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Jordan Lynn-Baxter Poyer (born April 25, 1991) is an American professional football safety for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oregon State Beavers, where he was a consensus All-American.[1] Poyer was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2013 NFL draft, but was waived only a few months into his rookie season. After becoming a backup safety for the Cleveland Browns, Poyer later became a starter for the Buffalo Bills, where he formed one of the league's top safety tandems alongside Micah Hyde. Poyer earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl accolades while on the Bills. He has also played for the Miami Dolphins.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Poyer played baseball, basketball, and football at Astoria High School. As a freshman, he helped the baseball team win the state championship and as a senior he helped the football team win the state championship. As a senior, he was named Oregon's player of the year and was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 42nd round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft.[2] In 2009, Poyer was named the baseball Cowapa League Player of the Year. He was a quarterback and safety on the football team and had 123 touchdowns in three years. In his senior season, he was the state's player of the year on offense and defense.[2][3]

College career

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Football

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Poyer attended Oregon State University and played for the Oregon State Beavers football team from 2009 to 2012.[4] As a true freshman in 2009, he played in 13 games and had 11 tackles. The following season, he had 1,109 all-purpose yards and 34 tackles at the cornerback position.[3]

Poyer started 12 games in 2011. He was the team's primary punt returner and averaged 14.1 yards per return. His four interceptions ranked first in the Pac-12, and he also had 57 tackles. In 2012, Poyer had 51 tackles. He again led the Pac-12 in interceptions, with seven. That season, he was named to the All-Pac-12 first-team and was also a consensus All-American.[3][5][6]

Baseball

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Poyer did not play college baseball in his first two years at Oregon State. In 2010, he played collegiate summer baseball for the Corvallis Knights and decided to join the 2011 Oregon State Beavers baseball team in the spring. However, by April, he found the workload to be too much and decided to quit the team. He described it as "definitely one of the hardest decisions [he had] ever had to make."[7] All told, he appeared in seven games for the Beavers and had three hits and two walks in fourteen plate appearances.[8]

Professional career

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External videos
video icon Jordan Poyer's NFL Combine Workout
video icon Jordan Poyer's 40-yard dash
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 11+7⁄8 in
(1.83 m)		 191 lb
(87 kg)		 31+3⁄4 in
(0.81 m)		 9+3⁄4 in
(0.25 m)		 4.54 s 1.51 s 2.59 s 4.18 s 6.87 s 30.5 in
(0.77 m)		 9 ft 10 in
(3.00 m)		 20 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[9][10]

Philadelphia Eagles

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External videos
video icon Titans draft Jordan Poyer 218th overall

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Poyer in the seventh round (218th overall) of the 2013 NFL draft.[11][12] On May 9, 2013, the Eagles signed Poyer to a four-year, $2.22 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $60,256.[13]

Throughout training camp, he competed for a roster spot as a backup cornerback against Brandon Boykin, Curtis Marsh Jr., Trevard Lindley, and Brandon Hughes.[14] Head coach Chip Kelly named Poyer the fourth cornerback on the depth chart, behind Cary Williams, Bradley Fletcher, and Brandon Boykin.[15][16]

He made his professional regular season debut in the Philadelphia Eagles' season-opener at the Washington Redskins and recorded three combined tackles in their 33–27 victory. He made his first career tackle with teammate Nate Allen on tight end Fred Davis after Davis caught a ten-yard pass in the third quarter.[17] Poyer was relegated to special teams after he was surpassed on the depth chart by Shaun Prater and Roc Carmichael.[18] On October 19, 2013, the Philadelphia Eagles released Poyer after he was a healthy scratch in their last two games (Weeks 5–6).[19]

Cleveland Browns

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2013

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On October 21, 2013, the Cleveland Browns claimed Poyer off of waivers.[20] Upon arrival, head coach Rob Chudzinski named Poyer the backup strong safety behind T. J. Ward after Josh Aubrey was placed on injured reserve due to injuries to his ankle and knee.[21]

On December 8, 2013, Poyer recorded a season-high six solo tackles during a 27–26 loss at the New England Patriots in Week 14.[22] On December 30, 2013, the Cleveland Browns fired head coach Rob Chudzinski after they finished with a 4–12 record.[23] He finished his rookie season with 21 combined tackles (20 solo) in 12 games and zero starts. He also served as a backup punt returner, returning eight punts for 114 yards.[24]

2014

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During training camp, he competed for a roster spot as a backup safety against Jim Leonhard, Johnson Bademosi, Josh Aubrey, Robert Nelson, and Darwin Cook.[25][26] Head coach Mike Pettine named Poyer the backup free safety, behind Tashaun Gipson, to start the regular season.[27]

