Jo-Lonn Dunbar
An undrafted linebacker who fought his way into an eight-year NFL career, becoming a key defensive piece for the Saints and Rams.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American football player·Birthday: March 31·Millennials
Biography
Jo-Lonn Dunbar's football narrative is a classic underdog tale. Despite a standout career at Boston College, he heard no call during the 2008 NFL Draft. Undeterred, he signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints, a decision that would define his professional life. His toughness and special teams tenacity earned him a roster spot, and he eventually worked his way into the starting lineup. Dunbar's peak came as a Saint, where he was part of the Super Bowl XLIV-winning team in the 2009 season. He later found a significant role with the St. Louis Rams, starting for two seasons and recording a career-high 115 tackles in 2012. Dunbar's career stands as a testament to the value of perseverance and defensive intelligence for players overlooked on draft day.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jo-Lonn was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jo-Lonn Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Jo-Lonn's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won Super Bowl XLIV as a member of the New Orleans Saints following the 2009 season.
- Recorded a career-high 115 combined tackles for the St. Louis Rams in the 2012 season.
- Started 45 games over eight NFL seasons after entering the league as an undrafted free agent.
Did You Know?
He was a team captain during his senior year at Boston College.
Dunbar was suspended for the first four games of the 2014 season for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
He majored in communications while at Boston College.
“I made my name on special teams; that's where games are won.”
