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Jordan Dangerfield
Jordan Dangerfield
from Wikipedia

Jordan Isaac Aldon Dangerfield (born December 25, 1990) is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Towson Tigers and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Buffalo Bills in 2013. Dangerfield was also a member of the Brooklyn Bolts of the FXFL.

Key Information

Early and personal life

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Dangerfield was born in Elmont, New York, and is a member of the Ethiopian Jewish community.[1]

He attended Royal Palm Beach High School in Royal Palm Beach, Florida, where he played football as a receiver and defensive back, was named to Palm Beach Post and Sun-Sentinel first-team as a junior and senior, and received second-team All-Florida honors as a senior in 2008.[2][3][4][5][6] He then attended Hofstra University, for whom he played in eight games, and after it closed its football program he attended Towson University.[3][5][2] In 2010 for Towson he was named first-team All-CAA and first-team All-ECAC, as well as first-team All-American by College Sports Journal, and was named Towson University's Male Athlete of the Year.[2] In 2011 he was named first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association, and in 2012 he was named pre-season All-CAA and earned third-team pre-season All-America honors from The Sports Network.[2]

After entering professional football, he chipped away at remaining classes at Towson and in 2019 earned his degree.[7]

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 10+38 in
(1.79 m)
206 lb
(93 kg)
29+78 in
(0.76 m)
8+78 in
(0.23 m)
4.58 s 1.50 s 2.52 s 4.21 s 6.74 s 41.5 in
(1.05 m)
10 ft 5 in
(3.18 m)
15 reps
All values from Pro Day[8]

Buffalo Bills

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Dangerfield was signed by the Bills as an undrafted rookie free agent following the 2013 NFL draft. He was released by the team on August 30, 2013.

Pittsburgh Steelers (first stint)

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Dangerfield signed a reserve/future contract with the Steelers on January 10, 2014. He was released on August 26, 2014.

Brooklyn Bolts

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Dangerfield played for the Brooklyn Bolts of the Fall Experimental Football League in 2014.[9]

Pittsburgh Steelers (second stint)

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Dangerfield was signed to the Steelers' practice squad on November 5, 2014. He was released and re-signed to the practice squad throughout the 2014 and 2015[10] seasons before making the final roster in 2016.

On January 27, 2017, Dangerfield re-signed with the Steelers on a one-year deal.[11] On September 4, Dangerfield was waived/injured by the Steelers and placed on injured reserve.[12] He was released on September 8.[13] He was re-signed to the practice squad on October 16. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Steelers on January 15, 2018.[14]

On March 20, 2020, Dangerfield re-signed with the Steelers.[15]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jordan Dangerfield (born December 25, 1990) is an American former professional football safety who played eight seasons in the (), primarily as a special teams contributor for the after beginning his career as an undrafted with the . Born in , Dangerfield attended Royal Palm Beach High School in before starting his college football career at , from which he transferred to after the Pride discontinued their program in 2009. At , he emerged as a standout free safety and team captain, earning first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association honors in 2011 along with All-ECAC and All-American recognition from College Sports Journal. Over two seasons as a starter, he recorded 189 tackles, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and five pass breakups, leading the Tigers in tackles both years and being named Towson's Defensive Player of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year in 2011. Dangerfield signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2013 but spent most of his early professional years on practice squads before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2014. With the Steelers, he appeared in 61 games from 2016 to 2020, starting three, and amassed 48 tackles (26 solo), one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery, though his primary role was on special teams where he logged over 1,100 snaps. In 2020, teammates voted him special teams captain, highlighting his leadership and dedication to the unit under coach Danny Smith. He tied for seventh in the NFL with 12 special teams tackles that season, underscoring his consistent impact despite limited defensive snaps. Following his NFL tenure, Dangerfield completed his degree in from in 2019 and transitioned to coaching, serving as a defensive backs coach at American Heritage High School in in 2022. He officially retired from professional football in August 2023, reflecting on a career defined by perseverance and team-first contributions.

Early life

Family background

Jordan Dangerfield was born on December 25, 1990, in . He grew up in a family with strong ties to public service, as his father, David Dangerfield, served as a with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), and his mother, Erica Dangerfield, worked as a detective with the New York Police Department (NYPD) before retiring. David's role as one of the first responders at the World Trade Center following the , 2001, attacks profoundly shaped the family's resilience and sense of duty. David Dangerfield died of a heart attack in 2009. Dangerfield is of Ethiopian Jewish heritage, which has influenced his through cultural and communal connections. His early years in Elmont were marked by a stable upbringing in a close-knit family environment, where education and community involvement were emphasized before the family's relocation. In 2005, during his early high school years, the family relocated to , seeking a change following the challenges faced by his father in the aftermath of 9/11. This move to Royal Palm Beach allowed the family to rebuild in a warmer climate, with both parents continuing to instill values of and perseverance drawn from their professional experiences.

