Xavier Rhodes
A shutdown cornerback whose physical style and three Pro Bowl seasons defined an era of stifling defense for the Minnesota Vikings.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American football player·Birthday: June 19·Millennials
Biography
Xavier Rhodes emerged from Florida State University, where his blend of size and speed made him a first-round pick in 2013. In Minnesota, he quickly became the linchpin of a formidable secondary, a player tasked with shadowing the league's most dangerous receivers each week. His peak season in 2017 was a masterclass in cornerback play, earning him First-Team All-Pro honors as he routinely neutralized offensive threats. While later seasons saw him move between teams, his time with the Vikings cemented his reputation as one of the most intimidating and effective defensive backs of his generation, a key reason the team's defense was consistently among the NFL's best.
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.
Xavier was born in 1990, 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 Xavier Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Xavier's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
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
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
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
2006Could drive
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
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected in the first round (25th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
- Named a First-Team All-Pro in 2017 after a dominant season as a shutdown corner.
- Earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2016 to 2018.
- Recorded 10 interceptions and 73 passes defended over his seven seasons with the Vikings.
Did You Know?
He was a standout track athlete in high school, competing in the 100-meter dash and long jump.
Rhodes wore jersey number 29 in college but switched to 29 in the NFL after initially being assigned 27.
He played in the 2013 BCS National Championship game with Florida State, a loss to Auburn.
“My assignment is simple: take their best receiver out of the game.”
