Nicholas Morrow Bio
Nicholas Morrow is an American professional football linebacker currently playing in the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 10, 1995, in St. Louis, Missouri, he rose from a small college program at Greenville University to a long professional career, becoming the first player from that program to sign an NFL contract. Over the course of his career, he has played for the Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders, the Chicago Bears, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Buffalo Bills, building a reputation as a reliable and versatile defender.
Morrow went undrafted in 2017 but quickly proved he belonged in the league through steady tackling and growing defensive responsibility. He earned a Super Bowl championship with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, the crowning achievement of a journey marked by persistence and adaptability across multiple teams.
Early Life and Background
Nicholas Morrow was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, where he developed an early interest in football. He attended Huntsville High School in Huntsville, Alabama, where he played prep football and developed the linebacker skills that would later define his professional career. His high school experience helped him earn a path to the college level despite not being heavily recruited.
Coming from a smaller athletic background, Morrow used his high school years to refine the fundamentals of defensive play, particularly his ability to read offenses and pursue the football. His work ethic and physical development during those formative years prepared him for the next step in his football journey at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
Morrow attended Greenville University in Greenville, Illinois, where he played college football for the Greenville Panthers from 2013 to 2016. Competing at the Division III level, he stood out as a productive defender and team leader, even though Greenville’s program rarely produced professional prospects. His college performance eventually caught the attention of NFL scouts, setting the stage for an unlikely professional opportunity.
When the 2017 NFL Draft concluded without Morrow being selected, he did not give up on his dream. His college career and Pro Day performance impressed the Oakland Raiders enough to offer him a contract, making him the first Greenville player ever to sign an NFL deal.
Nicholas Morrow Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
On May 4, 2017, the Oakland Raiders signed Morrow to a three-year, $1.67 million contract that included a signing bonus of $7,500, making him the first Greenville player to sign an NFL contract. He entered training camp as a linebacker and competed for a job as a starting linebacker against Marquel Lee and Tyrell Adams. Head coach Jack Del Rio named Morrow the primary backup weakside linebacker, behind Cory James, to begin the regular season.
Morrow made his professional regular season debut during the Raiders’ season-opener at the Tennessee Titans and recorded one solo tackle in a 26–16 victory. On October 15, 2017, he earned his first career start at middle linebacker against the San Diego Chargers after Marquel Lee sustained an ankle injury. He finished his rookie campaign with 60 combined tackles (40 solo) and four pass deflections in 16 games and five starts. In 2018, under new head coach Jon Gruden, Morrow earned his first career sack against the Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson, finishing the season with 43 combined tackles, three pass deflections, one sack, and a forced fumble.
Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders Breakthrough (2019–2021)
Throughout 2019 training camp, Morrow competed to be the starting weakside linebacker. He earned his first start of the season in Week 5, replacing an injured Marquel Lee, and recorded his first career interception during a 24–21 win over the Chicago Bears. He intercepted a pass attempt by quarterback Chase Daniel intended for wide receiver Allen Robinson and returned it for an 11-yard gain. He remained the starter for eight consecutive games and finished the 2019 season with 67 combined tackles, four pass deflections, and one interception in 16 games and eight starts.
On March 18, 2020, the Las Vegas Raiders placed a second-round tender on Morrow, and on April 13, 2020, they signed him to a one-year, $3.259 million contract. He recorded interceptions in Weeks 2 and sacks during the 2020 season, including a Week 17 season-high 11 tackles against the Denver Broncos. On March 19, 2021, Morrow re-signed with the Raiders on a one-year contract, but was placed on injured reserve on September 2, 2021, ending his time in Oakland / Las Vegas.
Chicago Bears Era (2022)
On March 16, 2022, Morrow signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears, joining a new defensive system and city. His time in Chicago allowed him to continue contributing as a depth linebacker and special teams participant, further demonstrating his versatility and durability across different defensive schemes.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2023–2025)
On March 21, 2023, Morrow signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was released on August 29 but was later re-signed to the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on September 12. After his 2023 stint, Morrow moved on to the Buffalo Bills in March 2024, but his season ended when he was waived on January 2, 2025.
On January 14, 2025, Morrow signed with the Philadelphia Eagles to replace linebacker Nakobe Dean, whose season was ended by injury. He then won a Super Bowl championship when the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22 in Super Bowl LIX, earning the biggest achievement of his professional career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Morrow became the first player from Greenville University to sign an NFL contract, a milestone that highlighted his pioneering path. He earned his first career start in 2017, his first career sack in 2018, and his first career interception in 2019. The pinnacle of his career came with the Super Bowl LIX victory in 2025.
Nicholas Morrow Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Nicholas Morrow has compiled meaningful contributions as a linebacker rather than a stat-sheet headline. While he is not primarily known for league-leading tackle totals, he has recorded multiple 60-plus tackle seasons and contributed across run defense, pass coverage, and special teams. His most significant team victory came in Super Bowl LIX, where the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22.
Other Wins & Performances
Morrow’s other notable performances include his first NFL start against the San Diego Chargers in 2017, his first career sack against the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, and his first career interception against the Chicago Bears in 2019. Each milestone reflected his steady growth from an undrafted rookie into a dependable professional defender.
Nicholas Morrow Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly available information about Nicholas Morrow’s parents and family background remains limited. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and attended high school in Huntsville, Alabama, where his family supported his early athletic development. There is no widely verified information about a broader athletic lineage in his family.
Personal Life
Nicholas Morrow has kept much of his personal life private, and there is limited verified public information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children. His professional journey from a small college program to a Super Bowl champion reflects a focused and disciplined approach to his football career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marks a significant chapter for Nicholas Morrow following his Super Bowl LIX triumph with the Philadelphia Eagles. Joining the Eagles midseason in January 2025 to replace the injured Nakobe Dean, Morrow was part of a championship roster that finished the year with one of the league’s strongest defensive units. His veteran presence provided valuable depth and stability during a deep playoff run.
As the Eagles build on their championship foundation, Morrow is expected to continue contributing as a reliable linebacker and special teams participant. His experience across multiple defensive systems in Oakland, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Buffalo has made him a flexible asset for the Eagles’ defensive coaching staff. Heading into the next phase of the 2025 season, Morrow’s role within the team remains a product of his consistency, leadership, and championship pedigree.