Josh Hayes Bio
Josh Hayes (born April 24, 1999) is an American professional football cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing around 190 pounds, Hayes plays a coverage role in the defensive backfield. He entered the league after a winding college journey that took him through three Football Bowl Subdivision and Football Championship Subdivision programs. Selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he has begun establishing himself in the Tampa Bay secondary.
Born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, Hayes developed into a reliable defender through standout high school play and a championship college career. His professional opportunity arrived when the Buccaneers used the 181st overall pick to bring him into the NFL. He continues to compete at the highest level of American football.
Early Life and Background
Josh Hayes was born on April 24, 1999, in Lakeland, Florida. He grew up in a region of central Florida long known for producing athletic talent, and the area’s strong football tradition helped shape his early interest in the sport. From a young age, Hayes gravitated toward defensive play, eventually settling into the cornerback position that would define his career.
Hayes attended Lake Gibson High School in Lakeland, where he emerged as a promising defensive back. His performance at the high school level drew attention from college programs, and he prepared to make the transition to the next level of competitive football. The foundation built in Lakeland carried him into a college career marked by championships and transitions.
Path to American Football
Hayes began his college career with the North Dakota State Bison, joining one of the most dominant programs in the Football Championship Subdivision. During his time at North Dakota State, he contributed to multiple national title runs, helping the Bison capture FCS championships in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Those seasons offered him exposure to high-level competition, big stages, and a winning culture built on preparation.
Following his championship run with the Bison, Hayes transferred to the Virginia Cavaliers, where he continued his development at the FBS level. He later moved to the Kansas State Wildcats, gaining additional experience against Big 12 competition. His recognition as a Second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection in 2019 highlighted his playmaking ability during his most successful college stretch.
Josh Hayes Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Hayes’ first notable stretch of organized football came at North Dakota State, where he competed for the Bison during one of the most successful eras in program history. Working within a winning system, he developed habits required of a championship-level defender and absorbed lessons from veteran teammates and coaches.
During his three seasons at North Dakota State, Hayes was part of FCS championship teams in 2017, 2018, and 2019. His 2019 campaign stood out individually, earning him Second-team All-MVFC honors. Those years provided the platform that allowed him to pursue opportunities at higher-profile college programs.
College Transitions and Development (2020–2022)
After his championship run at North Dakota State, Hayes transferred to Virginia, where he adjusted to the ACC level of competition. The move demanded quicker adaptation, as ACC offenses featured some of the most skilled receivers in college football. He used the experience to refine his technique and physical preparation.
Hayes later transferred to Kansas State, joining a Big 12 program known for disciplined defensive play. He finished his college career with the Wildcats, continuing to build the resume that would eventually attract NFL attention. His path through three programs demonstrated both his perseverance and his continued growth as a cornerback.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Era (2023–Present)
Hayes entered the NFL when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 181st overall pick. The Buccaneers added him to a defensive backfield in need of depth and developmental talent, and Hayes accepted the opportunity to compete for a roster spot.
Since joining Tampa Bay, Hayes has worked to carve out a role within the team’s defensive rotation. His combination of size, coverage instincts, and championship experience positioned him as a young player with room to grow. He remains part of the Buccaneers’ defensive plans as he develops further.
Defensive Style and Strengths
Hayes plays a physical brand of coverage, using his 6-foot frame to compete with larger receivers at the line of scrimmage. His background in championship-level competition has shaped a disciplined approach, and he pairs fundamentals with aggressive tackling in run support. Coaches value his preparation and willingness to contribute on special teams as he continues to refine his craft.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hayes’ most notable milestone to date is his selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, which formalized his arrival as a professional cornerback. His three FCS national championships with North Dakota State stand as a defining accomplishment of his college career and a sign of the winning standard he brings to Tampa Bay.
Josh Hayes Career Achievements
Although Hayes remains early in his professional career, his resume already includes significant accomplishments. His three FCS championships with North Dakota State rank among the most decorated stretches of any recent Buccaneers draftee. His 2019 Second-team All-MVFC recognition further cemented his standing as a productive college defender.
College Honors
Hayes earned three FCS national championships in 2017, 2018, and 2019 as a member of the North Dakota State Bison. He was also recognized as a Second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection in 2019. These honors reflect the consistency he brought to a championship program.
Josh Hayes Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Hayes comes from a family with deep ties to football. His uncle, Geno Hayes, was a linebacker who also played in the NFL. That family connection helped shape Hayes’ understanding of the demands required to compete at the highest level and reinforced his early commitment to the sport.
Personal Life
Hayes maintains close ties to his hometown of Lakeland, Florida, where he developed into the player he is today. His football family heritage continues to influence his professional approach as he builds his own career in the NFL.
2025 Season Outlook
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, Hayes continues to develop within the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive backfield. The Buccaneers remain focused on adding young, competitive talent to their secondary, and Hayes fits that profile as a former championship-winning defender. His offseason work will likely focus on refining his coverage technique and earning a larger defensive role.
Competition for playing time in Tampa Bay’s secondary is intense, but Hayes’ special teams reliability and physical cornerback traits give him a path to expanded snaps. Coaches will look for him to build on the experience he gained during his first NFL seasons.
With another full offseason of preparation behind him, Hayes aims to take a meaningful step forward in 2025. His combination of size, pedigree, and championship experience positions him as a developmental cornerback to watch within the Buccaneers’ defensive plans.