Ronnie Harrison Bio
Ronnie Harrison Jr. (born April 18, 1997) is an American professional football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 208 pounds, he plays a versatile defensive role that evolved from his early days as a strong safety. Harrison played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he developed into one of the top defensive backs in the Southeastern Conference. He entered the NFL after his junior season and has since built a steady career across multiple franchises.
Originally drafted as a safety, Harrison transitioned to linebacker during his time with the Indianapolis Colts, adding flexibility to his professional profile. He currently suits up for the Atlanta Falcons, the fourth team of his NFL journey. His combination of size, tackling ability, and coverage instincts has kept him in demand around the league.
Early Life and Background
Ronnie Harrison Jr. was born on April 18, 1997, in Tallahassee, Florida. He grew up in the same region that produced many of the state’s top high school football talents. Harrison attended Florida State University School, where he developed into a two-way player on the football field.
At Florida State University School, Harrison played both quarterback and safety, showcasing the athleticism that would later define his professional career. As a senior, he produced 39 tackles on defense while racking up 2,076 passing yards, 13 passing touchdowns, 1,015 rushing yards, and 16 rushing touchdowns on offense. That dual-threat production drew attention from major college programs across the country.
Harrison ultimately committed to the University of Alabama to play college football, choosing the Crimson Tide for their track record of developing NFL-ready defensive backs. His preparation at the high school level set the foundation for the physical, downhill style he would carry into the Southeastern Conference.
Path to American Football
Harrison arrived at Alabama as a true freshman in 2015 and quickly earned a role in the Crimson Tide secondary. He recorded 17 tackles, two interceptions, and one sack during his first season, contributing to a defense that captured the College Football Playoff national championship. That early exposure to championship-level football accelerated his development.
As a sophomore in 2016, Harrison took over as the full-time starter at safety. He produced 86 tackles, two interceptions, and one touchdown, establishing himself as one of the premier young defenders in the SEC. Following that breakout campaign, he was named First-team All-SEC in 2017 after helping Alabama win a second College Football Playoff national title.
On January 11, 2018, Harrison announced his decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2018 NFL draft. He attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where he performed the broad jump and vertical jump before completing the rest of his testing at Alabama’s pro day on March 7, 2018. Draft experts projected him as a second-round selection, ranking him among the top safety prospects in his class.
Ronnie Harrison Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Harrison in the third round with the 93rd overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft, making him the seventh safety taken that year. On May 24, 2018, he signed a four-year, $3.38 million contract that included a signing bonus of $803,032. Harrison entered his rookie season as the backup strong safety behind Barry Church before being named the starter in Week 13 after Church was a healthy scratch. He officially held the starting job the rest of the season after Church was released on December 14, 2018, but a season-ending knee injury in Week 15 cut his rookie year short.
In 2019, Harrison opened the season as a starter and produced several strong performances. In a Week 3 win against the Tennessee Titans, he led the team with 10 tackles. The following week against the Denver Broncos, he recorded his first interception of the season off quarterback Joe Flacco. Harrison added a fumble recovery and an interception in a Week 7 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, showing the ball-hawking ability that had marked his college career.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2018–2019)
Harrison’s time with the Jacksonville Jaguars established his NFL foundation. Jacksonville invested a third-round selection in his development and used him primarily as a strong safety in their defensive scheme. His physicality near the line of scrimmage and willingness to support the run game fit the Jaguars’ defensive identity during that stretch.
Although injuries and the depth chart limited his rookie impact, Harrison’s play down the stretch of 2018 and into 2019 demonstrated he belonged in the league. His work against the run and in tight coverage earned him the trust of the coaching staff and positioned him as a contributor for the future.
Cleveland Browns Era (2020–2022)
Harrison was traded to the Cleveland Browns on September 3, 2020, in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft. He made an immediate impact in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts, intercepting Philip Rivers and returning the pick 47 yards for a touchdown during a 32–23 win. The play marked his first interception as a Brown and his first career NFL touchdown.
