Matt Dickerson

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    Image of Player Matt Dickerson

    Matt Dickerson Bio

    Matthew Miller Dickerson is an American professional football defensive end for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing around 295 pounds, he plays a rotational role on the defensive line, contributing as both a run-stopper and edge rusher. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and has since worked his way across multiple rosters and practice squads, building a journeyman career defined by perseverance. A Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024, Dickerson continues to add chapters to a professional career that began more than seven years ago.

    Early Life and Background

    Matthew Miller Dickerson was born on November 9, 1995, in San Francisco, California, to Pamela and Clarence Dickerson. He grew up in San Mateo, California, and attended Junípero Serra High School, where he developed into a multi-sport athlete. Beyond football, he also played basketball for the Padres and was recognized early for his athletic talent. He has a twin sister named Megan, and in his free time he enjoys fishing and golfing.

    As a freshman on the Serra football team, Dickerson led the Padres to an undefeated championship season in the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL). He was also named Most Valuable Player of his freshman basketball team. During his sophomore year, he started on varsity football before being sent down to the junior varsity team, only to be recalled for the CIF Central Coast Section playoffs. On December 3, 2011, at Terra Nova High School, the Padres won their second CCS Championship with a 42–21 victory over the Menlo-Atherton Bears, marking the program’s first Division One title.

    As a junior, he earned All-WCAL Honorable Mention as a defensive lineman and tight end. Before his senior football season, he was named a USA Today High School All-American and ranked as the sixth-best prospect out of the San Francisco Bay Area. Unfortunately, Dickerson missed his entire senior season due to a back injury, but the Padres still captured a WCAL co-championship with Archbishop Mitty and went on to defeat the Monarchs for the program’s first CCS Open Division Championship. At Serra, he was teammates in football and basketball with future NFL player Easop Winston.

    Path to American Football

    Coming out of high school as a highly regarded two-sport athlete, Dickerson chose to continue his football career at UCLA. He spent four seasons with the UCLA Bruins, appearing in 44 games with 16 starts. Over his college tenure, he recorded 97 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four passes defended, and 1.5 sacks, showcasing the kind of steady, rotational presence that would later define his professional career. His senior season was cut short by a severe collarbone injury, yet he still drew enough attention to enter the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018.

    Although he went undrafted, his size, length, and positional versatility on the defensive line attracted interest from NFL teams looking for developmental depth. That opportunity came from the Tennessee Titans, who signed him shortly after the 2018 draft. His transition to the professional level was immediate, and he made his NFL debut in September 2018, beginning the long journey that would take him across multiple franchises.

    Matt Dickerson Career

    Early Career (2018–2020)

    Dickerson signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent on May 11, 2018. He made his NFL debut on September 23, 2018, in a 9–6 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing his rookie season with three tackles across three games played. Over the next two seasons he shuttled between the active roster and the practice squad, being waived and re-signed several times between 2019 and 2020.

    His most memorable early-career moment came during the 2020 AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens, when he recorded his first career sack on quarterback Lamar Jackson in a 20–13 loss. Although the Titans fell short, the play demonstrated Dickerson’s potential as a pass rusher and gave him a tangible highlight to build on heading into the next phase of his career.

    Las Vegas Raiders (2021)

    On March 22, 2021, Dickerson signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, marking his first move outside the Titans organization. He spent the offseason and training camp with the Silver and Black, working to earn a roster spot along the defensive front. His tenure in Las Vegas was brief, however, as he was waived on August 31, 2021, during final roster cuts.

    Despite the short stay, the Raiders stint broadened Dickerson’s exposure to different defensive schemes and helped him refine his technique as a defensive end. Within days of his release, another opportunity arose, keeping his career arc moving forward.

    Arizona Cardinals (2021–2022)

    On November 2, 2021, Dickerson was signed to the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad, providing another chance to compete at the NFL level. He was released on November 15 but re-signed on December 27, continuing to add depth to the Cardinals’ defensive line. On January 19, 2022, he signed a reserve/future contract with Arizona, signaling the organization’s interest in keeping him in the fold for the upcoming season.

    His time in Arizona ultimately ended on July 29, 2022, when he was released during the summer roster shuffle. Even so, the Cardinals experience allowed Dickerson to participate in a full offseason program, an opportunity that helped him stay ready for the next chapter of his journey.

    Kansas City Chiefs (2022–2024)

    Dickerson first joined the Kansas City Chiefs on August 8, 2022, only to be waived on August 30. He returned to the Chiefs on May 10, 2023, was released during final cuts, and was re-signed to the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on September 27, 2023. He continued to bounce between the practice squad and active roster throughout the 2023 season, providing depth along the defensive line.