High school career

Jordan Dangerfield attended Royal Palm Beach High School in , following his family's relocation from New York, where he had been born. There, he played football for four years as both a receiver and while also competing on the track team for three years. As a senior in 2008, Dangerfield earned first-team all-county and all-area honors from and Sun-Sentinel, along with second-team All-Florida recognition. He had previously received second-team all-county and all-area honors as a junior, and was named team defensive MVP as a in 2007. In his senior season, Dangerfield recorded 40 tackles, four interceptions, seven pass deflections, four forced s, and three recoveries, including two returns of 90 and 70 yards. Dangerfield participated in the All-Star and attracted recruitment interest from programs including Villanova, , Florida International, and Florida Atlantic. He ultimately signed a with in February .

College career

Hofstra University

Jordan Dangerfield enrolled at in following his recruitment from Royal Palm Beach Community High School in . As a , he played cornerback for the in the Colonial Athletic Association at the NCAA Division I Subdivision (FCS) level. During the season, Dangerfield appeared in eight games, including one start, and contributed defensively with 23 tackles, ranking 11th on the team. He led the Pride with two interceptions and recorded one pass breakup, providing glimpses of his potential despite limited playing time as a newcomer. Dangerfield's statistical output remained modest overall, reflecting the challenges of adjusting to collegiate competition and the team's 5-6 record that year. The Pride's defensive unit struggled, allowing an average of 28.5 , which constrained opportunities for individual standouts like Dangerfield to accumulate more extensive numbers. His role primarily involved coverage duties and run support, helping to stabilize the secondary in select matchups, such as his against on November 7, 2009. Academically, Dangerfield made satisfactory progress during his single season at Hofstra, maintaining eligibility while balancing football demands. However, the university's decision to discontinue its football program on December 3, 2009, due to financial constraints and low fan interest abruptly ended his tenure there. This closure limited his development at the FCS level to just one year, prompting his transfer to Towson University to continue his collegiate and athletic growth. The program's elimination affected 84 players, including Dangerfield, and marked the end of Hofstra's 72-year football history.

Towson University

After transferring from Hofstra University following the discontinuation of its football program at the end of the 2009 season, Jordan Dangerfield joined the Towson Tigers in 2010 and transitioned from cornerback to free safety. Over three seasons (2010–2012) with Towson, Dangerfield established himself as a defensive standout and two-time team captain, leading the Tigers to a 23–12 record, two Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) championships, and an FCS playoff appearance in 2011. In his debut 2010 season, he led the team with 96 tackles (50 solo) across 11 games, adding two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and five pass breakups while serving as a key leader in the secondary. Dangerfield earned first-team All-CAA honors as a safety in both 2011 and 2012. In 2011, despite missing two games due to injury, he again paced the Tigers with 93 tackles (57 solo, averaging 9.3 per game, seventh in the CAA), two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, earning additional first-team All-ECAC recognition and first-team All-American honors from College Sports Journal. Entering 2012 as a pre-season All-CAA and third-team All-America selection by The Sports Network, he contributed 69 tackles in 10 games before a suspension for one contest, capping his college career with third-team All-American honors from The Sports Network and candidacy for the Buck Buchanan Award as the top FCS defensive player. Across his Towson career, Dangerfield recorded 258 tackles (11th in program history), two interceptions, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and 13 pass breakups, helping anchor a defense that ranked among the CAA's best during his tenure. He was twice named Towson Defensive Player of the Year and received the 2012 Towson Male Athlete of the Year award. Following his playing career, Dangerfield completed his remaining coursework remotely while in the and graduated from Towson in May 2019 with a from the College of Health Professions.

Professional career

Buffalo Bills

After going undrafted in the , Jordan Dangerfield signed with the as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2013, following his standout senior season at where he earned third-team All-American honors. His college accolades, including All-CAA recognition and 258 career tackles, helped secure the opportunity despite the competitive landscape for rookie safeties. During , Dangerfield competed for a depth role at safety, showing promise in special teams drills and occasional defensive reps behind established players like and Aaron Williams. He impressed coaches with his tackling ability and coverage skills, earning a spot on the 90-man preseason roster. However, the Bills' depth at the position, bolstered by veterans and other rookies, limited his path to the 53-man roster. Dangerfield appeared in all four preseason games for the Bills in 2013, primarily contributing on special teams while seeing limited defensive action. He logged notable snaps, including 37 on special teams in the Week 2 victory over the Minnesota Vikings and 13 defensive snaps in the Week 1 win against the . Overall, he recorded 12 tackles (eight solo) across the preseason, demonstrating hustle but facing stiff competition from other undrafted prospects. The Bills released Dangerfield on August 30, 2013, as part of final roster cuts to reach the 53-player limit, amid a crowded safety group that prioritized experienced returners and higher-drafted talent.

