Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Derwin James

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 6, 2025

How Derwin James built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Derwin James Jr. is a professional football safety for the Los Angeles Chargers. He played college football at Florida State University. James was drafted by the Chargers in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He is known for his versatility and impact on the defensive side of the ball.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Freshman Season at Florida State

In 2015, during his true freshman season at Florida State, Derwin James played in 12 games and recorded 91 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four passes defended, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

December 5, 2017: Announcement to Enter NFL Draft

On December 5, 2017, Derwin James announced via his Instagram account his decision to enter the 2018 NFL Draft and skip the 2017 Independence Bowl.

December 7, 2017: Decision to Enter 2018 NFL Draft

On December 7, 2017, Derwin James decided to forgo his remaining two years of college eligibility and enter the 2018 NFL draft.

March 20, 2018: Florida State Pro Day Participation

On March 20, 2018, Derwin James participated in Florida State's pro day, focusing on the short shuttle, three-cone drill, and positional drills, while standing on his combine numbers.

June 1, 2018: Signed Contract with Chargers

On June 1, 2018, Derwin James signed a four-year, $12.38 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, including a $7.09 million signing bonus.

September 9, 2018: NFL Regular Season Debut

On September 9, 2018, Derwin James made his professional regular season debut for the Los Angeles Chargers against the Kansas City Chiefs, recording three combined tackles, two passes defensed, and his first career sack on Patrick Mahomes.

September 23, 2018: First Career Interception

On September 23, 2018, Derwin James recorded his first career interception against the Los Angeles Rams, picking off a pass from Jared Goff intended for Gerald Everett.

December 2, 2018: Interception Against the Steelers

On December 2, 2018, Derwin James intercepted a pass thrown by Ben Roethlisberger to Vance McDonald during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2018: NFL Scouting Combine

In 2018, Derwin James attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where he impressed scouts with his performance in the bench press, 40-yard dash, broad jump, and vertical jump.

2018: Entering the NFL Draft

In 2018, Derwin James declared for the NFL Draft after his redshirt sophomore season.

2018: Drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers

In 2018, Derwin James was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the first round (17th overall) of the NFL draft.

November 25, 2019: Designated for Return

On November 25, 2019, Derwin James was officially designated for return from injured reserve and began participating in team practices.

November 30, 2019: Activation to Active Roster

On November 30, 2019, the Los Angeles Chargers placed Derwin James on their active roster.

December 1, 2019: Regular Season Debut After Injury

On December 1, 2019, Derwin James made his regular season debut after recovering from injury, recording four combined tackles during a loss to the Denver Broncos.

April 30, 2021: Fifth-Year Option Exercised

On April 30, 2021, the Los Angeles Chargers exercised the fifth-year option on Derwin James' rookie contract, guaranteeing him a salary of $9.05 million for the 2022 NFL season.

August 17, 2022: Signed New Contract

On August 17, 2022, Derwin James signed a four-year, $76.53 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history.

November 27, 2022: Intercepted a Pass Against the Arizona Cardinals

On November 27, 2022, Derwin James recorded eight combined tackles, forced a fumble, broke up a pass, and intercepted a pass thrown by Kyler Murray to DeAndre Hopkins during a game against the Arizona Cardinals.

2022: Guaranteed Salary

In 2022, Derwin James was guaranteed a salary of $9.05 million due to the Los Angeles Chargers exercising the fifth-year option on his rookie contract.

October 29, 2023: Interception against the Chicago Bears

On October 29, 2023, Derwin James recorded five combined tackles, one pass deflection, and had an interception against the Chicago Bears, picking off a pass thrown by Tyson Bagent.

December 1, 2024: Interception Against the Atlanta Falcons

On December 1, 2024, Derwin James tied his season-high of ten combined tackles, had one pass deflection, and made his only interception of the season off a pass thrown by Kirk Cousins in a win against the Atlanta Falcons.