History of Jordan Poyer in Timeline
Jordan Lynn-Baxter Poyer is an American football safety who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins in the NFL. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013 and has also played for the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills. Poyer's talent was evident early on, as he was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 2009 MLB draft while still in high school. His collegiate career at Oregon State was marked by his selection as a consensus All-American.
April 25, 1991: Jordan Poyer is Born
Jordan Lynn-Baxter Poyer was born on April 25, 1991.
2009: High School Athletic Success and MLB Draft
In 2009, Jordan Poyer, a standout high school athlete, excelled in baseball, basketball, and football, winning state championships in baseball as a freshman and football as a senior. He was named Oregon's player of the year in his senior year and was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 42nd round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft. In the same year, he was also recognized as the Cowapa League Player of the Year for baseball.
2011: Brief Stint with Oregon State Baseball
In the spring of 2011, Jordan Poyer joined the Oregon State Beavers baseball team but decided to quit in April due to the demanding workload, calling it "one of the hardest decisions" he ever made. He played in seven games, recording three hits and two walks in 14 plate appearances.
2012: All-American Recognition and Pac-12 Lead in Interceptions
In 2012, Jordan Poyer recorded 51 tackles and led the Pac-12 in interceptions for the second consecutive year with seven. His outstanding performance earned him All-Pac-12 first-team honors and consensus All-American recognition.
May 9, 2013: Poyer Signs with the Philadelphia Eagles
On May 9, 2013, Jordan Poyer officially signed a four-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles worth $2.22 million, including a $60,256 signing bonus.
October 19, 2013: Released by the Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles released Jordan Poyer on October 19, 2013, after he was benched for two consecutive games.
October 21, 2013: Claimed by the Cleveland Browns
On October 21, 2013, Jordan Poyer was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns and was assigned the backup strong safety position.
December 30, 2013: Cleveland Browns Fire Head Coach
The Cleveland Browns fired head coach Rob Chudzinski on December 30, 2013, following a disappointing 4-12 season.
2013: Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles
In 2013, Jordan Poyer was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles.
2013: Reunited with Former Coach at the Bills
Upon joining the Buffalo Bills in 2017, Jordan Poyer reunited with Bobby Babich, the Cleveland Browns' former assistant defensive backs coach, whom he had met during the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine.
September 14, 2014: First Career Forced Fumble
On September 14, 2014, Jordan Poyer forced his first career fumble during a game against the New Orleans Saints.
December 14, 2014: Season-High Tackles Against the Bengals
Jordan Poyer recorded a season-high of four combined tackles in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 14, 2014, where the Browns suffered a 30-0 loss.
October 18, 2015: First Career Start
Jordan Poyer made his first career start on October 18, 2015, filling in for an injured teammate.
November 15, 2015: First Career Interception
On November 15, 2015, Jordan Poyer achieved his first career interception during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2015: Relationship with Rachel Bush
Poyer and Instagram model Rachel Bush started dating in 2015 after meeting on Twitter.
January 3, 2016: Fourth Career Start and Interception Against the Steelers
On January 3, 2016, Jordan Poyer started his fourth career game and intercepted Ben Roethlisberger during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
September 25, 2016: Career-High in Tackles Against the Dolphins
On September 25, 2016, Jordan Poyer achieved a career-high of 13 combined tackles during a game against the Miami Dolphins.
October 16, 2016: Injured by an Illegal Blindside Block
On October 16, 2016, Jordan Poyer sustained a lacerated kidney and possible concussion from an illegal blindside block during a game against the Tennessee Titans.
October 18, 2016: Placed on Injured Reserve
The Cleveland Browns placed Jordan Poyer on injured reserve on October 18, 2016, due to a lacerated kidney and possible concussion, expecting him to need up to four months to recover.
December 30, 2016: Birth of Daughter, Aliyah
On December 30, 2016, Poyer and his girlfriend, Rachel Bush, welcomed their daughter, Aliyah, into the world.
March 9, 2017: Signed with the Buffalo Bills
On March 9, 2017, Jordan Poyer signed a four-year, $13 million contract with the Buffalo Bills, which included $7.40 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $3.50 million.
