Matthew Judon Bio
Matthew Judon (born August 15, 1992) is an American professional football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). A four-time Pro Bowl selection, he has built a reputation as a productive edge rusher and run defender since entering the league in 2016. Over the course of his career, Judon has also played for the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, and Miami Dolphins, consistently proving to be a strong defensive asset.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 265 pounds, Judon combines size with the kind of pass-rushing athleticism that translated from his record-setting college career. He is of Burundian descent and remains one of the more recognizable defensive veterans in the AFC.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Judon was born on August 15, 1992, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in the United States. He grew up in a large family as one of ten children, an experience that shaped his early perspective on teamwork and competition. His Burundian heritage has remained a part of his identity throughout his life and career.
Judon attended West Bloomfield High School in Michigan, where he began developing the physical tools that would later define his playing style. He continued to grow as a football player in the Midwest, eventually becoming one of the most sought-after defensive prospects at the Division II level.
Path to American Football
Matthew Judon took his talents to Grand Valley State University, where he played college football for the Grand Valley State Lakers. At Grand Valley State, he set the Division II record for sacks, a remarkable achievement that drew national attention. His dominant play earned him several major honors in 2015, including First-team All-American, the Gene Upshaw Award, and GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year.
Following his senior season, Judon received an invitation to the East–West Shrine Game, though he was unable to play after an arthroscopy revealed a tweaked meniscus. He then attended the NFL Combine, where he finished top among defensive linemen in the 40-yard dash (fifth), bench press (fifth), and vertical jump (fourth). He was the first Grand Valley State player to receive a Combine invitation in two years, and his performance there helped solidify his draft stock despite concerns about his Division II background and injury history.
Matthew Judon Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
The Baltimore Ravens selected Matthew Judon in the fifth round (146th overall) of the 2016 NFL draft. He was the third edge rusher the Ravens drafted that year, behind Boise State’s Kamalei Correa and BYU’s Bronson Kaufusi. On May 5, 2016, the Ravens signed him to a four-year, $2.59 million contract. The Baltimore Ravens converted Judon to outside linebacker to fit their 3–4 defensive scheme, and he began his rookie year as a backup behind veterans Terrell Suggs and Za’Darius Smith.
Judon made his professional regular season debut in the Ravens’ season-opener against the Buffalo Bills. His first career sack, recorded against New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith, caused Smith to tear his ACL and miss the rest of the season. In 2017, Judon won the starting strongside linebacker job and recorded a career-high 14 combined tackles against the Chicago Bears on October 15, 2017. He finished that season with eight sacks, three passes defensed, and two forced fumbles across 16 games, second on the team in sacks behind Terrell Suggs.
Baltimore Ravens Breakthrough (2016–2020)
Matthew Judon’s most productive years in Baltimore came as he grew into a full-time starting role. In 2018, he tied for second on the team with seven sacks while adding 44 combined tackles and a forced fumble. The following season, in 2019, he started all 16 games and finished with 9.5 sacks, 54 total tackles, and four forced fumbles, earning his first Pro Bowl nod.
The Ravens placed the franchise tag on Judon on March 13, 2020, and he signed the one-year, $16.808 million tender on May 28, 2020. He recorded a safety against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15 and finished the 2020 season with six sacks and 50 total tackles in 14 games. Across his five seasons in Baltimore, Judon established himself as one of the league’s most reliable pass rushers, eventually earning Pro Bowl honors in 2019 and 2020.
New England Patriots Era (2021–2023)
On March 19, 2021, Matthew Judon signed a four-year, $56 million contract with the New England Patriots. He surpassed his career high in sacks by Week 11 of the 2021 season, finishing the year with 12.5 sacks, 60 total tackles, and a fumble recovery. His performance earned him a third consecutive Pro Bowl selection, and he was ranked 52nd by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.
