JuJu Hughes facts for kids
![]() Hughes with Fresno State in 2019
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No. 21 – Birmingham Stallions | |||||
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Position: | Safety | ||||
Personal information | |||||
Born: | Hanford, California, U.S. |
July 19, 1998 ||||
Height: | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | ||||
Weight: | 191 lb (87 kg) | ||||
Career information | |||||
High school: | Hanford | ||||
College: | Fresno State | ||||
Undrafted: | 2020 | ||||
Career history | |||||
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Roster status: | Active | ||||
Career highlights and awards | |||||
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Career NFL statistics as of 2023 | |||||
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Player stats at PFR |
Juwuane "JuJu" Hughes is an American football player born on July 19, 1998. He plays as a safety for the Birmingham Stallions in the United Football League (UFL). JuJu also played college football for Fresno State.
Contents
JuJu Hughes: From High School to Pro Football
Early Life and High School Years
JuJu Hughes was born in Lemoore, California, and grew up in Hanford, California. He went to Hanford High School. There, he was a talented athlete, playing both basketball and football.
In football, JuJu played as a defensive back, wide receiver, and returner. During his senior year, he broke his arm and missed the first six games. Even so, he still managed to catch eight passes for 175 yards, including a long 77-yard touchdown. After high school, JuJu decided to play college football at Fresno State.
College Football Journey at Fresno State
JuJu Hughes played for the Fresno State Bulldogs for four seasons. He was a very important player for the team. In his junior year, he was recognized as one of the best players in the Mountain West Conference. He made 78 tackles and defended eight passes. He also led the conference with four interceptions, which means he caught the ball when the other team threw it.
In his senior year, JuJu continued to play well. He made 80 tackles and defended seven passes. By the end of his college career, he had played in 52 games. He made a total of 247 tackles, defended 28 passes, and scored seven touchdowns.
Playing Professionally: JuJu's NFL and UFL Career
After college, JuJu Hughes started his professional football career.
Los Angeles Rams
In 2020, the Los Angeles Rams signed JuJu as an undrafted free agent. This means he wasn't chosen in the main draft but was still picked up by a team. He first joined their practice squad. Soon after, he was moved to the active roster and played his first NFL game on October 4, 2020, against the New York Giants. He stayed with the Rams until January 2022.
Detroit Lions
In January 2022, JuJu was claimed by the Detroit Lions. He played in seven games for them before being released in November 2022.
Arizona Cardinals
Later in November 2022, the Arizona Cardinals signed JuJu to their practice squad. He signed a new contract with them in January 2023. However, he was released by the Cardinals in August 2023 before the start of the 2023 season.
Birmingham Stallions
In April 2024, JuJu Hughes signed with the Birmingham Stallions in the United Football League (UFL). He was released briefly but then re-signed with the team in August 2024.