Derion Kendrick

Derion Rayshawn Kendrick (born August 24, 2000) is an American professional football cornerback. He played college football for the Clemson Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs. Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams, he spent most of his first four seasons with the club, and also played for the Seattle Seahawks.

Early life Kendrick attended South Pointe High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He played quarterback and wide receiver in high school. As a senior, he was the South Carolina Gatorade Football Player of the Year after passing for 2,683 yards and 30 touchdowns and rushing for 1,194 yards and 20 touchdowns. Kendrick played in the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Game and was a finalist for the U. S. Army Player of the Year Award. He committed to Clemson University to play college football.

College career Kendrick started his Clemson career in 2018 as a wide receiver. As a true freshman that season, he played in 15 games, recording 15 receptions for 210 yards. Prior to his sophomore season in 2019, he transitioned into a cornerback on an emergency basis, but after impressing coaches, he moved to the position full-time and earned a starting job. In 15 starts he had 43 tackles, two interceptions and a touchdown.

In February 2021, Kendrick was dismissed from the Clemson University football team. This came after a history of disciplinary problems. In June, he announced he was transferring to Georgia.

Professional career

Los Angeles Rams Kendrick was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round, 212th overall, of the 2022 NFL draft. In his rookie season, he appeared in 15 games, of which he started six. He had 43 total tackles (36 solo) and four passes defended.

On July 25, 2024, head coach Sean McVay announced that Kendrick had suffered a torn ACL in practice, ending his season.

On June 13, 2025, Kendrick was waived by the Rams and was re-signed four days later. He was waived on August 26 as part of final roster cuts.

Seattle Seahawks On August 27, 2025, Kendrick was claimed off of waivers by the Seattle Seahawks. He played in 10 games, recording 5 passes defensed, 2 interceptions, 4 solo tackles and 3 assisted tackles. He was released by the Seahawks on November 25.

Los Angeles Rams (second stint) On November 26, 2025, Kendrick was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams. He played in five total games for Los Angeles, recording three tackles.

Dallas Cowboys On March 24, 2026, Kendrick signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys. On August 30, he was released by the Cowboys as part of final roster cuts.

NFL career statistics Legend Bold Career high

Regular season Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD FF Fum FR Yds TD 2022 LAR 15 6 43 36 7 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 2023 LAR 17 12 49 41 8 0.0 3 1 0 0.0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 2025 SEA 10 0 7 4 3 0.0 1 2 0 0.0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 LAR 5 0 3 3 0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Career 47 18 102 84 18 0.0 4 3 0 0.0 0 0 19 0 0 0 0 0

Postseason Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD FF Fum FR Yds TD 2023 LAR 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Career 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Legal troubles On October 16, 2023, Kendrick was arrested in Hollywood, California for illegal possession of a concealed weapon. Police also found marijuana in Kendrick's vehicle. The charges were dismissed on June 4, 2024.