Jerrell Freeman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jerrell Freeman

Freeman with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2010
No. 50
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1986-05-01) May 1, 1986 (age 39) Waco, Texas, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:	236 lb (107 kg)
Career information
High school:	Waco (TX) University
College:	Mary Hardin-Baylor
Undrafted:	2008
Career history
Tennessee Titans (2008)* Saskatchewan Roughriders (2009–2011) Indianapolis Colts (2012–2015) Chicago Bears (2016–2017)
Career highlights and awards
D3Football.com Defensive Player of the Year (2007) CFL All-Star (2011) CFL West All-Star (2011)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 597 Sacks: 12.0 Interceptions: 4 Forced fumbles: 8 Fumble recoveries: 3 Defensive touchdowns: 2
Career CFL statistics
Total tackles: 144 Sacks: 13 Interceptions: 3
Player stats at PFR
Player stats at CFL.ca (archive)

Jerrell Alexander Freeman, born on May 1, 1986, is a former American football player. He was a linebacker who played in both the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for the Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders. Even though he wasn't picked in the NFL draft, the Tennessee Titans signed him in 2008. Later, he played for three seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the CFL. In 2011, he was the top tackler in that league. In 2012, he joined the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL. He also played for the Chicago Bears.

Playing Football in College

Jerrell Freeman played college football for four years. He was a Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusader, coached by Pete Fredenburg. He was named an All-American twice by D3football.com. In 2007, he was even named their Defensive Player of the Year. When he finished college, he had made more tackles than anyone else in his school's history. In his last year, he made 59 tackles. He also stopped opponents for a loss 18 times and sacked the quarterback six times.

Jerrell Freeman's Professional Career

Starting with the Tennessee Titans

Jerrell Freeman was not chosen in the 2008 NFL draft. However, the Tennessee Titans signed him right after the draft ended. This made him the first player from Mary Hardin-Baylor to reach the NFL. The Titans later released Freeman before the 2008 NFL season began.

Playing in the CFL: Saskatchewan Roughriders

In March 2009, Freeman signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the CFL. During the 2009 CFL season, Freeman mostly played on special teams. He made 25 special teams tackles, which was the most on his team. He was even nominated as the team's best new player.

In his second year with the Riders, Freeman played more as a regular linebacker. He started one game in the regular season. He also started two playoff games and the Grey Cup. Jerrell Freeman was named the CFL Defensive Player of the Week in Week 7. This was after he made three sacks against the BC Lions. He finished that season leading his team with seven sacks.

The 2011 season was a very successful year for Freeman. He led the entire CFL in tackles with 106. Freeman earned the CFL Defensive Player of the Week award in Week 10. He also won the CFL Defensive Player of the Month for September.

Time with the Indianapolis Colts

In January 2012, Freeman signed with the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL. In his first game against the Chicago Bears, Freeman caught an interception from Jay Cutler. He then ran it back for a touchdown in the first quarter.

Freeman had an amazing first season with the Colts. He finished with 145 tackles, which was the fifth highest in the league. He also had two sacks. Freeman won the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award on December 22, 2013. This was for his great play in a 23–7 win against the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, he made seven tackles, one sack, and forced a fumble. He also had one interception and defended three passes.

In the 2013 season, he made 5.5 sacks and 126 total tackles. He also had two interceptions, six passes defended, and six forced fumbles. In 2014, he played in 12 games. He recorded 95 tackles, six pass deflections, and one forced fumble. On March 5, 2015, the Colts offered Freeman a new contract, which he signed on April 27. In Week 17 of the 2015 season, Freeman returned an interception 23 yards for a touchdown. This helped the Colts win 30–24 against the Tennessee Titans. In the 2015 season, he finished with three sacks and 112 total tackles. He also had one interception, two passes defended, and one fumble recovery.

Playing for the Chicago Bears

On March 12, 2016, Freeman signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Bears. He played in 12 games during the 2016 season. He finished with 110 total tackles and five passes defended.

On September 12, 2017, Freeman was placed on injured reserve. This happened after he hurt his chest and got a concussion in Week 1. This was during a game against the Atlanta Falcons.

On May 2, 2018, Freeman announced he was retiring from the NFL.

Career Statistics

Regular Season Stats

Postseason Stats