Rodgers-Cromartie is of Haitian descent.[1][2] He was born with a non-functioning kidney that was removed when he was 8 years old.[3] He attended three high schools, including spending his sophomore year at Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando, Florida, before enrolling at Lakewood Ranch High School in Bradenton, Florida,[4] where he first received playing time; and where he was an All-Area, All-Class 5A, and All-District 11 defensive back and wide receiver. He also competed as a jumper and sprinter on the school's track team. He was named the most underrated prospect in Florida by the High School Recruiting Report.[citation needed]
In 39 starts for the Tigers, opposing quarterbacks completed just 55 of 161 passes (34.16%) thrown near Rodgers-Cromartie. He intercepted 11 of those throws, deflected 25 and held the opposition to a minuscule 3.54 yards per pass attempt, the best of any collegiate defensive back over his three seasons.[citation needed]
Rodgers-Cromartie was also a standout performer for the track team. Juggling football spring drills with the indoor and outdoor track seasons in 2007, he qualified for the NCAA Mid-East Regionals after he captured the Ohio Valley Conference long jump title, with a mark of 7.71 meters.[citation needed] In his second outdoor event, he was named OVC Male Athlete of the Week after finishing third at the Penn Relays with a conference-best long jump of 7.56 meters.[citation needed]
At the OVC Indoor Track Championships, Rodgers-Cromartie was named the top male athlete. He won the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.89 seconds, long jump with a mark of 7.71 meters and high jump with a mark of 2.07 meters and finished second in the triple jump with a mark of 14.83 meters.[citation needed] He performed most of the indoor season while nursing an ankle sprain.[citation needed] He also competed in the 100 meters, posting a career-best time of 10.75 seconds while he was at Lakewood Ranch High School.[8]
Professional career
Rodgers-Cromartie drew relatively little draft interest because his team played generally lackluster teams, and because of weak technique. However, he impressed scouts during Senior Bowl week, performing very well during the arranged practices, and was named defensive MVP for the game.[9][10] A 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL combine was among some of the fastest times in event history.[11]
Rodgers-Cromartie was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round (16th overall) of the 2008 NFL draft.[15] On July 25, 2008, he signed a five-year, $15.1 million contract with the team that included $9 million guaranteed. He wore number 29. Rodgers-Cromartie was named the starting nickelback for the 2008 season, behind starters Roderick Hood and Eric Green. In Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks, he recorded two interceptions off Matt Hasselbeck, the second interception securing a Cardinals 26–20 victory.[16] In Week 14 against the St. Louis Rams, Rodgers-Cromartie returned a late fourth quarter interception 99 yards for a touchdown, ensuring a Cardinals victory and subsequent NFC West title.[17][18] In the Wild Card Round between the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons, Rodgers-Cromartie intercepted a pass from Matt Ryan.[19] In the Divisional Round versus the Carolina Panthers, he intercepted a pass from Jake Delhomme in the red zone during the second quarter.[20] Rodgers-Cromartie helped the Cardinals reach the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history after they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 32–25 in the NFC Championship.[21] In Super Bowl XLIII, Rodgers-Cromartie had five tackles and two passes defended, as the Cardinals lost 27–23 to the Pittsburgh Steelers.[22]
Rodgers-Cromartie recorded 50 tackles (48 solo), 25 passes defended, and six interceptions in the 2009 NFL regular season.[23] In the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, he intercepted Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers on the first play of the game to set up a Cardinals touchdown.[24] He was selected as a reserve to the 2010 Pro Bowl.[25] He did not participate in the game due to an injury sustained in the Divisional Round loss to the New Orleans Saints.[26]
In the 2010 season, he recorded 44 total tackles and three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns.[27]As of 2018[update], his three postseason interceptions remained a Cardinals franchise record shared with Aeneas Williams.[28]
Philadelphia Eagles
On July 28, 2011, Rodgers-Cromartie was traded, along with a second round pick, to the Philadelphia Eagles for quarterback Kevin Kolb.[29] He was assigned #23. He registered zero interceptions in his first season with the Eagles, while playing mostly the nickel. His play stepped up considerably in the last four games of the year.[30]
On August 17, 2012, Rodgers-Cromartie was fined $21,000 for hitting Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich in the head and neck during the preseason.[31]
In the 2012 season, he recorded 51 total tackles and three interceptions.[32]
On March 13, 2013, Rodgers-Cromartie signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Denver Broncos.[33] He was assigned number 45, which he wore at Tennessee State.
