Justin Jefferson (born March 20, 2003) is an American professional football linebacker for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Pearl River Community College and the Alabama Crimson Tide and was selected by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL draft.
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Early life
Jefferson attended Bartlett High School in Bartlett, Tennessee. As a senior he had 116 tackles and two interceptions.
College career
Jefferson spent two years at Pearl River Community College, recording 57 tackles and three sacks as a freshman and 86 tackles, two sacks and an interception as a sophomore. One of the top JUCO players in the 2023 class, he transferred to the University of Alabama.
Jefferson played in 14 games his first year at Alabama in 2023, recording four tackles. He played in 12 games with three starts in 2024 and had 61 tackles and two sacks. He was granted another year of eligibility in 2025 and entered the season as a starter.
Professional career
The Cleveland Browns selected Jefferson in the fifth round with the 149rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. The Browns acquired this selection as part of a trade that sent Joe Flacco and a 6th round pick in the draft to the Cincinnati Bengals.