On September 14, 2014, Poyer forced a fumble by running back Khiry Robinson during a 30-yard kickoff return by Robinson as time expired during a 26–24 victory against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2. It marked the first forced fumble of Poyer's career.[28] On December 14, 2014, Poyer recorded a season-high four combined tackles in the Browns' 30–0 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15.[29] In Week 17, he made a season-high three solo tackles and assisted on a tackle during a 20–10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.[29] He finished the season with 21 combined tackles (15 solo) in 16 games and zero starts.[30]

2015

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Poyer returned as the backup free safety behind Tashaun Gipson to begin the regular season in 2015.[31] On October 18, 2015, Poyer earned his first career start in place of Gipson, who suffered an ankle injury the previous week.[32] He recorded three solo tackles, as the Browns lost 26–23 to the Denver Broncos. The following week, he made his second consecutive start and collected a season-high 11 combined tackles (five solo) during a 24–6 loss at the St. Louis Rams in Week 7.[33] He was inactive for two games (Weeks 8–9) after sustaining a shoulder injury.[34] On November 15, 2015, Poyer recorded four combined tackles, broke up a pass, and made his first career interception by Ben Roethlisberger during a 30–9 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10. In Week 14, he recorded two solo tackles and made his first career sack on quarterback Blaine Gabbert during a 24–10 victory against the San Francisco 49ers.[35] On January 3, 2016, Poyer made his fourth career start and made four combined tackles, a season-high two pass deflections, and intercepted Ben Roethlisberger during a 28–12 loss to the Steelers.[36] Following the game, head coach Mike Pettine was officially relieved of his duties by general manager Ray Farmer after the Cleveland Browns finished the season with a 3–13 record.[37] He finished the 2015 season with 43 combined tackles (28 solo), four pass deflections, two interceptions, and a sack in 14 games and four starts.[38]

2016

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Poyer in a game against the Washington Redskins

Throughout training camp, Poyer competed against Rahim Moore for the job as the starting free safety after Tashaun Gipson departed in free agency.[39] Head coach Hue Jackson named Poyer the starting free safety to start the regular season, alongside Ibraheim Campbell.[40]

He started the Browns' season-opener at the Eagles and made six solo tackles in their 29–10 loss.[41] On September 25, 2016, Poyer collected a career-high 13 combined tackles (ten solo) and deflected a pass during a 30–24 loss at the Miami Dolphins in Week 3.[42] On October 16, 2016, Poyer collected three solo tackles before exiting the Browns' 28–26 loss at the Tennessee Titans due to an injury.[43] During the second quarter, Poyer was in the midst of covering a punt when he was hit by an illegal blindside block by running back Antonio Andrews. The Titans were penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness, and Poyer was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a lacerated kidney and a possible concussion. Andrews received criticism among players and the media due to his decision to glorify the hit by posting the video of it to his social media account.[44] On October 18, 2016, the Cleveland Browns placed Poyer on injured reserve, and he was expected to take up to four months to recover.[45] He finished the 2016 season with 39 combined tackles (29 solo) and two pass deflections in six games and six starts.[46]

Buffalo Bills (first stint)

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2017

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On March 9, 2017, the Buffalo Bills signed Poyer to a four-year, $13 million contract that includes $7.40 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $3.50 million.[47] He immediately signed with the Bills on the first day of free agency and was reunited with the Cleveland Browns' former assistant defensive backs coach, Bobby Babich. Babich originally met Poyer while running defensive back field drills at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine.[48]

Head coach Sean McDermott named Poyer the starting strong safety to start the regular season, along with free safety Micah Hyde.[49] He started in the Bills' season-opener against the New York Jets and recorded three combined tackles, two pass deflections, a sack, and intercepted a pass by Josh McCown in their 21–12 victory.[50] The following week, he collected a season-high 11 combined tackles (seven solo) and three pass deflections during a 9–3 loss at the Carolina Panthers in Week 2.[51] He was inactive for the Bills' Week 8 victory against the Oakland Raiders due to a knee injury.[52] In Week 11, Poyer recorded a season-high eight solo tackles, three assisted tackles, and deflected a pass in the Bills' 54–24 loss at the Los Angeles Chargers.[53] On December 24, 2017, Poyer recorded six combined tackles, broke up a pass, an interception, and a touchdown during a 37–16 loss at the Patriots in Week 16. He intercepted a pass by Tom Brady that was intended for Kenny Britt and returned it for a 19-yard touchdown in the second quarter to mark the first score of his career.[54] He finished his first season with the Buffalo Bills with a 94 combined tackles (63 solo), 13 pass deflections, five interceptions, two sacks, and a touchdown in 15 games and 15 starts. He had a career-high in all five stat categories.[55]

