Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tremaine Edmunds

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 17, 2026

How Tremaine Edmunds built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Tremaine Edmunds is a professional American football linebacker currently playing for the Chicago Bears. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft after playing college football at Virginia Tech. Edmunds is known for his size, athleticism, and leadership on the field. He signed with the Bears in 2023 and is expected to be a key player in their defense.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2007: Amobi Okoye Drafted

In 2007, Amobi Okoye was drafted into the NFL. At 19 years old 10 months 18 days, he was the youngest player to be drafted in NFL history, a record Tremaine Edmunds nearly broke in 2018.

2015: Plays at Virginia Tech

In 2015, Tremaine Edmunds began playing football at Virginia Tech under head coaches Frank Beamer and Justin Fuente.

2017: Butkus Award Finalist

In 2017, as a junior at Virginia Tech, Tremaine Edmunds was a finalist for the Butkus Award after recording 108 tackles and 5.5 sacks.

January 10, 2018: Declares for NFL Draft

On January 10, 2018, Tremaine Edmunds announced via Twitter his decision to enter the 2018 NFL draft, foregoing his remaining college eligibility. He later attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, participating in various drills.

March 14, 2018: Participates in Virginia Tech's Pro Day

On March 14, 2018, Tremaine Edmunds participated in Virginia Tech's pro day, focusing on positional drills while relying on his combine numbers. He also had pre-draft visits with several teams, including the Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers.

May 12, 2018: Signs with the Buffalo Bills

On May 12, 2018, Tremaine Edmunds signed a four-year, $12.65 million contract with the Buffalo Bills, fully guaranteed. He was named the starting middle linebacker for the regular season.

2018: Drafted by Buffalo Bills

In 2018, Tremaine Edmunds was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the NFL draft after playing college football for Virginia Tech Hokies.

2018: Drafted into the NFL

In 2018, Tremaine Edmunds was drafted by the Buffalo Bills, making history with his brother Terrell as the first pair of brothers drafted in the first round of the same NFL draft.

2018: Enters the NFL Draft

In 2018, after a successful junior year at Virginia Tech, Tremaine Edmunds decided to forgo his senior year and enter the NFL draft.

2020: Named to Pro Bowl

In 2020, Tremaine Edmunds was named to the Pro Bowl, marking the first Pro Bowl selection of his career.

May 2021: Bills Exercise Fifth-Year Option

In May 2021, the Buffalo Bills exercised the fifth-year option on Tremaine Edmunds' rookie contract, guaranteeing him $12.716 million for the 2022 season.