In his second game as a member of the Broncos, Rodgers-Cromartie intercepted Eli Manning in the closing seconds of the first half, in a win against the New York Giants.[34] In week 8, Rodgers-Cromartie intercepted Kirk Cousins, and returned it back 75 yards for a touchdown in a 45–21 win against the Washington Redskins.[35] His third interception came against Matt Schaub and the Houston Texans in week 16, in a 37–13 win.[36]
Rodgers-Cromartie finished his only season with the Broncos with 31 tackles and three interceptions.[39]
New York Giants
On March 17, 2014, Rodgers-Cromartie signed a five-year contract with the New York Giants worth $35 million, with $11.98 million guaranteed.[40][41][42]
On September 21, 2014, Rodgers-Cromartie recorded three tackles and an interception against the Houston Texans.[43] He recorded his first interception of the season (20th career), picking off Ryan Fitzpatrick and returning it for 10 yards.[44] On December 7, 2014, Rodgers-Cromartie recorded an interception against the Tennessee Titans by picking off Zach Mettenberger and returning it 36 yards for a touchdown.[45] In the 2014 season, Rodgers-Cromartie had 38 total tackles and two interceptions while also having 12 pass deflections.[46]
On June 9, 2015, Rodgers-Cromartie changed to jersey number 41, giving the #21 to Landon Collins.[47] This was his fifth time changing his number in his career.[47]
On October 25, 2015, Rodgers-Cromartie recorded two tackles, two interceptions, and a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys.[48] He picked off Matt Cassel twice, returning one 58 yards for a touchdown, and the other one for 12 yards.[49][50] On November 1, 2015, Rodgers-Cromartie recorded six tackles and an interception against the New Orleans Saints.[51] He recorded his 24th career interception, picking off Drew Brees and returning it two yards.[52] In Rodgers-Cromartie's second season with the Giants he had a career-high 58 tackles. Rodgers-Cromartie also had two forced fumbles, three interceptions and 13 pass deflections.[53] On January 26, 2016, he was named to his second Pro Bowl, replacing the New England Patriots' Malcolm Butler.[54]
On October 23, 2016, Rodgers-Cromartie recorded four tackles and two interceptions against the Los Angeles Rams.[55] He recorded his 25th and 26th career interceptions, picking off Case Keenum twice, catching both in the endzone for touchbacks.[56][57] He recorded his fifth multi-interception game of his career. On December 18, 2016, Rodgers-Cromartie recorded seven tackles and an interception against the Detroit Lions.[58] He recorded his third interception of the season (27th career), picking off Matthew Stafford in the endzone for a touchback.[59] On December 22, 2016, Rodgers-Cromartie recorded two tackles and an interception against the Philadelphia Eagles.[60] He recorded his fourth interception of the season (28th career), picking off Carson Wentz for no gain.[61] His last interceptions of the season were against Kirk Cousins and the Washington Redskins twice to win the game. He recorded his 30th of his career and sixth of the season.[62] He finished the 2016 season with one sack, 49 total tackles, six interceptions, 21 passes defended, and one forced fumble.[63]
On October 11, 2017, the Giants temporarily suspended Rodgers-Cromartie after he had an unexcused leave from the team's facility. The suspension triggered when Rodgers-Cromartie argued with head coach Ben McAdoo about being pulled from the previous game in Week 5. Later on, it was revealed that Cromartie only left facility after McAdoo told him that he was suspended.[64] The next day, on October 12, the Giants officially announced that Rodgers-Cromartie would be suspended indefinitely.[65][66] He was reinstated from his suspension on October 17.[67][68] In the 2017 season, he had .5 sacks, 48 total tackles, and one pass defended.[69]
During the 2018 offseason, the Giants announced that Rodgers-Cromartie would be moved to safety.[70] On March 11, 2018, he was released by the Giants, saving them $6.5 million in cap space.[71]
Oakland Raiders
On August 23, 2018, Rodgers-Cromartie signed with the Oakland Raiders.[72] On October 30, 2018, Rodgers-Cromartie announced his retirement.[73] He played in seven games and started one in the 2018 season.[74]
Washington Redskins
Rodgers-Cromartie came out of retirement to sign with the Washington Redskins on March 15, 2019.[75] He played in two games and was placed on injured reserve on September 18, 2019, after suffering a torn ligament in his ankle.[76][77]
A7FL
After spending four years away from professional football, Rodgers-Cromartie signed with the Tampa Nightcrawlers of the A7FL in 2023 to play with them for their playoff run.[78] Rodgers-Cromartie became the first major former NFL starter to sign with the league. In his first game with the A7FL, Rodgers-Cromartie contributed 4 tackles in an 84–6 win over the O-Town Orange, leading the Nightcrawlers to the Florida division title.[citation needed]
Brian Patrick Dawkins Sr., nicknamed "Weapon X", is an American former professional football player who was a safety for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football for the Clemson Tigers and was selected by the Eagles in the second round of the 1996 NFL draft. In his last three seasons, he played for the Denver Broncos.