The Buffalo Bills finished second in the AFC East with a 9–7 record.[56] On January 7, 2018, Poyer started in his first career playoff game and recorded five combined tackles during a 10–3 loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card Round.[57]

2018

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Poyer finished the 2018 season with 100 combined tackles, 4 interceptions, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.[58] Though the Bills missed the playoffs in 2018, their defense, including Poyer and Hyde, remained stout, quietly finishing with the second-fewest passing yards allowed in the league.[59] Notably, Poyer's interception of Aaron Rodgers in a week 4 loss to the Green Bay Packers ended Rodgers' streak of 150 passes without an interception.[60]

2019

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Poyer in a game against the Washington Redskins in 2019.

In week 2 against the New York Giants, Poyer recorded his first interception of the season off Eli Manning in the 28–14 win.[61] In week 11 against the Dolphins, Poyer forced a fumble on wide receiver Allen Hurns and recovered the football in the 37–20 win.[62] In week 15 against the Steelers on Sunday Night Football, Poyer intercepted a pass thrown by rookie quarterback Devlin Hodges in the endzone and recovered a fumble forced by teammate Trent Murphy on Diontae Johnson during the 17–10 win.[63] In week 16 against the Patriots, Poyer recorded 11 total tackles and forced fumble on running back Rex Burkhead which was recovered by teammate Micah Hyde in the 24–17 loss.[64]

2020

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On March 19, 2020, Poyer signed a two-year contract extension with the Bills.[65]

In Week 2 against the Dolphins, Poyer recorded his first sack of the season on Ryan Fitzpatrick during the 31–28 win.[66] In Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks, Poyer recorded his first interception of the season off a pass thrown by Russell Wilson during the 44–34 win.[67] He finished the 2020 season with two sacks, 124 total tackles (91 solo), two interceptions, five passes defended, and two forced fumbles in 16 games and starts.[68]

2021

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Poyer playing for the Bills in 2021.

On January 14, 2022, Poyer was named to the 2021 All-Pro Team, the first of his career.[69] He finished the 2021 season with a career-high three sacks and tied a previous high of five interceptions, becoming the only NFL player to attain at least five interceptions and three sacks that season, as the Bills finished with the league's top defense.[70] He was ranked 45th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.[71]

2022

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In Week 4, Poyer had two interceptions, six tackles, and six passes defensed in a 23–20 win over the Ravens, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[72] Throughout the 2022 season, Poyer battled multiple injuries and missed several games but remained a key part of Buffalo's defense.[73] Notably, he rode in a van to the Bills' game against the Kansas City Chiefs as he was unable to fly due to a collapsed lung.[74] He was voted to his first Pro Bowl appearance at the end of the season.[75] He was ranked 57th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.[76]

Poyer (#21) and teammate Terrel Bernard (#43) against the Aaron Rodgers-led New York Jets in 2023

2023

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On March 15, 2023, Poyer signed a two-year contract extension with the Bills.[77]

He finished the 2023 season with 101 total tackles (67 solo tackles), 4 passes defensed, and 1 sack.[78]

On March 6, 2024, Poyer was released by the Bills after seven seasons.[79]

Miami Dolphins

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On March 18, 2024, Poyer signed with the Miami Dolphins.[80] During Miami's week 9 game against his former team, Poyer incurred a personal-foul penalty for a late fourth-quarter helmet-to-helmet hit on Bills receiver Keon Coleman. The hit injured Coleman and resulted in a 15-yard penalty on a third-down play, which set up Buffalo for a game-winning field goal.[81] Poyer started 16 games for the Dolphins in 2024, receiving praise for his leadership in the locker room, though he did not record an interception for the second year in a row.[82] He finished with 98 total tackles (51 solo) and 3 passes defensed on the season.[83]

Buffalo Bills (second stint)

[edit]
Poyer (#21) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2025

On August 27, 2025, Poyer signed with the Buffalo Bills' practice squad.[84] Following Damar Hamlin being placed on injured reserve, Poyer was elevated to the active roster against the Atlanta Falcons in week 6.[85] He was signed to the active roster on October 28.[86]

