Mike Ford Bio
Michael Ford Jr., known professionally as Mike Ford, is an American professional football cornerback who currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 4, 1995, in St. Louis, Missouri, Ford has built his professional career as an undrafted free agent who has continuously earned roster spots through persistence and versatility. He played college football for the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks before beginning his NFL journey in 2018.
Standing 183 centimeters tall and weighing approximately 90 kilograms, Ford has carved out a reputation as a reliable defensive back across multiple NFL franchises. His career path, which has included stops with the Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, and Houston Texans, demonstrates his adaptability and durability in a league known for high turnover.
Early Life and Background
Michael Ford Jr. was born on August 4, 1995, in St. Louis, Missouri, though he was raised in Alton, Illinois. He grew up in a region with a strong football tradition, which helped shape his early interest in the sport. Ford attended Marquette Catholic High School in Alton, where he quickly emerged as a two-way standout for the Explorers football team.
During his time at Marquette Catholic, Ford played both running back and defensive back, showcasing the athletic versatility that would later define his professional career. As a senior, he was named first-team all-conference on both offense and defense, along with All-State honors at running back. That season, he rushed for 1,614 yards and 28 touchdowns, added five touchdowns on returns, and recorded 69 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and three interceptions on defense.
Path to American Football
Following high school, Ford committed to Southeast Missouri State University, where he spent five seasons developing his game. He redshirted his freshman year and played wide receiver as a redshirt freshman before being moved to defensive back. This transition proved to be the defining shift in his career trajectory.
As a redshirt sophomore, Ford earned the starting role and immediately made an impact, recording 44 tackles, five interceptions, and seven pass breakups. His performance that year earned him second-team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors in 2015. By his redshirt senior season, he had become a polished defensive back, finishing with 32 tackles, two sacks, an interception, and 14 passes broken up. Despite his strong college production, Ford went undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Mike Ford Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Ford signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent on April 28, 2018. After failing to make the active roster out of training camp, he was re-signed to the team’s practice squad on September 2. His perseverance paid off on November 14, when he was promoted to the active roster after offensive guard T. J. Lang was placed on injured reserve.
Ford made his NFL debut on November 18, 2018, starting at cornerback and contributing on special teams in a 20–19 win over the Carolina Panthers. He recorded two tackles in that game and went on to play seven games with four starts as a rookie, finishing with 25 tackles. In 2019, he appeared in 15 games with two starts, adding 12 tackles and two passes defended, before being placed on injured reserve early in 2020 and later activated that October.
Detroit Lions Breakthrough (2018–2021)
Ford’s most extended stretch came with the Detroit Lions, where he spent the first three seasons of his career. He was assigned a one-year tender as an exclusive rights free agent on March 18, 2020, and signed it on April 21. He established himself as a dependable reserve cornerback who could step into starting roles when needed, contributing on both defense and special teams throughout his tenure in Detroit.
On March 8, 2021, Ford signed a contract extension with the Lions, signaling the organization’s confidence in his abilities. However, his time in Detroit ended shortly after when he was waived on August 30, 2021, during final roster cuts.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2022, 2025–Present)
On April 8, 2022, Ford signed with the Atlanta Falcons, beginning his first stint with the franchise. His time with Atlanta in 2022 helped him re-establish himself as a veteran presence in the secondary. After spending time with other organizations, Ford returned to the Falcons on March 17, 2025, signing a two-year contract that runs through 2027.
His return to Atlanta represents a homecoming of sorts, as the organization has shown sustained faith in his abilities. With the contract secured through the 2027 season, Ford enters the current chapter of his career with stability and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Falcons’ defensive plans.
Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns Stints (2021–2024)
On September 1, 2021, Ford was claimed off waivers by the Denver Broncos, providing him a quick landing spot after his release from Detroit. He played for Denver during the 2021 season, though his year was interrupted by a stint on injured reserve from October 16 until his activation on November 6.
Ford signed with the Cleveland Browns on March 21, 2023, marking the start of his first stint with that organization. After a brief stop with the Houston Texans in 2024, where he signed a two-year contract on March 15 before being released on August 27, he returned to the Cleveland Browns practice squad on August 29, 2024. He was promoted to the active roster on September 11, 2024, continuing his pattern of earning opportunities through perseverance.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Ford’s career came on November 18, 2018, when he made his NFL debut as a starter in a narrow 20–19 victory over the Carolina Panthers. His journey from undrafted free agent to multi-team veteran, having played for six different NFL franchises, stands as a testament to his professionalism and football intelligence.
Mike Ford Career Highlights
Across his NFL career, Mike Ford has been valued for his special teams contributions and his ability to step into defensive roles when called upon. His career win-loss record is tied to the teams he has played for, including playoff-caliber rosters such as the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns during his time with those franchises.
NFL Career Highlights
Ford’s most productive statistical seasons came early in his career with the Detroit Lions, where he tallied 25 tackles as a rookie in 2018 and added 12 tackles with two passes defended in 2019. His ability to play both cornerback and contribute on special teams has kept him in demand across the league, resulting in opportunities with seven separate team tenures.
Mike Ford Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Michael Ford Jr. was born and raised in a region with deep football roots, growing up in Alton, Illinois, after being born in St. Louis, Missouri. The suffix “Jr.” in his name indicates he shares his name with his father, though further details about his family background are not widely publicized. His Midwestern upbringing and exposure to high school football in Illinois played a formative role in his development as a player.
Public information about Ford’s immediate family, marital status, and children has not been widely reported, and he appears to maintain a private personal life away from the spotlight of professional sports.
2025 Season Performance
Mike Ford returns to the Atlanta Falcons in 2025 after signing a two-year contract on March 17, marking his second stint with the franchise. The deal, which runs through 2027, signals the Falcons’ long-term confidence in his role within the secondary and on special teams units.
Throughout the 2025 season, Ford is expected to serve as a veteran depth piece at cornerback while contributing significantly on special teams, an area where he has built his reputation over multiple NFL stops. His familiarity with the Falcons’ system from his 2022 stint should allow for a smoother transition into the active roster rotation.
Looking ahead, Ford’s two-year contract provides him with roster security through the 2026 season, giving him an opportunity to compete for a larger defensive role while continuing to be a reliable special teams performer. His journey across the NFL, from undrafted free agent to seasoned veteran, positions him as a valuable locker room presence for the Atlanta Falcons organization.