History of Devon Witherspoon in Timeline

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

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

1967: Fourth highest draft pick from Illinois since 1967

In 2023, Devon Witherspoon became the fourth highest draft pick from Illinois since 1967.

1982: Witherspoon's rookie record

On October 2, 2023, Devon Witherspoon became the third rookie in NFL history to record 2.0+ sacks and a pick-six in a single game, along with Todd Shell and Andy Katzenmoyer, and the first player, rookie or not, to record both 2.0+ sacks and a 95+ yard pick six in a game since sacks became an official stat in 1982.

1990: Jeff George was the first draft pick

Jeff George was the first draft pick in 1990.

1996: Kevin Hardy was the second draft pick and Simeon Rice was the third draft pick

Kevin Hardy was the second draft pick and Simeon Rice was the third draft pick in 1996.

December 11, 2000: Devon Witherspoon Born

On December 11, 2000, Devon Marquis Witherspoon was born. He is now a professional football cornerback.

Others born on this day/year

2009: Surpassing Vontae Davis

In 2023, Devon Witherspoon became the highest defensive back to be selected from Illinois, surpassing Vontae Davis who was drafted in 2009.

2018: Part of Illinois secondary

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

2018: Bobby Wagner's Pick-Six

In 2018, Bobby Wagner had a 98-yard pick-six, which is the longest in franchise history. Devon Witherspoon's pick six in 2023 was the second-longest in franchise history.

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.

August 7, 2023: Hamstring Injury

On August 7, 2023, Devon Witherspoon injured his hamstring during practice, causing him to miss the entire preseason and the Seahawks' week 1 game.

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.