Jerome Couplin

Jerome Ellsworth Couplin III (born August 31, 1991) is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the William & Mary Tribe. He went undrafted in the 2014 NFL draft before signing with the Detroit Lions.

Early life Couplin grew up in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He attended Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland and played high school football for the Mustangs. He was a two-year letterwinner as a wide receiver and safety for head coach Bryce Bevill. Couplin registered 685 receiving yards and six touchdowns as a receiver while totaling 67 tackles, two sacks and an interception as a defensive back in 2008. He was named first-team All-WCAC, first-team All-County, first-team All-DCSportsfan, honorable mention Washington Post All-Met and honorable mention All-State accolades at wide receiver. Also was voted a team captain his senior year.

On February 4, 2009, Couplin signed a National Letter of Intent to play college football for the College of William & Mary.

He was also a standout track athlete at Bishop McNamara. He earned All-WCAC honors as a triple jumper. In addition, he was a member of the nationally ranked Bishop McNamara basketball team.

College career Couplin enrolled in the College of William & Mary, where he played for the William & Mary Tribe football team from 2009 to 2013. After redshirting in 2009, he worked his way to becoming a three-year starter at safety for the Tribe. He appeared in 45 games with 31 starts. His career stats at the College consisted of 257 tackles (158 solo), five interceptions, 21 passes defended, five forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 2 touchdowns. He recorded two tackles in the game on defense as a reserve.

Los Angeles Rams On December 19, 2016, Couplin was signed to the Rams' practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Rams on January 3, 2017. On May 3, 2017, he was waived by the Rams.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats The Hamilton Tiger-Cats signed Couplin as a free agent on April 20, 2018. He was released on August 28, 2018.

Orlando Apollos On September 20, 2018, Couplin signed with the Orlando Apollos. The league ceased operations in April 2019. Couplin had 27 tackles and forced a fumble in 8 games.

Los Angeles Wildcats Couplin was selected in the 8th round during phase four in the 2020 XFL draft by the Los Angeles Wildcats. He had his contract terminated when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020.