Pittsburgh Steelers (first stint)

Following his release from the Buffalo Bills after the 2013 preseason, Jordan Dangerfield signed a reserve/future contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 10, 2014. He was waived during training camp on August 26, 2014, but rejoined the organization on November 5, 2014, when he was signed to the practice squad. Throughout the 2014 and 2015 seasons, Dangerfield spent the majority of his time on the Steelers' practice squad, where he was waived and re-signed multiple times, contributing to team preparations primarily as a defensive back on special teams units. He signed another reserve/future contract on January 8, 2015, solidifying his ongoing development within the organization. Dangerfield remained on the practice squad for the entire 2015 regular season but earned a spot on the active 53-man roster heading into 2016 after impressing in and preseason games. In his NFL debut on September 4, 2016, against the , he recorded his first career tackle on the opening play, stopping running back for no gain on a special teams snap. Over the 2016 season, Dangerfield appeared in 14 games, primarily contributing on special teams with 16 tackles, and made his first career start at strong safety in Week 4 against the due to injuries in the secondary. He added another start in Week 5 against the , helping to stabilize the unit during a period of defensive depth challenges. As an exclusive rights free agent following the 2016 season, Dangerfield re-signed with the Steelers on a one-year, $540,000 on January 27, 2017. However, he suffered a injury during the preseason, leading to his placement on injured reserve on September 5, 2017, after being waived injured three days earlier. He was released from injured reserve on October 17, 2017, and briefly re-joined the practice squad later that month before finishing the year there.

Brooklyn Bolts

After being waived by the in August 2014, Jordan Dangerfield signed with the Brooklyn Bolts of the Fall Experimental Football League (FXFL) for the league's inaugural 2014 season. The FXFL was established as a developmental professional football league aimed at providing former college and players with an opportunity to showcase their talents and pursue returns to higher-level professional play, featuring teams in the and emphasizing rules closer to standards. Playing primarily as a , Dangerfield appeared in three games for the Bolts during the fall season, contributing on defense with tackles in competitive matchups against other FXFL squads. His performances included notable defensive plays, such as tackling opponents during a mid-October at Brooklyn's home field. This brief tenure helped Dangerfield stay sharp and maintain readiness following his initial NFL release, bridging the gap to future opportunities.

Pittsburgh Steelers (second stint)

Dangerfield re-signed with the on January 15, 2018, via a reserve/future contract, marking his return to the active roster after time away from the . During the 2018 season, he appeared in all 16 games, starting the season finale against the , primarily contributing on special teams with 315 snaps (69% of team total) and recording 7 tackles (6 solo) along with 1 fumble recovery on defense. In 2019, Dangerfield again played in all 16 games as a backup and special teams ace, logging 308 snaps (73%) on special teams, where he tallied 12 tackles—second on the team—and forced 1 fumble on defense to go with 13 total tackles (6 solo). His value on special teams led to his selection as the unit's captain for the 2020 season, a first-time honor that recognized his leadership and consistency since rejoining the team. That year, he played 15 games, contributing 295 special teams snaps (69%) and 10 tackles (9 solo) on defense, accounting for the bulk of his career defensive production of 46 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery during his second stint. On March 20, 2020, prior to the season, the Steelers secured Dangerfield with a one-year contract worth $825,000, affirming his role as a core special teamer and depth safety. Following the 2020 campaign—his final NFL snaps—the team opted not to re-sign him as an unrestricted free agent, ending his playing tenure with Pittsburgh after three productive seasons.

Retirement and post-playing career

Retirement

Jordan Dangerfield officially announced his retirement from professional football on August 2, 2023, through a lengthy post reflecting on his career. In the post, he expressed no regrets about leaving the game, stating that he had given everything over eight years in the despite facing significant odds as an undrafted . Dangerfield highlighted his perseverance throughout his seven-year tenure primarily with the , where he established himself as a key special teams contributor and was named team captain in 2020. He logged over 1,100 special teams snaps across his career, playing in 61 games and earning recognition for his reliability in coverage and tackling roles. His journey began as an undrafted rookie signed by the in 2013 after transferring to , underscoring his determination to make an roster without the security of a draft selection. Hints of retirement emerged earlier in 2022, when Dangerfield transitioned into coaching by joining the defensive backs staff at American Heritage High School in , signaling a shift away from playing amid his free agency following the 2020 season. Personal motivations played a central role in his decision, as he cited a desire to prioritize time with his and three children after years of sacrifices, while emphasizing his gratitude for remaining healthy and avoiding further risks after his final playing year in 2020. Dangerfield framed the retirement as an opportunity to "chase new dreams and future endeavors," closing a 25-year chapter in football that began in youth leagues.

Coaching career

Following his professional playing career, Jordan Dangerfield transitioned into coaching by joining American Heritage High School in , as the defensive backs coach in July 2022. In this role, he focused on training the team's secondary players, drawing on his eight years of experience to develop techniques in coverage, tackling, and game awareness. Dangerfield's mentorship extended beyond on-field instruction, as he emphasized discipline, work ethic, and leadership—qualities honed during his time as a special teams captain with the —to guide young athletes. This approach allowed him to serve as a , particularly in his home state of , where he had starred at Royal Palm Beach High School, fostering community ties and inspiring local talent in a program known for producing NFL prospects like running back . He continued in this position after officially retiring from the in August 2023, enabling a full commitment to coaching. Under the staff led by head coach , Dangerfield contributed to player development in a defense-oriented system, helping the team secure district titles and playoff appearances while prioritizing holistic growth for student-athletes.

References

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