Jordan Howden Bio
Jordan Howden is an American professional football safety for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers before entering the professional ranks. Howden was selected in the 2023 NFL Draft and has been developing his role within the Saints secondary since joining the league.
Standing 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 209 pounds, Howden plays in the defensive backfield. His journey from a San Diego upbringing to a Power Five college program and then the NFL reflects a steady progression built through consistent work and opportunity.
Early Life and Background
Jordan Howden was born on May 14, 2000, in San Diego, California. He grew up in the San Diego area and attended Desert Pines High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he began building his foundation as a football player. Desert Pines, located in a region known for producing competitive athletes, provided Howden with his first structured exposure to the sport at a high level.
During his time at Desert Pines High School, Howden developed the skills that would later catch the attention of college recruiters. His combination of size, speed, and defensive awareness made him a notable prospect on the recruiting trail. The move from California to Nevada for high school reflected a family decision that positioned him in an environment supportive of his athletic development.
Howden’s performance in high school earned him the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. He committed to the University of Minnesota, a Big Ten Conference program with a tradition of developing defensive players. His recruitment marked the transition from high school competition to the demands of Power Five conference football.
Path to Professional Football
Jordan Howden joined the Minnesota Golden Gophers and competed in the Big Ten Conference, one of the most competitive leagues in college football. Playing in the secondary for Minnesota, he faced top-tier passing offenses week after week, which sharpened his coverage skills and football intelligence. The Golden Gophers program has historically produced NFL-caliber defensive backs, and Howden aimed to add his name to that lineage.
Throughout his college career, Howden gained experience as a safety, a position requiring both pass coverage and run-support responsibilities. His development within the Minnesota defensive scheme allowed him to showcase the tackling, instincts, and range that NFL scouts evaluate. The competition level in the Big Ten provided weekly tests against pro-style offenses.
Howden’s body of work at Minnesota positioned him as a prospect heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. His size, athleticism, and three years of starting experience in a major conference drew attention from NFL teams seeking depth in the secondary. The pre-draft process included preparation at the NFL Scouting Combine and individual pro day workouts.
Jordan Howden Career
Early Career (2023)
Jordan Howden was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round, 146th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. Joining a Saints secondary that has long valued versatile defensive backs, Howden entered a competitive room with established veterans and fellow young players competing for roles. The fifth-round selection reflected both his developmental upside and the depth of the Saints’ existing secondary.
As a rookie, Howden began adjusting to the speed and complexity of the professional game. He worked within the Saints’ defensive system, learning coverage assignments, communication protocols, and the nuances of NFL-level route combinations. His rookie season was focused on growth, practice habits, and earning trust from the coaching staff.
New Orleans Saints Era (2023–Present)
Since being drafted, Jordan Howden has been a member of the New Orleans Saints organization. He has continued to develop his role as a safety within the team’s defensive structure. The Saints have used Howden in various sub-packages, allowing him to contribute on special teams and in defensive rotations as he refines his craft.
Howden’s progression with the Saints has been a process of building consistency in tackling, coverage, and pre-snap reads. Working alongside veteran defensive backs, he has had the benefit of mentorship from experienced teammates. His approach to the position emphasizes physicality in the run game and disciplined coverage in passing situations.
The Saints’ investment in Howden through the draft signaled their belief in his long-term potential. His continued presence on the roster reflects the organization’s commitment to his development as part of their secondary depth chart. Each offseason has offered Howden opportunities to expand his role and demonstrate increased command of the defense.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jordan Howden’s most notable career milestone to date is his selection in the 2023 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. Being chosen in the fifth round of the draft represented the fulfillment of years of work from his high school days at Desert Pines through his college career at Minnesota. The draft call marked his official entry into the NFL.
Jordan Howden Career Highlights
Jordan Howden’s career highlights center on his draft selection and his continued presence in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints. As a young professional still early in his career, his statistical accomplishments are still being written. The foundation of his professional resume includes being a fifth-round draft pick from a Big Ten program.
Other Performances
Howden contributed on special teams and in defensive packages during his initial seasons with the Saints, gaining valuable in-game experience. His preseason and practice performances have been opportunities to demonstrate growth in coverage, tackling, and situational awareness. Continued development in these areas shapes his trajectory within the organization.
Jordan Howden Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Jordan Howden was raised in the San Diego area before moving to Las Vegas for high school at Desert Pines. His early life in Southern California preceded his family’s relocation to Nevada, where he continued his athletic development. Public information about his family background remains limited beyond these early geographic details.
Personal Life
Jordan Howden maintains an active presence on social media, including a presence on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle associated with his profile. He focuses much of his public life on his football career with the New Orleans Saints. Further details about his personal relationships and family are not publicly confirmed at this time.
2025 Season Outlook
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Jordan Howden is positioned to continue his development within the New Orleans Saints secondary. The offseason provides an opportunity for him to refine his understanding of the defensive scheme and compete for an expanded role. His trajectory suggests potential growth in defensive snap counts and special teams contributions as he gains further experience.
The Saints’ defensive outlook for 2025 will depend in part on the continued progression of young players like Howden. Building on the foundation of his first two professional seasons, he has the chance to establish himself as a reliable depth piece with the potential to take on a larger role. His work in training camp and preseason will be key in shaping his season.
For Howden, the 2025 campaign represents another step in his journey from a San Diego native and Desert Pines graduate to a potential long-term contributor in the NFL. Consistency, health, and continued improvement in coverage and tackling will be central to his development. The Saints organization remains invested in his growth as part of their secondary plans.