Career Timeline of Devon Witherspoon: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 21, 2025

Discover the career path of Devon Witherspoon, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Devon Witherspoon is a professional American football cornerback currently playing for the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL. He was drafted fifth overall by the Seahawks in 2023. Prior to his NFL career, Witherspoon played college football at the University of Illinois for the Fighting Illini. His performance in college earned him recognition as the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year in 2022.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2018: Part of Illinois secondary

From 2018 to 2020, Devon Witherspoon was one of five defensive backs drafted from the same Illinois secondary.

2018: Pensacola News Journal Defensive Player of the Year

In 2018, as a senior, Devon Witherspoon was named the Pensacola News Journal Defensive Player of the Year after recording 74 tackles, seven interceptions and two touchdowns.

2019: Started on defense for the Illinois Fighting Illini

In 2019, Devon Witherspoon was the only true freshman to start on defense for the Illinois Fighting Illini. He played in every game, making 33 tackles.

2020: Part of Illinois secondary

From 2018 to 2020, Devon Witherspoon was one of five defensive backs drafted from the same Illinois secondary.

2020: Recorded 33 tackles and two interceptions

In 2020, Devon Witherspoon recorded 33 tackles and two interceptions as a sophomore.

2021: Played and started 10 games

In 2021, Devon Witherspoon played and started 10 games, finishing with 52 tackles and one sack.

2021: Nate Hobbs Drafted

In 2021, Nate Hobbs was drafted from the same Illinois secondary.

2022: Big Ten Conference leader in passes defended

In 2022, Devon Witherspoon returned to Illinois as the Big Ten Conference leader in passes defended.

2022: Awards and Honors

In 2022, Devon Witherspoon was named one of twelve finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, selected as the Tatum–Woodson Defensive Back of the Year, and named a consensus All-American.

2022: Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year

In 2022, Devon Witherspoon was named the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year for his performance with the Illinois Fighting Illini.

2022: Kerby Joseph Drafted

In 2022, Kerby Joseph was drafted from the same Illinois secondary.

July 28, 2023: Signed with the Seattle Seahawks

On July 28, 2023, Devon Witherspoon signed a four-year, $31.86 million rookie contract with the Seattle Seahawks, including a $20.17 million signing bonus.

September 17, 2023: NFL Debut

On September 17, 2023, Devon Witherspoon made his professional regular season debut and earned his first career start, recording five combined tackles and broke up one pass in a victory against the Detroit Lions.

October 2, 2023: First Career Touchdown

On October 2, 2023, Devon Witherspoon made seven combined tackles, a pass deflection, set a career-high with two sacks, and returned his first career interception for his first career touchdown. He intercepted a pass by Daniel Jones to wide receiver Parris Campbell and returned it 97-yards for a touchdown.

2023: Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks

In 2023, Devon Witherspoon was selected fifth overall by the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL draft.

2023: NFL Draft Selection

In 2023, Devon Witherspoon was selected fifth overall by the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL draft.

January 31, 2024: Mike Macdonald hired as head coach

On January 31, 2024, the Seattle Seahawks announced the hiring of Baltimore Ravens' defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as their head coach.

December 26, 2024: Recorded sack on Caleb Williams

On December 26, 2024, Devon Witherspoon recorded six solo tackles and had his lone sack of the season on Caleb Williams during a 6–3 win at the Chicago Bears.