Derwin James, a football safety, was born on March 27, 1996, in Beaverton, Oregon. He played high school football in Orlando, FL, and became a top-rated defensive player. After college at Florida State University, he joined the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2018 NFL Draft.
James is known for his outstanding performance and has been nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award while playing for the Chargers.
With a net worth of $10 million, Derwin James inked a four-year, $12.39 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2018. In 2022, he secured a substantial four-year contract extension worth $76.5 million, establishing him as the NFL's highest-paid safety.
This extension notably encompasses a noteworthy $20.532 million signing bonus and $42 million in guaranteed earnings. Under this extension, his average annual salary stands at an impressive $19,133,000.
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Derwin James enjoyed an impressive high school journey, showcasing his skills as a multi-sport star at Haines City High School in Florida. Renowned for his excellence in football, he earned recognition as a top defensive back nationally and achieved a five-star recruit status.
James' stellar high school performance paved the way for his commitment to Florida State University in 2012, where he played college football as a safety for the Seminoles.
Throughout his collegiate career, he maintained his status as a consensus top defensive back and a five-star recruit. James' college achievements featured notable stats, including 91 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four passes defended, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 12 games.
Despite facing a setback with a knee injury requiring surgery in his sophomore year, he displayed resilience, and perseverance and continued to deliver a high level of play.
Derwin James' NFL journey took a remarkable turn when the Los Angeles Chargers selected him as the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. This marked the beginning of a promising career for the talented safety, who quickly validated the Chargers' choice with his stellar on-field performance.
In 2018, James signed a four-year contract with the Chargers, securing a deal worth $12.39 million. This initial contract not only reflected the team's confidence in his abilities but also set the stage for James to establish himself as a formidable force in the NFL.
Recognizing James' outstanding contributions and the impact he had on the team's defense, the Chargers took a significant step in 2022 by offering him a lucrative four-year contract extension. Valued at an impressive $76.5 million, this extension catapulted James to the position of the highest-paid safety in the entire NFL.
The inclusion of a substantial $20.532 million signing bonus and $42 million in guaranteed earnings highlighted the team's acknowledgment of James' pivotal role and further solidified his standing as a cornerstone player for the Chargers.
With an average annual salary of $19,133,000, the extension not only secured James' future with the team but also underscored his significance in the Chargers' pursuit of success in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
Derwin James has had a lot of injuries during his career. Some of the injuries include a tear in his left knee, a break in the bone of his right foot, a knee problem on his right leg, a strained muscle in his leg, a thigh injury, a hit to the head, and a hurt ankle.
These injuries sometimes make it hard for him to play in games and affect how well he can perform on the field.
As of the 2023-2024 period, there is uncertainty surrounding Derwin James' relationship status, with conflicting information from various sources. According to some reports, he is said to be in a relationship with Kiah Jae, with whom he is rumored to share a child.
However, contrasting accounts exist, asserting that Derwin James is currently not dating anyone. The conflicting information adds an element of ambiguity to his personal life.
Moreover, reports are suggesting that Derwin James was previously in a relationship with Ashley Dudley. The details of this past relationship, however, remain undisclosed, leaving room for speculation and curiosity among followers of James' personal life.
The conflicting reports and the evolving nature of celebrity relationships contribute to an air of mystery surrounding Derwin James' current romantic involvement, making it a subject of interest and speculation for fans and the public alike.
Derwin James helps others through charity work. He created The Safety Corner Foundation, a nonprofit that wants to make a positive impact in Los Angeles. The foundation's first project works with The Athletes' Corner to give meals to food banks in LA.
For every interception, sack, fumble, or recovery that the Chargers' defense makes, they provide meals as part of this season-long initiative. Derwin James also teams up with the Los Angeles Chargers Impact Fund to bring attention to different causes, like giving baby formula to people who need it.
These actions show how dedicated he is to helping the community.
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