NFL career statistics

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Legend
Bold Career high

Regular season

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Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds TD Lng PD FF FR Yds TD
2013 PHI 3 0 3 2 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
CLE 9 0 18 18 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2014 CLE 16 0 21 15 6 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
2015 CLE 14 4 43 28 15 1.0 1 2 24 0 12 4 0 1 4 0
2016 CLE 6 6 39 29 10 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0
2017 BUF 15 15 95 63 32 2.0 4 5 33 1 19 13 0 1 32 0
2018 BUF 16 16 100 73 27 2.0 9 4 11 0 11 6 1 1 0 0
2019 BUF 16 16 107 71 36 1.0 4 2 0 0 0 3 3 4 31 0
2020 BUF 16 16 124 91 33 2.0 4 2 14 0 14 5 2 0 0 0
2021 BUF 16 16 93 66 27 3.0 8 5 87 0 26 9 0 0 0 0
2022 BUF 12 12 63 44 19 0.0 4 4 6 0 6 8 1 0 0 0
2023 BUF 16 16 100 66 34 1.0 2 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0
2024 MIA 16 16 98 51 47 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0
2025 BUF 10 9 70 31 39 0.5 1 1 10 0 10 3 0 0 0 0
Career 181 142 974 648 326 12.5 38 25 185 1 26 60 9 7 67 0

Playoffs

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Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds TD Lng PD FF FR Yds TD
2017 BUF 1 1 5 3 2 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2019 BUF 1 1 6 1 5 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2020 BUF 3 3 20 16 4 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2021 BUF 2 2 10 5 5 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
2022 BUF 2 2 9 5 4 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023 BUF 2 2 14 9 5 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
2025 BUF 1 1 2 2 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career 12 12 66 41 25 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

Personal life

[edit]

Poyer was raised in Astoria, Oregon, by his mother, Julie Poyer, and stepfather, Fa'alaeo Poyer. He majored in elementary education at Oregon State.[3] His mother and stepfather both attended Eastern New Mexico University. His mother transferred to Eastern New Mexico for volleyball and his stepfather played tight end for their football team. Poyer's grandfather, Lynn Baxter, played basketball for Oregon State.[87]

On December 30, 2016, Poyer and his girlfriend, Rachel Bush, had a baby girl they named Aliyah. Bush is an Instagram model and met Poyer through Twitter. They began dating in 2015 and were married on February 17, 2018, in a ceremony in Jamaica.[88]

Poyer holds the annual "Jordan Poyer Football Camp" in his hometown of Astoria, Oregon for local youth.[89]

Poyer opened up about his struggles with alcohol with a post on Instagram in March 2021, especially after a bitter loss in the 2019–20 NFL playoffs. He has stayed sober since March 2020 after realizing the effects that his continued drinking would inflict on his family, career, and health.[90] Since then, Poyer has devoted his time off the field to work with others struggling with alcoholism.[91] He followed up with a piece on The Players' Tribune in November 2021.[92]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jordan Poyer

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jordan Poyer (born April 25, 1991) is an American professional football safety for the of the (). Born in , and raised in Astoria, Poyer began playing football and at age six and excelled in both sports at Astoria High School, where he was better known as a prospect. He was selected by the Marlins in the 42nd round of the but opted to attend on a football scholarship, despite being lightly recruited for the sport. At , Poyer starred as a for the Beavers, earning consensus All-American honors in 2012, and also played , leading to a 42nd-round selection by the in the 2013 MLB Draft. Poyer was drafted by the in the seventh round (218th overall) of the and briefly played there before being traded to the later that year, where he spent four seasons primarily as a and special teams player. In 2017, he signed with the as a , transitioning to and forming a productive partnership with Micah Hyde that anchored the Bills' secondary during their resurgence as perennial playoff contenders. Over seven seasons with Buffalo from 2017 to 2023, Poyer became a team captain for four straight years, earned his first selection in 2022, and in 2018 became the only player with over 95 tackles, two sacks, and four interceptions in a single season. Released by the Bills in March 2024, Poyer signed with the for the 2024 season before becoming a . In August 2025, he rejoined the Bills on a one-year, $1.255 million contract, initially on the practice squad, and was elevated to the 53-man roster in late October amid injuries to the secondary, allowing him to contribute in games starting in Week 9 of the 2025 season. At age 34, Poyer has appeared in 176 games, recording 938 tackles, 24 interceptions, and one defensive touchdown across his 13-year career as of the 2025 season.

