Former Oklahoma Sooners defender turned NFL journeyman finally gets what he deserves after putting in so much work
Just because you play Division One football, or even SEC football, does not mean you will get drafted and have a fairytale career in the NFL. Just ask former Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle, Jalen Redmond. He was great in college, he played his role perfectly, and never complained or really had any off-the-field issues. In […]
Just because you play Division One football, or even SEC football, does not mean you will get drafted and have a fairytale career in the NFL. Just ask former Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle, Jalen Redmond. He was great in college, he played his role perfectly, and never complained or really had any off-the-field issues.
In fact, he had a pretty good NFL Draft Combine, too. But, teams just didn't really see anything in him, and he went undrafted and eventually entered the UFL, which is the USFL and XFL football leagues combined to make one league now. It's often now looked at as a developmental league for the NFL, like the minor leagues in baseball.
Jalen Redmond was a prominent defensive lineman for the Oklahoma Sooners, renowned for his impactful plays despite a career hampered by injuries. Talent was never the issue.
Redmond's career at Oklahoma
During his tenure at Oklahoma, Redmond appeared in 36 games, compiling 71 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks. His first year was severely limited to three games because of a blood clot issue, but in 2019, he returned strong, starting four games and leading the team with 6.5 sacks, showing his prowess in breaking through offensive lines. Health concerns, particularly with his blood clots, led him to sit out the 2020 season, compounded by the complexities of the COVID-19 situation.
In 2021, Redmond made a comeback, participating in eight games and starting in seven, where he recorded 19 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Even though he missed several games due to injury, his impact was clear, especially in a game against Iowa State where he scored a touchdown off a 42-yard fumble return, earning him Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week.
By his last season in 2022, he played in 12 games, starting eight, and added 23 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and four sacks before choosing to skip the Cheez-It Bowl to focus on the NFL Draft.
In the UFL, he became a star player. A ton of teams wanted him on their practice squad in the NFL, but only one gave him a big enough chance to show that he could do something. The Minnesota Vikings let him show what he could do last season, and he showed out.
In 105 total pass rush snaps this last year, he finished with four pressures and a sack, which is pretty good for a guy they practically picked up off the street. Now Redmond is being rewarded for all of his hard work. Earlier this week, the Vikings gave him a new deal, something he more than deserves.
Former Oklahoma Sooners special teams player finds a new home through the transfer portal and a place where he can shine
The Sooners got their guy, too.
