downs and in passing situations.
With his contract scheduled to run through the 2026 league year, Tillery’s 2025 performance will be a key factor in determining his long-term outlook in Kansas City. If he produces consistently against the run and generates pressure as a pass rusher, he could play a meaningful role in the Chiefs’ pursuit of another deep postseason run.