Early life

Family background

Jordan Poyer was born on April 25, 1991, in . He was raised in , by his mother, Julie Poyer, a former player at , and his stepfather, Fa'aleo Poyer, who played for the same school's football team. His biological father is , with whom Poyer has never had a relationship or met. Poyer grew up in a close-knit with his younger brother, Jeramy, in the small coastal community of Astoria, where his parents provided a supportive environment focused on athletic development. The family's athletic heritage played a key role in shaping his early interest in sports, as both his mother and stepfather emphasized and discipline through their own experiences in competitive athletics. From a young age, Poyer was exposed to various sports through family influences. These early experiences, rooted in the outdoor-oriented lifestyle of coastal , built the physical foundation and competitive drive that defined his path. He began playing football and at age six before concentrating on those sports.

High school career

Jordan Poyer attended Astoria High School in , where he graduated in 2009 after excelling as a multi-sport athlete in football, , and . In football, Poyer played as both and , earning recognition as Oregon's offensive and defensive player of the year. Over three years of varsity play, he accounted for 123 total touchdowns, contributing significantly to the team's success, including a state championship. In his senior season, he threw for 2,135 yards and 22 touchdowns while rushing for 1,755 yards and 37 scores on 175 carries, leading Astoria to another state title in Class 4A. Poyer also starred in baseball as an outfielder and pitcher, helping the team secure a state championship as a freshman and another title in his senior year, where he contributed key performances in the 8-6 victory over in the Class 4A final. During one season, he hit 12 home runs, and his skills drew attention from professional scouts, leading to his selection by the Florida Marlins in the 42nd round of the 2009 MLB June Amateur Draft. He was regarded as a stronger prospect than coming out of high school. Despite his athletic prowess, Poyer's football recruitment was limited, with Oregon State being the only FBS program to offer him a spot, initially without a ; he committed to the Beavers as a with plans to greyshirt his first year, while also exploring dual-sport opportunities in .

College career

Football at Oregon State

Jordan Poyer played for the from 2009 to 2012, beginning his career as a before transitioning to during his sophomore season. Over four years, he appeared in 49 games, starting 24, and accumulated 153 tackles, 13 interceptions (tying for fourth in program history), and contributed significantly to the team's defensive backfield while helping secure three bowl berths, including the 2009 , 2011 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, and 2012 . His versatility extended to special teams, where he excelled as a early in his career. As a true freshman in 2009, Poyer saw action in all 13 games, primarily on special teams and in reserve defensive roles, finishing with 11 tackles and no interceptions. The Beavers concluded the season with a 9-4 record and a victory in the Sun Bowl, marking Poyer's introduction to postseason play. In 2010, his sophomore year, Poyer shifted to and started all 12 games, recording 34 tackles (22 solo), 2 interceptions for 65 yards and a , 1 sack, and 6 pass breakups. He also contributed on special teams with 1,109 all-purpose yards, earning All-Pac-10 honorable mention honors as a kick returner. Despite the team's 5-7 finish and missing a bowl, Poyer's emergence solidified his role in the secondary. Poyer's junior season in 2011 saw him start all 12 games as a team leader in the defensive backfield, where he tallied 57 tackles and 4 interceptions, including two against Arizona State and one returned for a touchdown versus BYU. His performance earned him second-team All-Pac-12 recognition as a , the only Beaver to receive first- or second-team honors that year. The Beavers improved to 7-6, qualifying for the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, where Poyer helped secure a 30-27 victory over BYU. As a senior co-captain in —one of four team leaders—Poyer anchored the secondary, starting 11 of 12 games and registering 51 tackles, 7 interceptions (tied for second nationally), 7 pass breakups, 1 forced , and 1 recovery. Despite missing one game (against Arizona State) due to a , his interceptions propelled Oregon State's defense during a 9-4 campaign. Poyer's standout year garnered consensus All-American honors—the first for a Beaver since 1967—including first-team selections from the , Foundation, and —as well as first-team All-Pac-12 accolades and a semifinalist nod. He also set a Reser Stadium record with an 85-yard punt return touchdown. Following the Beavers' 38-30 win over Boise State, Poyer declared for the .

Baseball at Oregon State

Poyer joined the team in the spring of 2011 after playing collegiate summer baseball for the Corvallis Knights of the the previous summer. As an , he appeared in seven games during the 2011 season, starting five, and recorded three hits in 12 at-bats for a .250 . Balancing commitments to both football and proved challenging for Poyer, with the overlap between the sports' spring schedules creating conflicts in training and competition. Oregon State baseball coach Pat Casey noted the difficulty of managing such a dual-sport load at I level, particularly given Poyer's significant role on the football special teams unit, where he returned punts and kicks. These demands ultimately led Poyer to withdraw from the baseball team in early April 2011 to prioritize football ahead of his junior season. Poyer's decision allowed him to focus exclusively on football during his senior year in , when he served as a team captain; meanwhile, the Beavers baseball program achieved its third title in 2013.

