Tre Tomlinson Bio
Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, widely known as Tre Tomlinson, is an American professional football cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 10, 2000, in Waco, Texas, he attended Midway High School before playing college football for the TCU Horned Frogs. During his impressive college career, he received multiple all-conference honors and won the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award in 2022, highlighting his skills and contributions to the sport. Listed at 5 feet 9 inches tall and 176 pounds, Tomlinson has built a reputation as a competitive and instinctive defensive back.
Early Life and Background
Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson was raised in Waco, Texas, where he grew up surrounded by football culture and a family with deep ties to the game. He attended Midway High School, the same program that produced several notable college and professional players. His formative years were shaped by local athletics, and he developed into a highly regarded defensive prospect during his high school career.
Coming from a family with strong football roots, Tomlinson was exposed to the demands and discipline of the sport from an early age. He committed to Texas Christian University (TCU) to continue his football journey, choosing the Horned Frogs after a strong recruitment process. His high school experience at Midway helped prepare him for the physical and mental challenges of playing cornerback at the collegiate level.
Path to American Football
Tomlinson’s path to professional football began in earnest when he enrolled at TCU and joined the Horned Frogs program. As a freshman in 2019, he appeared in 12 games and registered eight tackles while adjusting to the speed of the college game. His early playing time gave him valuable experience and set the stage for a steady rise within the TCU secondary.
He became a full-time starter in 2020, starting all 10 games and recording 26 tackles during a season that helped solidify his role on defense. In 2021, Tomlinson elevated his production with 41 tackles, two interceptions, and a touchdown across 12 games. These performances positioned him as one of the top defensive backs in the Big 12 Conference heading into his senior year.
Tre Tomlinson Career
Early Career (2019-2021)
Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson’s early career at TCU was defined by steady progression and consistent improvement. After a developmental freshman year, he earned a starting role and quickly became a reliable presence in the Horned Frogs secondary. His tackling numbers and coverage responsibilities grew each season, reflecting his growing confidence and football IQ.
During the 2020 and 2021 seasons, he earned recognition as a First-team All-Big 12 selection, underscoring his standing among the conference’s elite defensive backs. His ability to read opposing offenses, combined with his tackling and ball skills, made him a focal point of the TCU defense. These seasons laid the foundation for what would become a historic senior campaign.
TCU Horned Frogs Breakthrough (2022)
Tomlinson’s senior season in 2022 marked his clearest breakthrough at the collegiate level. Playing a leading role in the Horned Frogs secondary, he delivered one of the most decorated seasons by a TCU defensive back in recent memory. His play that year helped elevate the program’s national profile.
For his performance, he was named a First-team All-American and once again earned First-team All-Big 12 honors. The defining moment of his college career came when he was awarded the Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation’s top defensive back. Winning the Thorpe Award placed him among an elite group of college football players and significantly boosted his professional prospects.
Los Angeles Rams Era (2023-2024)
Following his standout senior season at TCU, Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson entered the 2023 NFL Draft and was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round, 182nd overall. He joined a Rams organization known for developing defensive talent and quickly earned a role on special teams and in the secondary. As a rookie in the 2023 season, he appeared in 15 games, gaining valuable NFL experience.
His second season with the Rams was cut short when he was placed on season-ending injured reserve on August 27, 2024. After recovering and being cleared, he was waived by the Rams on March 6, 2025. His time in Los Angeles provided him with a foundation of professional experience, even as injuries disrupted his early career momentum.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2025-Present)
On March 7, 2025, Tomlinson was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco 49ers, giving him a fresh start within one of the NFL’s most respected defensive organizations. The move offered him an opportunity to compete for a role in a defensive backfield known for its complexity and high standards. Shortly after joining the team, however, he was waived on May 9 and reverted to injured reserve.
Despite the setback, his addition to the 49ers reflected continued league-wide interest in his playmaking ability and coverage instincts. Working within the 49ers’ defensive system, Tomlinson has the opportunity to develop under experienced coaches and alongside veteran defensive backs. His transition to San Francisco represents a new chapter focused on health, growth, and long-term contribution.
Playing Style and Strengths
Tomlinson is recognized for his football intelligence, competitiveness, and willingness to support the run game despite his smaller frame for the position. He demonstrates strong route recognition, fluid hips in coverage, and reliable tackling technique developed during his years at TCU. His ability to contribute on special teams and his familiarity with multiple coverage schemes make him a versatile defensive asset at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
The standout milestone of Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson’s career is his 2022 Jim Thorpe Award, which cemented his status as one of the top defensive backs in college football. Being drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams marked his entry into professional football. His subsequent move to the San Francisco 49ers in March 2025 represents another significant chapter in his ongoing professional journey.
Tre Tomlinson Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson comes from a family with a notable football lineage. He is the nephew of LaDainian Tomlinson, a Hall of Fame NFL running back and one of the most decorated players of his era. Growing up in this environment provided him with early insight into the demands of professional football and a strong example of excellence at the highest level.
Personal Life
Tomlinson was raised in Waco, Texas, where his family ties to the sport shaped his early development. Details about his personal relationships are not publicly confirmed, and he has kept much of his private life away from media attention. His focus remains on his professional career and continued development within the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marks a pivotal point in Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson’s professional career after his move to the San Francisco 49ers. Joining the team in March 2025, he entered a new defensive environment focused on technique, discipline, and versatility. His initial period with the 49ers included a stint on injured reserve following a May 9 roster transaction.
As the season progresses, Tomlinson’s outlook centers on returning to full health and competing for meaningful snaps in the 49ers’ secondary and on special teams. His experience from 15 games as a rookie with the Los Angeles Rams provides a foundation for the demands of the 2025 campaign. Continued development within San Francisco’s system could position him for a larger role in the defensive backfield.
Looking ahead, Tomlinson’s 2025 season represents both a fresh opportunity and a test of resilience. His combination of college accolades and early professional experience offers a strong base for future growth. A healthy and productive season with the 49ers would mark another important step in building a long-term NFL career.