Dillon Gordon facts for kids

Dillon Gordon (born September 2, 1993) is a former American football player. He played as an offensive tackle. Dillon played college football for LSU. After college, he was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016.

Dillon Gordon's College Football Journey

Dillon Gordon began playing football at LSU in 2012. As a freshman, he played in 13 games. He helped block for his team's offense. He also played on special teams.

The next year, as a sophomore, he started 12 games. He played in all 13 games that season. He was a tight end and caught six passes for 88 yards. In 2014, he started all 13 regular season games. He was mainly used as a blocking tight end. He helped clear the way for star player Leonard Fournette.

Dillon started as a tight end for his third year in a row. However, he injured his Achilles tendon in Week 3. He tried to return in Week 7. But he injured his Achilles again, which ended his season. He asked the NCAA for permission to play a fifth year. But his request was not approved.

Dillon Gordon's Professional Career

Before the NFL Draft

Dillon Gordon was not invited to the NFL combine. This is where college players show their skills to professional teams. He also could not participate in LSU's Pro Day. This was because of his Achilles injury. Many people thought he would not be drafted. This is common for blocking tight ends from college teams that focus on running the ball.

Dillon first planned to play another year at LSU. But after the NCAA said no, he decided to enter the NFL draft. He had only a few days to get ready. He quickly held a workout for NFL scouts and team representatives.

Playing for the Philadelphia Eagles

Dillon Gordon was not chosen in the 2016 NFL draft. But the Philadelphia Eagles signed him right after the draft. He started his career with the Eagles as a tight end. His jersey number was 83.

After team practices and training camp, the Eagles changed his position. They moved him from tight end to offensive guard. His jersey number also changed to 69. On September 3, 2016, the Eagles announced that Dillon made their main roster. He was listed as an offensive tackle. He showed he could play many different roles during the preseason. He played fullback, tight end, offensive tackle, and guard.

While with the Eagles, he learned from his teammate Jason Peters. Peters is an All-Pro player. Dillon and Jason had similar paths. Both were blocking tight ends in college. Both were not drafted. And both later became offensive tackles in the NFL.

On September 2, 2017, the Eagles released Dillon. He was then signed to their practice squad the next day. He was released by the Eagles again on December 8, 2017.

Time with the Kansas City Chiefs

On December 12, 2017, Dillon Gordon joined the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad. He signed a contract with the Chiefs on January 10, 2018. This contract was for the future season.

During the first preseason game of 2018, Dillon hurt his shoulder. This injury kept him out for the entire season. He was placed on injured reserve on August 11, 2018. The Chiefs released him on March 25, 2019.

Joining the Carolina Panthers

On March 26, 2019, the Carolina Panthers claimed Dillon Gordon. This means they picked him up after he was released by the Chiefs. He was placed on injured reserve again on August 10, 2019. This was also due to a shoulder injury.

Dillon Gordon's Personal Life

Dillon Gordon was raised by his parents, Rita and Bernard Jarrow. He has family members who also played in the NFL. His cousin, Tyson Jackson, was a defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons. Another cousin, Quinn Johnson, was a fullback. Quinn played in the NFL for six years. He played for the Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Titans. On March 30, 2019, Dillon Gordon married his longtime girlfriend, Mariah Davis.