Professional career

Philadelphia Eagles

Jordan Poyer was selected by the in the seventh round, 218th overall, of the out of Oregon State, where he had primarily played . The team viewed him as a versatile with strong ball skills and athleticism, though his draft stock had slipped due to injury concerns from college. Following the draft, Poyer signed a four-year contract worth approximately $2.22 million, including a of $60,256. During training camp and the preseason, Poyer competed for a depth role at but showed potential versatility, with the coaching staff considering a transition to to leverage his size and instincts. He made the initial 53-man roster and appeared in three regular-season games (Weeks 1, 2, and 4), primarily contributing on special teams units. In limited defensive snaps, Poyer recorded 3 tackles (2 solo). His rookie adjustment involved navigating the high-tempo practices under new head coach , whose up-tempo offensive style influenced a more aggressive defensive approach. Poyer was waived by the Eagles on October 19, 2013, after being a healthy scratch in Weeks 4 and 5, as the team sought to activate running back Matthew Tucker from the practice squad. He was subsequently claimed off waivers by the .

Cleveland Browns

Poyer joined the after being claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles on October 21, 2013, and was immediately added to the active roster. Following a brief appearance in three games with Philadelphia earlier that season, he provided depth in the secondary during Cleveland's 4-12 campaign under Rob Chudzinski. In 2013, Poyer appeared in 9 games for with 0 starts, recording 18 combined tackles and 0 interceptions. Poyer played all 16 games in 2014 with multiple starts, posting 21 combined tackles and 0 interceptions, while contributing to a Browns secondary that ranked 8th in pass defense yards allowed per game (224.5). The unit showed promise amid the team's 7-9 record, with Poyer often tasked with covering slot receivers and providing run support. During the 2015 season, with coordinator calling plays, Poyer played 14 games (4 starts) and tallied 43 combined tackles and 4 pass deflections, helping stabilize the back end despite Cleveland's 3-13 finish and ongoing roster turnover. Injuries to other defensive backs increased his snaps, where he demonstrated versatility in both man and zone coverages, including 2 interceptions. Poyer's 2016 tenure was cut short by injury; he started the first 6 games under coordinator , recording 39 tackles and 2 pass deflections before suffering a lacerated in Week 6 against the , which landed him on injured reserve. Prior to the injury, his performance suggested continued growth in a rebuilding defense marked by inconsistency. Over four seasons with (2013-2016), Poyer appeared in 45 games with approximately 20 starts, accumulating 121 combined tackles and 2 interceptions while contributing to the secondary's evolution across three coordinators and multiple scheme changes. The Browns released him on , 2017, making him an unrestricted .

Buffalo Bills first stint

Poyer joined the as an unrestricted , signing a four-year contract worth $13 million, including $7.4 million guaranteed, on , 2017. In his debut season, he started all 15 games he played, recording 95 total tackles, five interceptions, and 13 pass deflections, earning recognition as the top overall player on Pro Football Focus's . His performance helped solidify the Bills' secondary and contributed to the team's first playoff appearance since 1999. He became the only player with over 95 tackles, two sacks, and five interceptions in the 2017 season. Poyer re-signed with the Bills on a two-year extension worth $13 million on March 19, 2020, securing his role as a starting free safety alongside Micah Hyde. From 2018 to 2021, he was a consistent starter, averaging over 100 tackles per season and totaling 13 interceptions, with standout years including 124 tackles and 2 interceptions in 2020, and 93 tackles with 5 interceptions in 2021. These efforts were pivotal in the Bills winning four consecutive titles from 2020 to 2023 and making deep playoff runs, including AFC appearances in 2020 and 2021, where the defense ranked among the NFL's top units in points allowed. Poyer's versatility in coverage and run support formed the backbone of Buffalo's secondary, often praised for its intelligence and ball-hawking ability. He earned first-team honors in 2021 for his league-leading coverage metrics and overall defensive impact. In 2022, Poyer earned his first selection after recording 63 tackles and four interceptions in 12 games before a pectoral injury sidelined him for the final four regular-season contests and the playoffs. The following year, he recorded 101 tackles and 0 interceptions, along with his second career sack in 2018. On March 16, 2023, prior to the 2023 season, Poyer signed another two-year extension with the Bills. Over seven seasons (2017–2023), Poyer amassed 692 total tackles and 22 interceptions, becoming an integral leader in one of the NFL's elite defenses. The Bills released him on March 6, 2024, as part of management.

