Jordan Jefferson Bio
Jordan Jamal Jefferson (born August 25, 1990) is an American former football quarterback. He played college football for the LSU Tigers from 2008 to 2011, where he developed into one of the most productive dual-threat quarterbacks in program history. After going undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft, Jefferson pursued a professional career across multiple leagues and later transitioned into coaching. He stands 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) tall and played at 223 lb (101 kg).
Jefferson was part of the 2014 FXFL All-Star team during his time with the Omaha Mammoths. Following the end of his playing career, he moved into the coaching ranks as a graduate assistant wide receivers coach at Colorado State during the 2019 college football season. Born in Covington, Louisiana, he remains a notable figure from the LSU Tigers’ championship-era quarterback lineage.
Early Life and Background
Jordan Jamal Jefferson was born on August 25, 1990, in Covington, Louisiana, United States. He grew up in the nearby community of St. Rose, Louisiana, where he developed an early passion for football. The football culture of southeast Louisiana, combined with strong family ties to the sport, helped shape his early development as a quarterback.
Jefferson attended Destrehan High School in Destrehan, Louisiana, where he quickly emerged as one of the top prep quarterbacks in the country. He was named a high school All-American by SuperPrep Magazine, while Scout.com listed him among the Top 20 quarterbacks nationally. Rivals.com rated him as a four-star recruit, a Top 10 pro-style quarterback, and placed him in their Top 250 overall and Louisiana Top 40.
As a junior in 2006, Jefferson guided Destrehan to an undefeated 6–0 start before suffering a broken wrist. During that season, he completed 81 of 143 passes for 1,666 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, posting a 195.1 passer rating. As a senior in 2007, he led Destrehan High School to a perfect 15–0 record and the Class 5A state championship, completing 188 of 290 passes for 2,846 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions. He was named the Class 5A Offensive Player of the Year and earned Class 5A All-State first-team honors, finishing his prep career with a perfect 21–0 record as a starter.
Path to American Football
Jefferson’s path to professional American Football began at LSU, where he enrolled in 2008 and quickly earned playing time as a true freshman. He appeared in seven games and started two, including the 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl, where he was named offensive MVP in a 38–3 win over Georgia Tech. That early exposure to big-stage college football set the foundation for his development as a dual-threat quarterback.
As a sophomore in 2009, Jefferson became the youngest starting quarterback in the SEC and the youngest to open a season for LSU since Y. A. Tittle in 1945. He started 12 of LSU’s 13 games, throwing for 2,166 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. By the time he reached his junior year in 2010, he had already established himself as a key piece of the LSU Tigers’ offensive scheme, sharing duties with Jarrett Lee while rushing for 450 yards and 7 touchdowns, both LSU records for a quarterback at the time.
Jefferson’s invitation to the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine marked his transition to the national level. He was one of eight LSU players invited, and despite entering with the lowest prior grade, he was the only quarterback to finish among the top five in every test at the event. He finished first among quarterbacks in the 20-yard shuttle, tied for first in the bench press, and finished third in both the 40-yard dash and the vertical jump. Those results caught the attention of multiple professional scouts and set up his professional career.
Jordan Jefferson Career
Early Career (2008–2011)
Jefferson’s early career at LSU was defined by steady growth and significant milestones. As a true freshman in 2008, he made an immediate impact by starting two games and earning offensive MVP honors in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. By his sophomore season, he was a full-time starter in one of college football’s most competitive conferences.
During the 2010 regular season, Jefferson’s dual-threat ability helped the Tigers post a 10–2 record and a 41–24 victory over the Texas A&M Aggies in the 2011 Cotton Bowl Classic. He threw for 158 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding 67 rushing yards and a score in that bowl game. His development through these formative years laid the groundwork for LSU’s run to the 2011 SEC Championship and the 2012 BCS National Championship Game.
LSU Tigers Breakthrough (2008–2011)
Jefferson’s breakthrough as a college quarterback came during his sophomore and junior seasons at LSU. In 2009, he led the Tigers to an 8–4 record in his starts while establishing himself as a dynamic playmaker. His dual-threat profile made him one of the most difficult quarterbacks to defend in the SEC, and his arm strength and mobility drew praise from NFL scouts.
Jefferson’s most defining college moment came during the 2011 season, when he helped LSU defeat Alabama 24–21 in Tuscaloosa, throwing a key pass to running back Stevan Ridley. He later returned from suspension and contributed key plays, including a touchdown on his very first snap back against Kentucky. Jefferson then led LSU to a 42–10 win over Georgia in the 2011 SEC Championship Game, cementing his legacy as a clutch performer.
