JT Woods Bio
Jalen Terrell Woods (born June 10, 2000) is an American professional football safety. He played college football for the Baylor Bears and entered the National Football League after being selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and competing at around 194 pounds, Woods has built his career as a defensive back, working through practice squads and short stints with several franchises as he seeks a stable roster role in the league.
Originally from Texas, Woods grew into a Division I starter at Baylor before turning pro at age twenty-two. Since his draft day, he has been associated with the Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders, and the New York Jets, with each stop offering a new opportunity to refine his skills as a defensive back. His professional journey reflects the perseverance required to survive in the modern NFL, where roster turnover is constant and special teams play often determines a young player’s future.
Early Life and Background
Jalen Terrell Woods was born on June 10, 2000, in San Antonio, Texas. He grew up in the same region that produced generations of football talent, attending Steele High School in Cibolo, a community just northeast of San Antonio. The high school program gave him early exposure to competitive football and helped him develop into a highly recruited defensive prospect.
During his time at Steele, Woods earned recognition as one of the top safeties in the state of Texas. His combination of size, range, and ball skills attracted attention from multiple college programs. He eventually committed to Baylor University, joining a Bears program that has historically emphasized speed and physicality in its secondary.
Beyond athletics, Woods balanced the demands of high-level training with his academic responsibilities, finishing his high school career prepared for the rigors of Big 12 Conference football. His development in San Antonio shaped the disciplined approach he would later bring to professional defensive schemes.
Path to American Football
Woods arrived at Baylor University and gradually worked his way into the Bears’ defensive backfield. Over multiple college seasons, he earned a reputation as a hard-hitting safety with dependable tackling and improving coverage instincts. His work ethic and willingness to play through injuries helped him rise up the depth chart and eventually become a regular starter in the Baylor secondary.
By the time he declared for the NFL Draft, Woods had established himself as a draft-eligible safety with the size and athleticism NFL scouts look for in modern defensive backs. His performance in college workouts and pre-draft showcases convinced evaluators that he possessed the traits necessary to compete at the next level.
The Los Angeles Chargers selected Jalen Terrell Woods in the third round, 79th overall, of the 2022 NFL Draft. That selection marked the official transition from promising college athlete to professional football player and set the stage for his early years in the league.
JT Woods Career
Early Career (2022-2023)
Woods began his NFL career with the Los Angeles Chargers, the organization that had drafted him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. As a rookie safety, he worked to absorb the playbook and earn the trust of the Chargers’ defensive coaching staff. His first seasons in the league provided a learning curve that is common for young defensive backs adjusting to the speed and complexity of professional offenses.
On September 30, 2023, Woods was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list, pausing his on-field development. The Chargers activated him on December 5 of that same year, allowing him to return to practice and finish the season. By August 28, 2024, the Chargers decided to waive Woods, ending his initial chapter with the team that had originally drafted him.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2024)
Just two days after being waived by the Chargers, Woods found a new opportunity when the Philadelphia Eagles signed him to their practice squad on August 30, 2024. Joining one of the most competitive rosters in the league gave Woods a chance to learn from veteran defensive backs and contribute on scout teams while awaiting a promotion to the active roster.
His time in Philadelphia, however, was brief. The Eagles released Woods on October 22, 2024, sending him back onto the open market. Despite the short stint, the experience with the Eagles organization added another layer to his professional development.
Chicago Bears Era (2024)
On November 7, 2024, Woods signed with the Chicago Bears practice squad, continuing his pattern of moving between teams in search of a permanent home. The Bears, like many of his previous stops, offered a platform to refine his technique and stay engaged with professional football during the latter half of the 2024 NFL season.
Seattle Seahawks Era (2025)
Woods signed a reserve/future contract with the Seattle Seahawks on January 17, 2025, signaling that the organization saw long-term potential in his abilities. Reserve/future contracts are typically awarded to players who are expected to compete for roster spots in the upcoming season. However, the Seahawks waived Woods on July 2, 2025, ending that brief partnership before the regular season began.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2025)
On July 22, 2025, Woods signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, giving him yet another fresh start. The Raiders waived him on August 26 as part of their final roster cuts, only to re-sign him to their practice squad the following day. This quick return demonstrated the organization’s interest in keeping him within their system. The Raiders ultimately released Woods on October 21, 2025.
New York Jets Era (2025)
On October 22, 2025, the New York Jets signed Woods to their practice squad, marking his latest NFL opportunity. The Jets released him on November 11, continuing the cycle of movement that has defined his professional career. Each transition has provided JT Woods with new environments in which to demonstrate his value as a defensive back.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining milestone of JT Woods’s career remains his selection in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers. Being chosen 79th overall validated his college trajectory and introduced him to the professional ranks. Since then, his movement through six NFL organizations has highlighted the demanding nature of maintaining a roster spot in today’s league.
JT Woods Career Wins
As a defensive back, JT Woods’s professional contributions are measured less by traditional win counts and more by roster milestones, practice squad promotions, and reserve/future contracts. His career highlights include being drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, signing a reserve/future deal with the Seattle Seahawks in January 2025, and earning practice squad opportunities with multiple franchises including the Eagles, Bears, Raiders, and Jets. Each signing represents a win in the competitive pursuit of an NFL roster spot.
JT Woods Family
Personal Life
JT Woods was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, where he attended Steele High School in the nearby community of Cibolo. Publicly available details about his immediate family, marital status, and personal relationships are limited. He continues to pursue his professional football career while maintaining ties to his Texas roots.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season has been a period of significant movement for JT Woods, as he has worked to find a stable roster home. He began the year by signing a reserve/future contract with the Seattle Seahawks in January, only to be waived in July as teams finalized their training camp rosters. That release quickly led to a new opportunity with the Las Vegas Raiders later in July.
With the Raiders, Woods experienced the full cycle of a late-summer roster battle. He was waived during final cuts in late August and immediately re-signed to the practice squad, a common path for developmental defensive backs. The Raiders kept him on the practice squad until October 21, when they released him once again.
The following day, on October 22, the New York Jets signed Woods to their practice squad, offering yet another chance to compete. He was later released by the Jets on November 11. As the rest of the 2025 season unfolds, Woods remains focused on earning a longer-term opportunity in the NFL and continuing to build on the experience gained across multiple organizations.