Miami Dolphins

On March 12, 2024, Poyer signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the , reuniting him briefly with former teammate elements in the but marking his first stint outside the Bills organization since 2017. During the 2024 season, Poyer started all 16 games he appeared in at free safety, recording 98 total tackles (51 solo), three pass breakups, and no interceptions or forced fumbles. He adapted to defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver's scheme, which emphasized aggressive coverage and run support, providing veteran leadership to a secondary featuring younger players like and amid ongoing developmental challenges. Poyer's contributions helped anchor the Dolphins' defense, which ranked 10th in the in points allowed (21.4 per game) despite the team's overall struggles. He demonstrated solid coverage skills against opponents, including multiple multi-tackle performances in wins over the and , though he dealt with a minor shin injury that caused him to miss one game in Week 5. Poyer played nearly full snap counts in his starts, logging over 1,000 defensive snaps for the season. Following the Dolphins' 9-8 finish and missing the , Poyer was not re-signed and entered in March 2025.

Buffalo Bills second stint

After being released by the following the 2024 season, Jordan Poyer signed a one-year, $1.255 million as a standard with the on August 27, 2025, marking his return to the team where he had previously spent seven seasons. This deal provided veteran depth at safety amid roster uncertainties, with no guaranteed money or signing bonuses included. Poyer faced challenges from offseason injuries, including lingering knee and shoulder issues highlighted in media appearances where he displayed the physical toll of his 13-year career, such as deformed joints from repeated impacts. These setbacks limited his early participation, leading to an initial placement on the practice squad before his elevation to the active roster on October 28, 2025, following injuries to other defensive backs like . As of November 18, 2025, he had appeared in 5 games with 4 starts, recording 34 combined tackles (13 solo) and 1 pass deflection in a restricted role influenced by the depth chart and ongoing recovery. In addition to his on-field contributions, which included limited snaps on special teams, Poyer embraced a role for younger safeties such as Cole Bishop and Jordan Hancock, drawing on his experience to guide their development within the Bills' defensive scheme. His prior season with the Dolphins facilitated a smoother transition back to Buffalo's system, allowing him to provide immediate value in practice and locker room leadership. He has continued to contribute in Weeks 10 and 11, supporting the Bills' 7-3 record and playoff positioning as of November 18, 2025. On November 3, 2025, Poyer announced his intention to retire after the 2025 season, expressing a desire to conclude his career in Buffalo as an ideal capstone to his tenure with the Bills.

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Jordan Poyer's regular season performance as an spans over a , showcasing his versatility in run defense, pass coverage, and special teams contributions across multiple teams. As of November 17, 2025, his career totals include 953 tackles, 12 sacks, 9 forced s, 7 recoveries, 58 passes defended, and 24 interceptions, reflecting consistent productivity in the secondary. These figures highlight his evolution from a late-round draft pick to a reliable starter, with notable impacts in tackling and turnover creation. The following table provides a year-by-year breakdown of his defensive statistics:
YearTeamGGSCombSoloAstSkIntPDFFFR
2013303210.00000
2013CLE90181800.00000
2014CLE160211560.00010
2015CLE1444328151.02401
2016CLE663929100.00200
2017BUF15159563322.051301
2018BUF161610073272.04611
2019BUF161610771361.02334
2020BUF161612491332.02520
2021BUF16169366273.05900
2022BUF12126344190.04810
2023BUF161610066341.00410
2024MIA16169851470.00300
2025BUF644923260.00100
Career17713795364331012.0245897
Note: Statistics sourced from official NFL records; 2025 totals reflect performance through Week 10 as of November 17, 2025. Comb = combined tackles; G = games played; GS = games started; Sk = sacks; Int = interceptions; PD = passes defended; FF = forced fumbles; FR = fumble recoveries. Poyer's statistical trends demonstrate peak production during his tenure with the Buffalo Bills, where he achieved his highest tackling totals in 2020 with 124 combined tackles, underscoring his role as a foundational piece in the team's defense. His interception highs came in 2017 and 2021, with 5 each, contributing to Buffalo's improved secondary performance during those seasons. Advanced metrics from Pro Football Focus further illustrate his coverage prowess, including a 75.2 coverage grade in 2021 that ranked among the top safeties league-wide, highlighting his ball skills and positioning. Overall, these trends show a player who maintained high-level play into his mid-30s, with increased sack production in recent years adding to his disruptive presence.

