Devonta Freeman
Devonta Freeman is an American former professional football running back who played eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL), most notably with the Atlanta Falcons from 2014 to 2019, followed by stints with the New York Giants in 2020 and the Baltimore Ravens in 2021.[1] Born on March 15, 1992, in Miami, Florida, Freeman rose from challenging circumstances in the city's Liberty City neighborhood to become a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a key contributor to the Falcons' high-powered offense during the mid-2010s.[2] His career is defined by his versatility as a rusher and receiver, amassing 4,720 rushing yards, 38 rushing touchdowns, 298 receptions for 2,263 yards, and 12 receiving touchdowns over 98 games.[1] Freeman attended Miami Central High School, where he led the Rockets to a Florida Class 6A state championship in 2010 and earned recognition as one of the top running back prospects in the nation.[3] He then played college football at Florida State University, contributing to the Seminoles' 2013 BCS National Championship victory as a sophomore backup before declaring for the NFL Draft.[1] Selected by the Falcons in the fourth round (103rd overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft, Freeman initially served as a backup to Steven Jackson, recording 30 receptions for 225 yards in his rookie season while showcasing his pass-catching ability.[2] Freeman emerged as Atlanta's lead back in 2015, rushing for 1,056 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 73 receptions for 578 yards and three scores, earning Second-Team All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl nod.[1] The following year, he helped power the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance, totaling 1,541 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns to secure his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection.[4] In 2017, Freeman signed a five-year, $41.25 million contract extension with the Falcons, solidifying his status as one of the league's elite dual-threat backs at the time.[4] Injuries and inconsistent production marked his later years in Atlanta, leading to his release in March 2020; he then appeared in 21 games across his final two seasons with the Giants and Ravens, rushing for 748 yards and six touchdowns before stepping away from the league after 2021.[1]Early years
Early life
Devonta Freeman was born on March 15, 1992, in Miami, Florida.[5] As the eldest of seven children, Freeman grew up in the Liberty City neighborhood's Pork 'N Beans housing projects, a notoriously tough area marked by poverty and violence.[6] His family faced severe financial hardships, often struggling with food insecurity and relying on minimal resources, as his mother, Lorraine Freeman, supported them through low-wage warehouse work.[6][7] Freeman's father was largely absent from his life due to repeated incarcerations, leaving his mother to raise the large family single-handedly and instilling in him a strong sense of responsibility from a young age.[8] He developed a close bond with his mother and siblings, helping to care for them by taking on odd jobs like pumping gas and washing cars starting at age 12, amid an environment where daily gunshots and crime were commonplace.[7][6] Freeman's passion for football emerged early, beginning with informal pickup games on the project fields, often played in socks or barefoot. Around age 7 or 8, he joined the Liberty City Optimist Club youth league, where he played quarterback under coach Luther Campbell, marking the start of his structured involvement in the sport that would become central to his life.[7] Freeman remained in the Miami area through his high school years, continuing to build his athletic foundation there.[5]High school career
Freeman attended Miami Central High School in Miami, Florida, where he distinguished himself as a standout running back.[9] In his senior year of 2010, Freeman led Miami Central to the Florida Class 6A state championship, amassing 2,208 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns while topping Miami-Dade County in rushing production.[10][11] In the championship game against Dr. Phillips, he rushed for 308 yards on 36 carries and scored three touchdowns, earning MVP honors for his performance.[12][13][10] Freeman's high school success drew recruitment interest from multiple programs, including an on-site scholarship offer from Florida State University following his participation in their summer football camp prior to his senior season; he ultimately signed with the Seminoles on December 22, 2010.[14][15][9]College career
2011 season
As a true freshman in 2011, Devonta Freeman joined the Florida State Seminoles after signing with the program out of Miami Central High School in Florida, where he had been a highly touted recruit.[16] He entered a backfield led by established running back Chris Thompson, initially serving primarily in a backup role while learning the Seminoles' offensive system under head coach Jimbo Fisher.[17] Freeman appeared in 12 of Florida State's 13 games during their 9–4 season, which culminated in a 23–13 victory over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl.[18] Despite his limited starting experience, he quickly contributed to the ground game, leading the team with 120 rushing attempts for 579 yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.[19] He also added value in the passing game with 15 receptions for 111 yards.[19] In his collegiate debut against Louisiana–Monroe on September 3, Freeman recorded 7 carries for 24 yards and scored his first touchdown on a 1-yard run in the third quarter of a 34–0 shutout win.[20] His performance helped establish him as a versatile option in a committee approach, complementing Thompson's 664 rushing yards while providing explosive plays, including multiple games over 100 rushing yards.[16]2012 season
