Matthew Judon
A relentless NFL linebacker who rose from a small college to become a sack specialist, known for his distinctive red sleeves and disruptive energy.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American football player·Birthday: August 15·Millennials
Biography
Matthew Judon's path to the NFL is a classic underdog story. Playing at Division II Grand Valley State, he wasn't on the radar of most pro scouts, but he dominated his competition so utterly that he couldn't be ignored. He set a Division II record for sacks, a feat that screamed of untapped potential. The Baltimore Ravens took a chance on him in the fifth round of the 2016 draft, and Judon repaid them with compound interest. He quickly evolved from a special teams contributor into a defensive cornerstone, using a powerful blend of strength and motor to harass quarterbacks. His signature red sleeves became a familiar sight in opposing backfields. After earning a Pro Bowl nod with the Ravens, he secured a major free-agent contract with the New England Patriots, where he immediately became their premier pass rusher. Judon's career is a blueprint for how relentless effort and production, no matter the level of college play, can forge a lasting and impactful NFL career.
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.
Matthew was born in 1992, 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 Matthew Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Matthew's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Set the NCAA Division II single-season record for sacks with 21.0 while at Grand Valley State University.
- Earned Pro Bowl selections multiple times, including during his tenure with the New England Patriots.
- Recorded double-digit sack seasons in the NFL with both the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots.
- Was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, vastly outperforming his draft position.
Did You Know?
He is famous for wearing long red sleeves during games, a look that has become his trademark.
Judon was a communications major in college.
He played basketball in high school and didn't start playing football until his junior year.
After leaving the Ravens, he signed a four-year, $56 million contract with the New England Patriots in 2021.
“They said I was too small, too slow. I just kept getting to the quarterback.”