Playoffs

Jordan Poyer has appeared in 11 playoff games during his career, all with the from 2017 to 2023, accumulating 64 tackles and 0 interceptions. His postseason contributions highlight his role as a reliable in high-pressure situations, often tasked with covering elite receivers and supporting run defense. In the 2019 Wild Card playoff game against the Houston Texans, Poyer recorded 6 tackles in a 22-19 loss. During the 2020 AFC Divisional round against the , he tallied 3 tackles in a 17-3 win. Poyer also contributed in the 2021 Divisional round versus the , notching 8 tackles in a 42-36 loss. Poyer did not participate in the 2024 playoffs during his stint with the Miami Dolphins, as the team failed to qualify. For the 2025 season with the Bills, playoff participation remains pending. Throughout his playoff appearances, Poyer's role evolved to include increased defensive snaps in critical moments, often exceeding 90% snap participation in deep playoff games to maximize his veteran instincts against dynamic offenses.
DateOpponentResultTacklesInterceptionsPass DeflectionsForced Fumbles
Jan 7, 2018L 3-105000
Jan 4, 2020Houston TexansL 19-22 (OT)6000
Jan 9, 2021W 27-249000
Jan 16, 2021W 17-33000
Jan 24, 2021L 24-388000
Jan 15, 2022W 47-172000
Jan 23, 2022L 36-42 (OT)8000
Jan 15, 2023W 34-313000
Jan 22, 2023L 10-276000
Jan 14, 2024W 31-176000
Jan 21, 2024L 24-278000
Note: Table reflects verified game logs up to 2023; no 2024 or 2025 appearances. Tackles are combined.

Personal life

Family and health

Jordan Poyer married model and entrepreneur Rachel Bush on February 17, 2018, in a ceremony in . The couple met through in 2015 while Bush was attending and Poyer was in his second season with the . They welcomed their daughter, Aliyah, on December 30, 2016. Poyer's family has relocated multiple times in alignment with his NFL career transitions, prioritizing stability and work-life balance. After his early years with the Eagles and Browns in and , the family settled in Buffalo during his first stint with the Bills from 2017 to 2023, where they built a strong community connection. In 2024, they moved to following his signing with the Dolphins, though they maintained a home in ; the family returned to Buffalo in August 2025 when Poyer re-signed with the Bills for his final season. Poyer has emphasized the importance of family support in maintaining balance amid these moves, crediting his wife and daughter for grounding him. Poyer has been open about his struggles with , which began during his college years at Oregon State and intensified in the NFL, nearly derailing his career and family life. He achieved in March 2020 after a pivotal realization about its toll on his health, performance, and relationships, marking over five years sober as of 2025. To support his and recovery, Poyer has incorporated ceremonies, including sessions with family members, which he credits for fostering personal growth and reducing anxiety. These experiences have positively influenced his on-field focus without causing absences, though he undergoes routine medical monitoring for overall athlete health. His journey has also informed brief philanthropic efforts related to addiction awareness.

Philanthropy and media

Jordan Poyer established the Jordan Poyer Foundation on May 17, 2022, with a mission to support individuals struggling with and challenges, drawing from his personal experiences with and recovery. The foundation organizes events such as annual football camps and golf tournaments to raise awareness and funds for related programs, including partnerships with local hospitals and youth organizations. In 2023, Poyer received the Advocacy Award from Mental Health Advocates of for his efforts in promoting awareness through the foundation and . Poyer has been active in community initiatives beyond his foundation, including supporting pediatric cancer awareness via the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats campaign in 2018, where he highlighted Camp Good Days and Special Times. He also backed Columbia Memorial Hospital through custom cleats and donations during the 2022 season, contributing to their expansion projects. In Buffalo, Poyer participated in team-led efforts like the Buffalo PAL's Game Changers program, working with inner-city youth on as part of broader NFL initiatives. In media, Poyer launched "The Jordan Poyer Podcast" in 2022, where he discusses wellness, insights, and personal growth, often featuring guests from the sports and recovery communities. He has made guest appearances on shows like and GMFB, sharing perspectives on team dynamics and career longevity. His on-field performance earned him the No. 57 ranking on the Network's Top 100 Players of 2023, voted by peers. Poyer has engaged in activism, joining Bills teammates in 2020 camp discussions on and , and contributing to NFL Players Association efforts like serving Thanksgiving meals to underserved families in 2021. Following his 2023 season with the Bills, Poyer signed with the in 2024, where he continued community involvement by hosting a youth football camp and golf tournament in his hometown of , to benefit local health and youth programs. In 2025, after rejoining the Bills, Poyer participated in the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference in May, discussing psychedelic healing for and alongside fellow players, and spoke at the Breath of Light wellness event in September to share his recovery story and promote healing initiatives. Poyer indicated plans to retire at season's end, expressing intent to dedicate more time to expanding his foundation's initiatives post-career.

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