Cameron was born in Los Angeles, California, the son of Cathy and Stan Cameron, who works for a telecommunications company. He was raised Mormon. Cameron attended Newbury Park High School in Newbury Park, California. He made the All-Marmonte League first team in 2005 as a junior. As a senior in 2006, he made Prep Star All-West and once again made All-Marmonte League first team. He caught 73 passes for 1,022 yards and 12 touchdowns in his senior year. He was a teammate of former San Jose State' quarterback, Jordan LaSecla. He also starred in basketball and volleyball at Newbury Park High.
Collegiate career
After high school, Cameron decided to play basketball at Brigham Young University rather than football. After redshirting his freshman year, he decided to give football another try. He transferred to USC in 2007 to play football as a wide receiver. However, when USC refused to accept some of Cameron's credits from Brigham Young, he was forced to withdraw and attend Ventura College. He missed the football season but was given the option to try to rejoin the team in 2008. Even if he had stayed at USC, due to NCAA transfer rules he would have been ineligible to play in 2007. Cameron ended up enrolling at USC a year later and saw brief action for the Trojans at wide receiver in both the 2008 and 2009 seasons, but did not make any catches. Prior to his senior year, he embraced a move from receiver to tight end. In his final season at USC, Cameron caught 16 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown.
Professional career
Pre-draft
After his senior season at USC, Cameron was invited to play in the East–West Shrine Game where he made a big impression on the coaches during the week of practice. Cameron helped his draft stock significantly during his workouts at the NFL Combine. He was in the top three of every drill he participated in and fifth in bench press reps. He was projected to be a mid to late round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Cleveland Browns
Cameron was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 102nd pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. On December 27, 2013, Jordan Cameron was voted to the Pro Bowl.
Miami Dolphins
Cameron signed a two-year deal $15 million with the Miami Dolphins on March 12, 2015. He was placed on injured reserve on November 5, 2016 after suffering a season-ending concussion injury. On March 10, 2017, after suffering four concussions in six seasons, Cameron announced his retirement from the NFL.