JL Skinner Bio
JL Skinner III is an American professional football safety and special teamer for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 220 pounds, he uses his size and speed to play both in the secondary and on coverage units. He played college football for the Boise State Broncos, where he developed into one of the top defensive backs in the Mountain West Conference. Selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by Denver, Skinner has continued to work toward a regular role on the Broncos defense and special teams units.
Early Life and Background
JL Skinner III was born on April 16, 2001, in San Diego, California. Growing up in a city with a strong football culture, he was exposed to the sport at a young age and began building the physical foundation that would later define his playing style. San Diego’s year-round mild climate allowed him to train and compete consistently throughout his childhood and teenage years.
Skinner attended Point Loma High School in San Diego, where he developed as a multi-sport athlete and a promising defensive back. His combination of length, range, and football instincts drew attention from college recruiters, and he emerged as one of the more intriguing safety prospects on the West Coast. By the end of his high school career, Skinner had earned the opportunity to compete at the FBS level.
Path to American Football
After completing his prep career at Point Loma High School, Skinner committed to Boise State University, joining a program known for producing NFL-ready defensive backs. The Boise State Broncos offered him an early chance to compete in a conference that emphasized physical, pro-style defensive play. He quickly adapted to the speed and complexity of college football.
During his early college years, Skinner adjusted to the demands of the Mountain West Conference, learning from veteran defensive coaches and competing against experienced receivers and tight ends. His development on the practice field translated to expanded responsibility on game day, setting the stage for a productive junior season. The progression from rotational contributor to full-time starter marked his arrival as one of the conference’s top safeties.
JL Skinner Career
College Career (2019–2022)
Skinner played in all 14 of Boise State’s games during his freshman season, getting his first taste of major college football and gaining valuable experience in the Broncos’ defensive system. The following year, he started all six of the team’s games in a COVID-19-shortened 2020 season and recorded 37 tackles with one interception, demonstrating his ability to anchor the back end of the defense.
As a junior in 2021, Skinner put together a breakout campaign, finishing the season with 92 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two interceptions, three passes defended, and two forced fumbles. His strong all-around play earned him second-team All-Mountain West Conference honors. After weighing an early jump to the NFL, Skinner chose to return to Boise State for his senior season, aiming to refine his game and improve his draft stock.
Senior Season (2022)
During his senior campaign, Skinner continued to play a central role in Boise State’s defense, providing leadership in the secondary and contributing on special teams. His consistent production and physical style of play earned him first-team All-Mountain West Conference recognition, cementing his status as one of the premier defensive backs in the conference. The senior season solidified his reputation as a prospect with starting potential at the next level.
Denver Broncos Era (2023–Present)
Skinner was selected by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round, 183rd overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. Joining a defensive backfield in transition, he was given the opportunity to compete for a depth role and contribute on special teams. As a rookie in 2023, Skinner appeared in two games, gaining his first regular-season NFL experience while learning the team’s defensive schemes.
Entering his second season in the league, Skinner worked to expand his role within the Broncos’ defense and special teams units. His size, physicality, and willingness to contribute in multiple phases of the game positioned him as a developmental piece for Denver. The Broncos continued to invest in his growth as they evaluated their long-term plans at the safety position.
Notable Events and Milestones
A defining milestone in Skinner’s career came with his selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, validating his path from San Diego to Boise State to the professional ranks. His first-team All-Mountain West honor in 2022 represented the peak of his college recognition and helped establish his draft résumé. Appearing in his first NFL games as a rookie further marked his transition to the league.
JL Skinner Family
Personal Life
JL Skinner III was raised in San Diego, California, where his family roots remain tied to the local community. Details about his parents and siblings have not been publicly confirmed in available sources. He maintains his connection to the San Diego area while pursuing his professional career with the Denver Broncos.
2025 Season Outlook
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, Skinner is expected to compete for an expanded role within the Denver Broncos’ defensive backfield and special teams units. After appearing in two games as a rookie, he has had the opportunity to learn the team’s defensive system and adjust to the speed of the professional game. The Broncos are likely to lean on his physicality and tackling ability in run support and on coverage units.
His development as a versatile safety who can contribute in multiple defensive packages will be a key storyline to monitor during training camp and the preseason. Consistency on special teams and continued improvement in pass coverage could help him carve out a larger role in Denver’s defensive rotation. The 2025 campaign represents an important opportunity for Skinner to establish himself as a long-term contributor for the franchise.