    The defining moment of his Chiefs tenure came during the 2023 postseason. On January 28, 2024, at M&T Bank Stadium, the Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens 17–10 to win the AFC Championship and advance to the Super Bowl. Two weeks later, on February 11, at Allegiant Stadium, Kansas City defeated the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers 25–22 in overtime to capture Super Bowl LVIII. The victory, which came against his hometown team, earned Dickerson his first Super Bowl ring. On February 14, 2024, he signed a reserve/futures contract with Kansas City, though he was waived again in late August before being released two days later.

    Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins (2022–2025)

    On August 31, 2022, Dickerson was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Falcons, giving him a brief stop in the NFC South. Later, on October 25, 2024, he was signed to the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on December 14, 2024. With Miami, he contributed as a rotational defensive end during the late stages of the season. On August 26, 2025, however, he was released by the Dolphins as part of final roster cuts.

    Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2025–Present)

    Following his release from Miami, Dickerson was signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad on August 28, 2025. He continued to grind in that role before being promoted to the active roster on December 2, 2025, rejoining the franchise where he had made his NFL debut back in 2018. The move gave Dickerson a fresh opportunity to contribute to a young Jaguars defensive front.

    Joining Jacksonville marked a return to familiar territory, as the Jaguars were the opponent he first faced as a Titan seven years earlier. His veteran presence and experience across multiple defensive systems positioned him as a valuable depth piece for the team’s late-season push.

    Driving Style and Strengths

    As a defensive end, Dickerson relies on his length, leverage, and motor rather than elite explosiveness. He has shown the ability to hold the edge against the run while functioning as a rotational pass rusher on clear passing downs. His experience in multiple defensive schemes, from 4-3 base looks to sub-package alignments, has made him a scheme-versatile piece that coordinators can deploy in a variety of roles.

    Notable Events and Milestones

    The standout milestone of Dickerson’s career is unquestionably his Super Bowl LVIII victory with the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2024, a 25–22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers that earned him his first championship ring. Additional highlights include his first NFL debut win over the Jaguars in 2018 and his first career sack on Lamar Jackson during the 2020 AFC Wild Card game. Each stop along his journeyman path has added to a résumé built on resilience and longevity.

    Matt Dickerson Career Wins

    Matt Dickerson’s most significant team victory came as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2023 NFL season, when the franchise captured Super Bowl LVIII in February 2024 with a 25–22 overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers. While he has not posted individual award-winning statistics, his career has been punctuated by team successes across multiple franchises. His journey through the Titans, Raiders, Cardinals, Chiefs, Falcons, Dolphins, and Jaguars reflects a player who has consistently contributed to winning cultures even in limited roles.

    NFL Career Highlights

    Dickerson’s NFL highlights include his Super Bowl LVIII championship with the Chiefs, an AFC Championship Game win over the Baltimore Ravens, and several playoff appearances during his time with the Titans and Chiefs. He also notched his first career playoff sack on Lamar Jackson during the 2020 AFC Wild Card round. While he has not been a regular starter, his consistent availability and willingness to play on special teams and as a rotational defensive end have made him a reliable locker-room presence.

    Other Wins & Performances

    Before the NFL, Dickerson was part of championship teams at Junípero Serra High School, including the 2011 CCS Division One Championship and a CCS Open Division title during his senior year. At UCLA, he contributed to a competitive Pac-12 program, appearing in 44 games across four seasons. These early successes helped shape the competitive foundation that has carried him through a long professional career.

    Matt Dickerson Family

    Family Background and Racing Lineage

    Dickerson was raised by his parents, Clarence Dickerson and Pamela Dickerson, in San Mateo, California. He grew up alongside a twin sister named Megan, and the family provided a stable environment that supported his athletic development from a young age. While there is no multi-generational football lineage in his family, his parents encouraged his participation in multiple sports throughout his childhood.

    Personal Life

    Outside of football, Dickerson is known for his love of the outdoors, particularly fishing and golfing. His twin sister, Megan, remains a close companion in his life, and he continues to maintain ties to his San Francisco Bay Area roots. His journey from a multi-sport high school standout in San Mateo to a Super Bowl champion illustrates the dedication and humility that define his personal story.

    2025 Season Performance

    Dickerson entered the 2025 NFL season without a team after being released by the Miami Dolphins on August 26 as part of final roster cuts. Two days later, on August 28, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed him to their practice squad, offering a fresh opportunity to compete for a roster spot. He spent the early portion of the season contributing on the practice squad while staying ready for an elevation to the active roster.

    On December 2, 2025, Dickerson was promoted to the active roster by the Jaguars, rejoining the organization where he had made his NFL debut seven years earlier. His late-season promotion reflected both his preparation and the Jaguars’ need for additional depth along the defensive line as the regular season approached its final weeks. He was expected to contribute as a rotational defensive end and on special teams.

    Looking ahead, Dickerson’s experience across multiple systems and his championship pedigree make him a valuable depth piece for Jacksonville’s defensive front. With the team building toward its future, his veteran presence and work ethic position him as a potential candidate to compete for a longer-term role in 2026 and beyond. For a player who has thrived on perseverance, the 2025 season represents yet another chapter in a career defined by resilience.