Nick Whiteside

Nick Whiteside II (born May 1, 2000) is an American professional football cornerback. He played college football for the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals and signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2023.

Early life Whiteside was born on May 1, 2000, in Auburn Hills, Michigan. He attended Avondale High School in Auburn Hills and played three sports: football, basketball and track. He won the OAA Scholar Athlete Award and was chosen to his football conference's all-league team. Whiteside suffered a torn Achilles tendon at the end of the 2021 season but returned in time for 2022 and appeared in 10 games, recording 30 tackles and two interceptions while repeating as an All-American. However, he suffered a broken foot prior to the final game of the season.

Professional career

Washington Commanders Whiteside was signed by the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2023. He was released at the final roster cuts and then re-signed to the practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster for the team's Week 17 game against the San Francisco 49ers and made his NFL debut in the 27–10 loss. He was signed to the active roster on January 5, 2024, and was released on August 27.

St. Louis Battlehawks On December 3, 2024, Whiteside signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL).

Detroit Lions On July 28, 2025, Whiteside signed with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He was waived on August 26 as part of final roster cuts. On October 1, Whiteside was re-signed to the practice squad. He was signed to the active roster on October 11. Whiteside was released again on November 25 and was re-signed to the practice squad two days later. On December 4, Whiteside was signed to the active roster. In nine total appearances for Detroit, he recorded three pass deflections and five combined tackles.

On January 5, 2026, the Lions signed Whiteside to a one-year contract extension. On August 30, he was waived as part of final roster cuts. But was added back to the practice squad on September 1st.