In his sophomore season, Devonta Freeman transitioned into a more prominent role in the Florida State Seminoles' backfield, sharing starting duties with Chris Thompson before the latter suffered a season-ending injury in October against Miami.[16] Building on his freshman year experience as a backup who led the team in rushing, Freeman emerged as a key contributor to the Seminoles' ground attack.[19] Freeman appeared in all 14 games for Florida State, starting five, and helped anchor an offense that supported the team's 12-2 overall record.[21] He recorded 111 rushing attempts for 660 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry, and scored 8 rushing touchdowns, with notable performances including a career-high 148 yards and 2 touchdowns on 16 carries against Maryland.[19] Additionally, Freeman contributed through the air with 10 receptions for 86 yards.[19] Freeman's efforts were integral to Florida State's success in the Atlantic Coast Conference, where the Seminoles finished 7-1 and captured the ACC Championship with a 21-15 victory over Georgia Tech on December 1.[22] His versatility and production helped propel the team to a berth in the Orange Bowl, though they fell 31-14 to Northern Illinois.[21]2013 season
In 2013, Devonta Freeman served as the primary starting running back for the Florida State Seminoles during his junior season, starting all 14 games and emerging as a leader in the backfield following his increased role from the prior year.[19] He demonstrated versatility as a dual-threat back, rushing for 1,016 yards on 173 carries with an average of 5.9 yards per attempt and scoring 14 rushing touchdowns, which led the team.[19] Additionally, Freeman contributed through the passing game with 22 receptions for 278 yards and one receiving touchdown, providing crucial support in short-yardage and screen situations.[19] Freeman's performance was instrumental in Florida State's undefeated 14-0 campaign, where the Seminoles captured the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championship with a 31-13 victory over Duke and advanced to the 2014 BCS National Championship Game.[23] In the title game against Auburn, he rushed for 73 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, helping secure a 34-31 win that clinched the national championship and marked Florida State's third in program history.[24] His consistent production and first-team All-ACC honors underscored his pivotal role in the offense's explosive output under quarterback Jameis Winston. Following the championship, Freeman announced his decision to forgo his senior year and enter the 2014 NFL Draft, citing his readiness for professional football after earning a third-round projection from the NFL Draft Advisory Board.[25]College statistics
Over his three-year career at Florida State University from 2011 to 2013, Devonta Freeman amassed 404 rushing attempts for 2,255 yards and 30 rushing touchdowns, averaging 5.6 yards per carry, while also recording 47 receptions for 475 yards and 1 receiving touchdown, with no fumbles lost.[19] These totals established him as a productive dual-threat back in an offense that evolved significantly during his tenure, contributing to the Seminoles' undefeated 2013 national championship season. The following table provides a year-by-year breakdown of Freeman's college statistics:| Year | Games Played | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Yards per Carry | Rushing TDs | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs | Fumbles Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 12 | 120 | 579 | 4.8 | 8 | 15 | 111 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | 14 | 111 | 660 | 5.9 | 8 | 10 | 86 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | 14 | 173 | 1,016 | 5.9 | 14 | 22 | 278 | 1 | 0 |
| Career | 40 | 404 | 2,255 | 5.6 | 30 | 47 | 475 | 1 | 0 |
Professional career
2014 season
Freeman was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round (103rd overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Florida State.[1] He signed a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $2.7 million, including a signing bonus of $595,952.[31] As a rookie, Freeman served primarily as the backup to veteran running back Steven Jackson, appearing in all 16 games but not starting any.[32] In his NFL debut during Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints, he recorded two rushes for 15 yards and two receptions for 18 yards in a 37–34 overtime loss.[32] Throughout the season, Freeman adjusted to the increased speed and physicality of professional defenses, drawing on his experience from Florida State's 2013 national championship run to aid his transition.[33] Freeman finished the 2014 season with 65 rushing attempts for 248 yards and one touchdown, averaging 3.8 yards per carry, while adding 30 receptions for 225 yards and another touchdown through the air.[1] His receiving contributions highlighted his versatility out of the backfield, though his role remained limited behind Jackson and occasional shares with other backs like Antone Smith.[34]2015 season