In 2022, Judon elevated his play further, recording 2.5 sacks against the Chicago Bears in Week 7 and three sacks against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9. He surpassed his previous career high by Week 11, finishing the season with 15.5 sacks, fourth in the NFL, along with 60 tackles, two forced fumbles, and three passes defensed. The 2023 season, however, was cut short when he suffered a torn lower bicep in Week 4 and was placed on injured reserve on October 14, 2023, after recording a safety in Week 3 against the New York Jets.
Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins Era (2024–2025)
On August 14, 2024, Matthew Judon was traded to the Atlanta Falcons for a 2025 third-round pick, ending his time in New England. He joined a new defensive system in Atlanta as he continued his veteran pass-rushing presence.
On August 19, 2025, Judon signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. He made 13 appearances with three starts for Miami, recording 19 combined tackles and one pass deflection. The Dolphins waived him on December 17, 2025, and on December 20, 2025, he was signed to the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although best known for his edge-rushing ability, Matthew Judon is widely respected for his versatility and football intelligence. He has excelled as both a 3–4 outside linebacker and a 4–3 edge defender, adjusting his game to fit different defensive schemes. His combination of size, length, and motor allows him to set the edge against the run while still producing consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He has shown an ability to peak late in seasons, repeatedly surpassing career sack totals well before Week 17.
Notable Events and Milestones
Matthew Judon set the Division II career sacks record during his time at Grand Valley State, a record that helped launch his professional career. His first NFL sack, which resulted in an ACL injury to Geno Smith, immediately announced his disruptive potential. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after a two-sack, forced-fumble performance against the Green Bay Packers in 2017, and again in 2022 after a two-sack outing against the Detroit Lions. He also recorded safeties in back-to-back seasons, against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020 and the New York Jets in 2023.
Matthew Judon Career Wins
Matthew Judon’s career is defined by steady production and team success at every stop. While he is primarily recognized for his pass-rushing statistics, he has consistently contributed to winning defenses, including helping the Baltimore Ravens clinch a playoff berth in 2019. His four Pro Bowl selections reflect his sustained excellence across multiple franchises.
Career Highlights
Matthew Judon’s most decorated stretch came from 2019 through 2022, when he earned four consecutive Pro Bowl honors. He set or surpassed his career high in sacks in both 2021 (12.5) and 2022 (15.5), the latter ranking fourth in the entire NFL. His 2022 campaign also included three separate games with at least 2.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to take over contests.
His 2017 season marked his first major individual milestone, finishing with eight sacks and earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in November. Across his time with the Ravens, he recorded at least four sacks every season, establishing himself as a foundational piece of their defense.
Matthew Judon Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Matthew Judon is of Burundian descent and grew up as one of ten children. His large family played a meaningful role in shaping his competitive mindset, and the number nine carries personal significance for him. At Grand Valley State, he wore the number 9 to honor his nine siblings, and he later chose the same number with the New England Patriots after the NFL permitted defensive linemen to wear single-digit jerseys in 2021.
Personal Life
Matthew Judon was born and raised in the United States, with roots tracing back to Burundi. He attended West Bloomfield High School in Michigan before continuing his football career at Grand Valley State University. His personal life remains largely private, and he is known for keeping his focus on his family and professional career.
2025 Season Performance
Matthew Judon’s 2025 season began with a one-year, $6 million contract signed with the Miami Dolphins on August 19, 2025. He appeared in 13 games with three starts for Miami, recording 19 combined tackles and one pass deflection. His veteran presence was expected to bolster the Dolphins’ pass rush, though the team ultimately waived him on December 17, 2025.
Just three days later, on December 20, 2025, Judon was signed to the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad, giving him an opportunity to rejoin a contending roster late in the year. The move marked his fifth NFL franchise and his return to the AFC East.
With the Buffalo Bills competing for a deep playoff run, Judon’s experience and pass-rushing skill set could provide valuable depth as the postseason approaches. His familiarity with the AFC East, developed during his years with the Patriots and Ravens, positions him to contribute quickly if called upon. The 2025 campaign has tested his adaptability, but his track record of late-season production suggests he remains a meaningful defensive asset.