Justin Durant
A durable and cerebral linebacker who carved out a decade-long NFL career through relentless preparation and adaptability across four different teams.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American football player·Birthday: September 21·Millennials
Biography
Justin Durant was drafted in the second round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2007, emerging from Hampton University, a historically Black college not known as an NFL pipeline. Born in 1985, he was a reliable, hard-nosed tackler who understood defensive schemes. His versatility—playing inside or outside linebacker and calling defensive plays—allowed him to navigate a nomadic career. He contributed to the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, and Atlanta Falcons over ten years. Durant never became a perennial All-Pro, but his preparation and steady presence made everyone around him better. His career earned longevity through smarts and grit, not just physical gifts.
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.
Justin 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 Justin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Justin'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
- He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round (48th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft.
- He recorded a career-high 103 combined tackles during the 2011 season with the Detroit Lions.
- He started 14 games for the Dallas Cowboys in 2014, helping anchor their defense.
- He played in 119 NFL games over ten seasons, a testament to his durability.
Did You Know?
He was a three-sport star in high school, also playing basketball and running track.
His brother, Daren Stone, also played in the NFL as a defensive back.
He majored in Business Management at Hampton University.
After retirement, he has been involved in coaching and youth football development.
“I studied the game so I could be where the ball is going, not where it's been.”