Following the release of veteran running back Steven Jackson in February 2015, Devonta Freeman entered the season as the Atlanta Falcons' primary backfield option, marking a significant expansion of his role from his rookie year as a rotational player.[35] The Falcons supplemented the position by drafting Tevin Coleman in the third round, creating a dynamic committee approach that allowed Freeman to focus on his versatile skill set while sharing carries.[36] This shift positioned Freeman for his breakout campaign under offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, emphasizing both rushing and receiving opportunities.[33] Freeman appeared in 15 games, starting 13, and led the team in rushing with 265 carries for 1,056 yards and a career-high 11 rushing touchdowns, averaging 4.0 yards per attempt.[1] He also excelled as a receiver out of the backfield, recording 73 receptions for 578 yards and three receiving touchdowns, which ranked him third among NFL running backs in both categories.[1] These dual-threat contributions highlighted his agility and vision, with notable performances including a 153-yard, two-touchdown outing against the Washington Redskins in Week 5.[37] Freeman's production earned him his first Pro Bowl selection as well as Second-Team All-Pro honors, recognizing him as one of the league's top running backs despite the Falcons' middling 8-8 record.[1] He finished seventh in the NFL in rushing yards and first in rushing touchdowns, providing a consistent ground attack that complemented quarterback Matt Ryan's passing game and helped stabilize the offense amid a transitional year.[38][39]2016 season
In the 2016 season, Devonta Freeman solidified his status as a cornerstone of the Atlanta Falcons' offense, building on his momentum from the previous year's Pro Bowl selection. He appeared in all 16 games, starting each one, and led the team with 1,541 yards from scrimmage, showcasing his versatility as both a rusher and receiver. Freeman's performance was instrumental in the Falcons' 11-5 regular-season record, which earned them the NFC's top seed and a first-round playoff bye.[1][40] Freeman rushed for 1,079 yards on 227 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt, and scored 11 rushing touchdowns, while adding 54 receptions for 462 yards and two receiving touchdowns. These totals marked his second straight 1,000-yard rushing campaign and highlighted his dual-threat capability, as he topped 100 scrimmage yards in seven games. His contributions helped power the Falcons' league-leading offense, which averaged over 33 points per game.[41][42][43] Freeman earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod as an original selection, finishing behind only Ezekiel Elliott and David Johnson among running backs. In the playoffs, he played a pivotal role in the Falcons' run to Super Bowl LI, including strong outings in the NFC Championship Game victory over the Green Bay Packers, though the team ultimately fell to the New England Patriots in a 34-28 overtime defeat.[44]2017 season
Coming off the physical demands of the Atlanta Falcons' overtime loss in Super Bowl LI following the 2016 season, Devonta Freeman entered 2017 aiming to build on his Pro Bowl form, but injuries hampered his output. He started all 14 games he played, missing the final two regular-season contests due to a concussion suffered against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10.[1][45] Freeman's rushing totals reflected the injury interruptions and a more committee-based backfield approach, as he recorded 196 carries for 865 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt— a dip from his 2016 efficiency.[1] In the passing game, he added 36 receptions for 317 yards and one touchdown, providing reliable check-down options for quarterback Matt Ryan amid a season where Freeman's versatility remained a staple of the Falcons' offense.[1] Despite the reduced production, his efforts contributed to key wins, including a standout 153-yard, two-touchdown performance in a Week 15 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that helped secure a playoff spot.[46] The Falcons finished the regular season with a 10–6 record, earning the NFC's No. 5 seed and home-field advantage in the wild-card round unnecessary due to seeding.[47] Freeman played both playoff games, rushing for 73 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries while catching three passes for 29 yards, though the team fell 26–13 at the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round before a 15–10 divisional-round defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles.[48] His postseason contributions highlighted resilience, but the season marked a step back without Pro Bowl recognition, overshadowed by lingering effects from the prior year's Super Bowl exertion and midseason ailments.[49]2018 season
In 2018, Devonta Freeman sought to rebound from a 2017 season impacted by injuries, including a knee sprain during the playoffs, but his campaign was derailed by a new knee issue in the same leg.[50] He suffered a knee contusion in the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on September 6, recording six carries for 36 yards before exiting.[51] The injury, which sidelined him for Weeks 2 through 4, was initially expected to cost him two to three weeks.[51] Freeman returned in Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 7, managing nine carries for 36 yards in a 41-17 defeat, but he aggravated the knee problem during the game.[52] He played one more contest, Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 14, with five carries for 32 yards in a 34-29 victory, before the Falcons placed him on injured reserve on October 16.[53] This ended his season after just two appearances, both starts, limiting him to 14 rushing attempts for 68 yards and no rushing touchdowns, plus five receptions for 23 receiving yards and no receiving scores.[1] Freeman's absence thrust the backfield responsibilities onto Tevin Coleman and rookie Ito Smith, who combined for much of Atlanta's ground production over the final 11 games.[54] The Falcons finished with a 7-9 record, placing second in the NFC South but missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015.[55]2019 season