December 24, 2017: Bills vs Patriots
On December 24, 2017, during a game against the New England Patriots, Poyer recorded six tackles, broke up a pass, had an interception, and scored a touchdown. He intercepted a pass by Tom Brady that was intended for Kenny Britt and returned it for a 19-yard touchdown in the second quarter, marking the first score of his career.
January 7, 2018: Bills vs Jaguars (Wildcard Round)
On January 7, 2018, Poyer started in his first career playoff game and recorded five combined tackles in a 10-3 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the AFC Wildcard Round.
February 17, 2018: Marriage to Rachel Bush
On February 17, 2018, Poyer married Rachel Bush in a ceremony in Jamaica.
2018: Poyer's Impact on the Bills Defense
During the 2018 NFL season, Poyer had a significant impact on the Buffalo Bills defense. He finished the year with 100 combined tackles, 4 interceptions, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. Although the Bills missed the playoffs, their defense, with Poyer and Micah Hyde, was strong and allowed the second-fewest passing yards in the league. Poyer also intercepted Aaron Rodgers in a Week 4 loss to the Green Bay Packers, ending Rodgers' streak of 150 passes without an interception.
2019: Struggles After Playoff Loss
In 2019, Poyer faced personal difficulties after a tough loss in the NFL playoffs.
March 2020: Achieved Sobriety
Poyer committed to sobriety in March 2020, recognizing the impact his drinking had on his family, career, and well-being.
March 19, 2020: Contract Extension with the Bills
On March 19, 2020, Poyer signed a two-year contract extension with the Buffalo Bills.
2020: Strong Performance in the 2020 Season
During the 2020 NFL Season, Poyer continued to be a key part of the Bills' defense. He recorded his first sack of the season in Week 2 against Ryan Fitzpatrick during a 31-28 win over the Miami Dolphins. In Week 9, Poyer got his first interception of the season, picking off Russell Wilson in a 44-34 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Poyer concluded the season with two sacks, 124 total tackles (91 solo), two interceptions, five passes defended, and two forced fumbles in 16 games, all of which he started.
March 2021: Opened Up About Alcohol Struggles
In March 2021, Poyer publicly shared his struggles with alcohol through an Instagram post, particularly following a difficult loss in the 2019-20 NFL playoffs.
November 2021: Shared Story on The Players' Tribune
In November 2021, Poyer wrote an article for The Players' Tribune, further detailing his journey with alcohol and recovery.
2021: Impressive Performance in 2021 Season
During the 2021 NFL season, Jordan Poyer had an impressive performance. He achieved a career-high with three sacks and matched his personal best of five interceptions. Poyer was the only NFL player to achieve at least five interceptions and three sacks in that season. His contribution helped the Buffalo Bills finish with the top-ranked defense in the league. He was recognized for his performance by being ranked 45th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022, a list voted on by his peers.
January 14, 2022: Named to the 2021 All-Pro Team
On January 14, 2022, Poyer was named to the 2021 All-Pro Team for the first time in his career.
2022: Strong Performance Despite Injuries and AFC Defensive Player of the Week
Throughout the 2022 NFL season, Poyer battled multiple injuries and missed several games but remained a key part of Buffalo's defense. In Week 4, he recorded two interceptions, six tackles, and six passes defensed in a 23-20 win over the Ravens, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Notably, he rode in a van to the Bills' game against the Kansas City Chiefs as he was unable to fly due to a collapsed lung. He was also voted to his first Pro Bowl appearance at the end of the season.
March 15, 2023: Signed Two-Year Contract Extension with the Bills
On March 15, 2023, Jordan Poyer signed a two-year contract extension with the Buffalo Bills.
2023: Ranked 57th on NFL Top 100 Players
In 2023, Poyer was ranked 57th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.
2023: Tackles in 2023 Season
Poyer finished the 2023 NFL season with 101 total tackles, including 67 solo tackles.
March 6, 2024: Released by the Buffalo Bills
On March 6, 2024, after seven seasons with the team, Poyer was released by the Buffalo Bills.
March 18, 2024: Signed with the Miami Dolphins
On March 18, 2024, Poyer signed with the Miami Dolphins.
