Once a highly anticipated NFL prospect, Dion Jordan, the third overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, candidly discussed his career trajectory and the factors that contributed to it not reaching its full potential.
Jordan's professional journey began with high expectations, but his time with the Dolphins yielded only three sacks in 26 games. A 2015 suspension due to violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy further hampered his progress. While he experienced a brief resurgence with the Seattle Seahawks in 2017, recording four sacks in five games, he was unable to solidify a starting role. Subsequent stints with the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers followed before his departure from the league after the 2020 season.
In a recent appearance on "The Fish Tank" podcast, the 34-year-old Jordan openly addressed his past struggles. He admitted that his life outside of football lacked balance, hindering his ability to perform on the field. He acknowledged difficulties grasping the playbook and the detrimental effects of partying and neglecting his rehabilitation. Jordan emphasized his personal responsibility for his career's trajectory, stating, "I didn’t have my life in order."
Now serving as an assistant coach at Eureka College in Illinois, Jordan aims to impart valuable lessons to the next generation of athletes. Over his NFL career, he accumulated 13.5 sacks and 108 total tackles in 63 games.
