Jimmy Staten


Jimmy Staten IV is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played college football at Middle Tennessee.

High school career

Staten attended Ware County High School in Waycross, Georgia. In the 2008 season, his senior year, he amassed 87 tackles, as well as lettering in track and field and making the shot put state finals. He earned all-state honors his junior and senior years. He received scholarship offers from seven D-1 schools, including Auburn, Clemson, and South Carolina, but ultimately decided to play for Rick Stockstill and the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders.

College career

After redshirting the 2009 season, he played in 13 games in the 2010 season, playing 189 snaps. He had 5 tackles. The following season, Staten was given more playing time. He started in all 12 games, and in 615 snaps he racked up 29 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and a sack. While starting all 12 games in the 2012 season, Staten finished the year with 36 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a QB hurry in 535 snaps.
In 2013, Staten was voted the team captain for the Blue Raiders. In his 12 games and 467 snaps, he recorded 30 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a pass breakup and two QB hurries in his final season. He earned All-Conference USA honorable mention honors after the season.

Professional career

2014 Draft

After being projected as a seventh round pick or free agent, Staten was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Staten was sitting in his college graduation ceremony at Murphy Center when he received the phone call from Seattle indicating that they were going to draft him.

Seattle Seahawks

Staten was signed to a rookie contract with Seattle on May 16, 2014. On August 17, 2015, he was waived by the Seahawks.

New York Giants

On August 19, 2015, Staten was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants. On September 1, 2015, he was waived by the Giants.

New England Patriots

On September 7, 2015, the New England Patriots signed Staten to their practice squad. On September 16, 2015, he was released by the Patriots.

Kansas City Chiefs

On September 30, 2015, Staten was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad. On January 18, 2016, the Chiefs signed Staten to a future/reserve contract. On September 3, 2016, he was released by the Chiefs.

Chicago Bears

On September 14, 2016, Staten was signed to the Bears' practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on November 19, 2016 but was released two days later and re-signed to the practice squad. He was released on December 27, 2016.

Atlanta Falcons

On January 17, 2017, Staten was signed to the Falcons' practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Falcons on February 7, 2017. On April 26, 2017, Staten was waived the Falcons.

Tennessee Titans

On May 15, 2017, Staten was signed by the Tennessee Titans. He was waived/injured on September 2, 2017 and placed on injured reserve. He was released on September 11, 2017.