In the 2012 BCS National Championship Game, Jefferson faced an Alabama defense determined to redeem itself. Although he completed nearly 65 percent of his passes, he struggled to execute the option attack that had defined LSU’s offense. Despite the loss, his career numbers at LSU were impressive, finishing with 4,733 passing yards, 34 passing touchdowns, and the LSU record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,018 yards.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Era (2012)
After going undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft, Jefferson was invited to try out at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookie minicamp. The Buccaneers signed him to a contract on May 7, 2012, giving him a brief opportunity to compete for a roster spot. His time in Tampa Bay was short-lived, as he was waived just four days later so the team could add a replacement for Da’Quan Bowers, who had suffered a probable season-ending injury.
Professional Stints Era (2012–2014)
Jefferson’s professional journey took him across several leagues after his release from Tampa Bay. On August 10, 2012, he signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League and was assigned to the practice squad. His time in Montreal ended after he was arrested and charged with simple possession of marijuana, leading to his release from the team.
In 2013, Jefferson signed with the Pittsburgh Power of the Arena Football League, where he was named the starter one week before the season began. He later signed with the Omaha Mammoths of the Fall Experimental Football League for the 2014 season, serving as the starting quarterback. The Mammoths finished their first and only season in second place with a 3–1 record, declining to play a championship game. Jefferson was named to the 2014 FXFL All-Star team for his performance.
Coaching Era (2019)
Following the end of his professional playing career, Jefferson transitioned into coaching. During the 2019 college football season, he served as a graduate assistant wide receivers coach at Colorado State. This role allowed him to remain in football while developing his coaching credentials at the collegiate level.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Jefferson’s most memorable milestones came in the 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl, where he was named offensive MVP as a true freshman. His role in LSU’s 24–21 victory over Alabama in 2011 and the team’s 42–10 win over Georgia in the SEC Championship Game remain defining moments of his career. He also holds the LSU record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,018 yards and earned 2014 FXFL All-Star recognition.
Jordan Jefferson Career Wins
Jordan Jefferson compiled a strong record as a starting quarterback across both college and professional football. He finished his high school career undefeated at 21–0 as a starter, leading Destrehan High School to the 2007 Class 5A state championship. At LSU, he ranks sixth in program history for career wins by a starting quarterback with 24 victories.
LSU Tigers Highlights
Jefferson’s most notable win at LSU came in the 2011 SEC Championship Game, where he led the Tigers to a 42–10 victory over Georgia. He also guided LSU to a 24–21 win at Alabama earlier that season, a game highlighted by his key pass to Stevan Ridley. Additionally, he was the offensive MVP of the 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl, a 38–3 win over Georgia Tech that signaled his arrival as a college quarterback.
Other Wins & Performances
Jefferson also experienced team success with the Omaha Mammoths in the Fall Experimental Football League. As the starting quarterback in 2014, he helped the Mammoths post a 3–1 record, finishing second in the league standings. His performance that season earned him selection to the 2014 FXFL All-Star team.
Jordan Jefferson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jefferson comes from a family with deep ties to LSU football. His brothers, Justin Jefferson and Rickey Jefferson, both played college football at LSU. The family’s football tradition helped shape Jordan’s early development and reinforced his commitment to the sport from a young age.
Personal Life
Jefferson’s younger brother, Justin Jefferson, became a star wide receiver at LSU and was selected 22nd overall in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Rickey Jefferson also played for the LSU Tigers during his college career. The brothers’ shared path through LSU football reflects the family’s lasting connection to the program.
2025 Season Performance
As of 2025, Jordan Jefferson is no longer an active professional football player. His last documented involvement in football came during the 2019 college football season, when he served as a graduate assistant wide receivers coach at Colorado State. There are no publicly confirmed updates regarding a return to coaching or professional football at this time.
Jefferson’s legacy is most strongly tied to his LSU career, where he established himself as a dual-threat quarterback and helped lead the Tigers to the 2011 SEC Championship. His professional career across the NFL, CFL, Arena Football League, and FXFL showcased his perseverance, while his 2019 coaching role demonstrated his continued commitment to the sport.
Looking ahead, Jefferson may pursue further opportunities in coaching or football operations, given his experience at both the collegiate and professional levels. Any future developments in his career would likely be tied to his continued involvement in the sport that has defined his professional life.