In 2019, Devonta Freeman returned as the lead running back for the Atlanta Falcons following injury-plagued seasons, starting 12 of the 14 games he played in a backfield rotation that featured backups Ito Smith and Brian Hill.[1] [56] Freeman's statistical output included 184 rushing attempts for 656 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns, complemented by 59 receptions for 410 receiving yards and 4 receiving touchdowns, showcasing his continued versatility in the passing game.[1] [34] The Falcons concluded the year with a 7-9 record, failing to qualify for the playoffs amid offensive inconsistencies.[57] Freeman voiced frustration with his evolving role on the team, particularly as head coach Dan Quinn refrained from confirming him as the unquestioned primary back in postseason remarks, amid a shared workload that diluted his carry volume compared to peak years.[58] This tension was evident in moments like his ejection from a Week 7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams after punching defensive tackle Aaron Donald, reflecting broader on-field aggravations.[59] On March 17, 2020, the Falcons released Freeman after six seasons with the organization, a decision that cleared $3.5 million in salary cap space while designating a post-June 1 cut to spread the financial impact.[60] [31]2020 season
Following his release from the Atlanta Falcons in March 2020, Freeman signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants worth up to $3 million on September 23, 2020, to provide depth at running back after Saquon Barkley's season-ending knee injury.[61][62] Freeman appeared in five games for the Giants, starting four, but had a limited role behind Wayne Gallman, who emerged as the primary back amid the team's depth at the position.[1] In those contests, he recorded 54 rushing attempts for 172 yards and one touchdown, averaging 3.2 yards per carry, along with seven receptions for 58 yards.[1] His most notable contribution came in Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he rushed for 77 yards on 16 carries, including a 14-yard touchdown run that helped secure a 22-21 victory.[63] Freeman's season was cut short by injuries, including a high ankle sprain and hamstring issue sustained in late October, causing him to miss three games before the Giants placed him on injured reserve on November 13, 2020.[64][65] After the regular season, Freeman was waived from injured reserve on January 8, 2021, and briefly joined the Buffalo Bills' practice squad on January 12, 2021, but was released four days later without appearing in a game.[66]2021 season
Freeman signed with the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad on September 9, 2021, amid a rash of injuries to the team's running backs, including season-ending knee issues for J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards.[67] He was promoted to the active 53-man roster just one week later on September 16, providing depth to Baltimore's backfield.[68] In his only season with the Ravens, Freeman served as a backup running back behind Dobbins and Edwards, appearing in all 16 games without recording a start.[69] He carried the ball 133 times for 576 yards and five rushing touchdowns, while also contributing through the air with 34 receptions for 190 yards and one receiving touchdown.[2] These efforts marked a resurgence in production for Freeman after limited opportunities in 2020, though his role remained situational within Baltimore's run-heavy offense.[70] The Ravens concluded the 2021 regular season with an 8-9 record, finishing fourth in the AFC North and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017.[71] Freeman became a free agent after the campaign but has not signed with any NFL team since, with no official retirement announcement and no reported league activity as of 2025.[1]Career statistics and records
Regular season
Over his eight-season NFL career, Devonta Freeman recorded 1,138 rushing attempts for 4,720 yards at an average of 4.1 yards per carry and 38 rushing touchdowns, complemented by 298 receptions for 2,263 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns during the regular season.[1] These totals reflect his role as a versatile dual-threat running back, with career scrimmage statistics totaling 6,983 yards from scrimmage and 50 touchdowns.[1] The following table summarizes Freeman's regular-season performance year by year, including games played, rushing attempts (carries), yards per carry, fumbles lost, and scrimmage totals (rushing yards plus receiving yards, and rushing plus receiving touchdowns).| Year | Team | G | Car | Yds/Carry | Fmb | Scrimmage Yards | Scrimmage TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | ATL | 16 | 65 | 3.8 | 1 | 473 | 2 |
| 2015 | ATL | 15 | 265 | 4.0 | 3 | 1,634 | 14 |
| 2016 | ATL | 16 | 227 | 4.8 | 1 | 1,541 | 13 |
| 2017 | ATL | 14 | 196 | 4.4 | 4 | 1,182 | 8 |
| 2018 | ATL | 2 | 14 | 4.9 | 0 | 91 | 0 |
| 2019 | ATL | 14 | 184 | 3.6 | 3 | 1,066 | 6 |
| 2020 | NYG | 5 | 54 | 3.2 | 0 | 230 | 1 |
| 2021 | BAL | 16 | 133 | 4.3 | 0 | 766 | 6 |
| Career | 3TM | 98 | 1,138 | 4.1 | 12 | 6,983 | 50 |
Postseason
Freeman appeared in five postseason games during his tenure with the Atlanta Falcons, all between 2016 and 2017.[1] Over these contests, he recorded career postseason totals of 67 rushing attempts for 235 yards and three rushing touchdowns, along with 16 receptions for 197 yards and two receiving touchdowns.[73] These figures reflect his dual-threat role in the Falcons' backfield, though his production was more limited compared to his regular-season output, where he often exceeded 1,000 rushing yards in peak years.[1]| Year | Games | Rushing Att | Rushing Yds | Rushing TD | Receiving Rec | Receiving Yds | Receiving TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 | 39 | 162 | 2 | 10 | 168 | 1 |
| 2017 | 2 | 28 | 73 | 1 | 6 | 29 | 1 |
| Career | 5 | 67 | 235 | 3 | 16 | 197 | 2 |