Carlos Cornelius Rogers is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Auburn Tigers, earning consensus All-American honors. Rogers was selected by the Washington Redskins with the ninth overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft. He also played for the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders.
Adrian Lemar Wilson is an American football former safety and executive. Wilson played college football for the NC State Wolfpack and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2001 NFL draft. He also played in the NFL for the New England Patriots and the Chicago Bears, and served as an executive for the Cardinals and Carolina Panthers.
John Terrence Lynch Jr. is an American professional football executive and former safety who is the general manager of the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal and was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1993 NFL draft, later winning Super Bowl XXXVII with them. Lynch also spent four seasons with the Denver Broncos before retiring in 2008 and working as a color commentator for NFL on Fox games until being named general manager of the 49ers in 2017. He made nine Pro Bowls during his career and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
Antonio Cromartie Sr. is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles and was selected in the first round by the San Diego Chargers in the 2006 NFL draft. He was selected to four Pro Bowls and was a first-team All-Pro in 2007 after leading the league in interceptions. He also played for the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts. Cromartie holds the record for the longest scoring play in NFL history after returning a missed field goal 109 yards for a touchdown in 2007. After his playing career, he was a graduate assistant for the Texas A&M Aggies.
Aqib Talib is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Kansas, where he received consensus All-American honors, and was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft. Talib also played for the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Rams, winning Super Bowl 50 with Denver. In 2020, he made his debut as an analyst for NFL on Fox.
Patrick De'mon Peterson Jr. is an American professional football cornerback who is a free agent. He played college football for the LSU Tigers, where he won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the best defensive player in the country, and the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back. He is regarded as one of the greatest cornerbacks of his era.
Janoris Jermain Jenkins, nicknamed "Jackrabbit", is an American professional football cornerback who is a free agent. He played college football for the North Alabama Lions and Florida Gators and was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft. Jenkins had his most success as a member of the New York Giants, who he played 4 seasons with and made a Pro Bowl, and also had stints with the New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers.
Jason Andrew Pierre-Paul is an American professional football linebacker who is a free agent. He played college football for the South Florida Bulls and was selected by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. With the Giants, Pierre-Paul made two Pro Bowls, was first-team All-Pro and won Super Bowl XLVI. With the Buccaneers, Pierre-Paul made his third Pro Bowl and won Super Bowl LV.
Patrick Robinson is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles, and was selected by the Saints in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. Robinson has also played for the San Diego Chargers, Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles.
Prince Kelechi Amukamara is an American former professional football cornerback who played nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Nebraska, and earned unanimous All-American honors. He was selected by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft, and was a member of the Giants' Super Bowl XLVI championship team as a rookie against his hometown team, the New England Patriots. Amukamara was also a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints.
Richard Kevin Sherman is an American former professional football cornerback who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Sherman played college football for the Stanford Cardinal, beginning his career as a wide receiver before moving to cornerback as a junior. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL draft. He was selected to the Pro Bowl five times and voted All-Pro five times, including three times to the first team, and led the NFL in interceptions in 2013, when he also helped the Seahawks win their first Super Bowl. Sherman is regarded as one of the greatest cornerbacks of all time.
Christopher Harris Jr. is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback for 12 seasons in the National Football League, primarily with the Denver Broncos. He played college football for the Kansas Jayhawks and was signed by the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2011.
Harrison Smith is an American professional football safety for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and was selected by the Vikings in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft with the 29th overall pick.
Justin Andrew Bethel is an American professional football cornerback and special teamer who is currently a free agent. He played college football for the Presbyterian Blue Hose and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL draft.
Khalil Delshon Mack is an American professional football linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Buffalo Bulls and was selected by the Oakland Raiders with the fifth overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft.
DeMarcus Lawrence is an American professional football defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft. He played college football for the Butler Community College Grizzlies and Boise State Broncos.
Eli Apple is an American professional football cornerback for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he was a part of the team that won the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship, and was selected by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft. He has also played for the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Miami Dolphins.
Eddie Jackson is an American professional football safety for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the fourth round, 112th overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2017 NFL draft. He played college football at Alabama.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