During a Week 7 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Harrison led the team with nine tackles, including six solo stops, while also sacking Joe Burrow and recovering a fumble forced by Burrow. He was later placed on injured reserve on December 1, 2020, with a shoulder injury before being activated on December 30, 2020. In the 2021 season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, Harrison was ejected after a confrontation involving Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and running backs coach Greg Lewis, and he was fined $12,128 on October 18, 2021. He signed a one-year contract to return to Cleveland on April 12, 2022.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2023–2024)
Harrison signed with the Indianapolis Colts on August 14, 2023. After being released on August 29, he was re-signed to the practice squad. The Colts promoted him to the active roster on November 21, 2023, and announced a position switch from safety to linebacker, expanding his defensive responsibilities. In his Indianapolis debut, a Week 12 home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Harrison intercepted a Baker Mayfield pass in the first quarter. Two weeks later against the Bengals, he intercepted Jake Browning and returned it 36 yards for a touchdown.
On March 13, 2024, the Colts re-signed Harrison to a one-year contract. He was released on August 25, 2024, and later returned to the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on October 28, 2024. His ability to play multiple spots in the secondary and at linebacker made him a valuable rotational piece in Indianapolis.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2025–Present)
On August 10, 2025, Harrison signed with the Atlanta Falcons. He was waived on August 26 as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. On October 25, 2025, the Falcons signed him to the active roster, where he continues to contribute as a versatile defensive player.
Driving Style and Strengths
Harrison brings a physical, downhill style to the defensive side of the ball. His college background as a strong safety translated into an aggressive tackler who thrives near the line of scrimmage, while his transition to linebacker expanded his range in coverage. Coaches have valued his instincts, willingness to support the run, and ability to create turnovers in key moments.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Harrison’s signature moments is his 47-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, his first career NFL score. He also earned two College Football Playoff national championships with Alabama in 2015 and 2017, and was named First-team All-SEC in 2017. His position switch to linebacker with the Indianapolis Colts stands as another major milestone in his professional journey.
Ronnie Harrison Career Wins
Ronnie Harrison Jr. has built a steady NFL resume built on defensive impact rather than headline statistics. Across his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and Atlanta Falcons, he has delivered key tackles, turnovers, and touchdown plays that helped his teams win important games. While he has not collected major individual awards at the professional level, his college résumé includes two College Football Playoff national championships and First-team All-SEC honors.
Jacksonville Jaguars Highlights
During his time with Jacksonville, Harrison produced a 10-tackle performance in a Week 3 win against the Tennessee Titans in 2019 and added an interception off Joe Flacco the following week. In a Week 7 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, he recovered a fumble and recorded another interception, anchoring the secondary during a winning stretch.
Cleveland Browns Highlights
Harrison’s Cleveland tenure included his 47-yard pick-six against the Indianapolis Colts in 2020 and a Week 7 performance against the Bengals in which he posted nine tackles, a sack of Joe Burrow, and a fumble recovery. Those plays helped solidify his reputation as a playmaker in critical moments.
Indianapolis Colts Highlights
In Indianapolis, Harrison wasted little time making an impact after his promotion to the active roster. He intercepted Baker Mayfield in his first game back and followed it with a 36-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Bengals two weeks later, showcasing the same ball-hawking skills that defined his earlier career.
Ronnie Harrison Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly available details about Ronnie Harrison Jr.’s immediate family remain limited. He grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, and has built much of his identity around his own athletic journey rather than a family sports lineage.
Personal Life
Harrison keeps his personal life largely private. No public information about a spouse or children has been verified.
2025 Season Performance
Ronnie Harrison Jr. entered the 2025 NFL season with the Atlanta Falcons after signing on August 10, 2025. He initially joined the practice squad following final roster cuts before being elevated to the active roster on October 25, 2025. His versatility as a former safety now playing linebacker gives Atlanta additional flexibility in its defensive packages.
Throughout the 2025 campaign, Harrison has continued to provide depth and situational playmaking for the Falcons’ defense. His experience across multiple schemes in Jacksonville, Cleveland, and Indianapolis has helped him adapt quickly to Atlanta’s system. Coaches have leaned on his tackling and coverage skills in key situations.
Looking ahead, Harrison’s role with the Falcons offers an opportunity to extend his professional career and compete for a larger rotational role. With his proven ability to produce turnovers and his experience in championship-level programs, he remains a dependable defensive option for Atlanta as the season progresses.