Craig James (defensive back)


Craig James is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. He played college football at Southern Illinois.

Early life and high school

James was born and grew up in Edwardsville, Illinois and attended Edwardsville High School, where he played football and ran track.

College career

James played his first two seasons at the University of Minnesota, serving as a reserve corner and the team's primary punt returner until breaking his leg during his sophomore season. James transferred to Southern Illinois for his final two seasons. As a junior, James recorded 30 tackles and led the Salukis with three interceptions and nine passes broken up and was named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Newcomer team.

Professional career

Minnesota Vikings

James was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2018. He was cut by the Vikings at the end of the preseason. James was re-signed to the Vikings' practice squad on October 16, 2018. James was promoted to the Vikings' active roster on November 27, 2018. James made his NFL debut on December 2, 2018 against the New England Patriots. James played three games during his rookie season, appearing exclusively on special teams.
James was waived during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019.

Philadelphia Eagles

James was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad on September 2, 2019. He was promoted to the team's active roster on September 11, 2019. He was waived on September 17, and re-signed to the team's practice squad the next day. He was promoted to the active roster again on September 24 after an injury to Ronald Darby. In the following game against the Green Bay Packers and in the third defensive snap of his career, James deflected a pass at the Eagles three-yard line that was then intercepted by linebacker Nigel Bradham with 28 seconds left to preserve a 34-27 Eagles win. James made his first career start the next week on October 6, 2019 against the New York Jets, making three tackles.