NFL CAREER – A 6-2, 240-pound defender that possesses a combination of speed, instincts and strength needed to excel on both defense and special teams. After a stellar career at Texas, where he started 28-of-49 games for the Longhorns during his college career with totals of 287 tackles (141 solo), 27.5 stops for loss, three sacks, ten pass breakups, six interceptions, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries, Ford has established a key role on the Black and Gold's special teams units. In 25 games, he has posted 14 coverage stops and also saw his first defensive snaps in Week 16, recording two tackles. The third-year pro will look to establish an expanded role on defense and continue to serve as one of the team's top coverage players.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS – Placed on Injured Reserve (fibula), 12/31/24; Signed to a four-year contract, 5/9/24; Selected in the fifth round (175th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft.
2025 – Appeared in all 17 contests for the first time in his career, finishing with two defensive tackles and nine coverage stops…Played on special teams and finished with one tackle vs. Arizona, Sept. 7…Played on special teams and finished with two stops vs. New England, Oct. 12…Recorded a career-best three special teams tackles at Chicago, Oct. 19…Recorded one coverage tackle vs. Atlanta, Nov. 23…Played on special teams and recorded one stop vs. Carolina, Dec. 14…Saw his first defensive NFL action on and finished with his first two career defensive stops vs. N.Y. Jets, Dec. 21…Recorded one coverage tackle in the season finale at Atlanta, 1/4/26. 2024 – Played in eight games on special teams and recorded five tackles…Made his NFL debut on special teams vs. Philadelphia, Sept. 22 and recorded one stop…Added two special teams tackles vs. Tampa Bay, Oct. 13…Recorded two tackles vs. Washington, Dec. 15…Suffered a season-ending fibula injury vs. Las Vegas, Dec. 29.
COLLEGE – Started 28-of-49 games for the Longhorns during his college career with totals of 287 tackles (141 solo), 27.5 stops for loss, three sacks, ten pass breakups, six interceptions, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries…In 2023, Butkus Award semifinalist was consensus first-team All-Big 12 selection (conference head coaches, the Associated Press, and Phil Steele)…Appeared in and started all 14 games. Totaled 101 tackles (46 solo), 10.5 stops for loss, a sack, two interceptions, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, six quarterback hurries and two pass breakups. Became first Longhorn with back-to-back 100-tackle seasons since Keenan Robinson (2010-11). Had at least five tackles in 13 games and seven-plus stops in nine…Reese's Senior Bowl invitee…In 2022, named an AP third-team All-American, a first-team All-Big 12 Selection (conference head coaches and Associated Press) and Dave Campbell's Texas Football Defensive Player of the Year…Played in 13 games with 12 starts. Totaled career-high 119 tackles (61 solo), ten stops for loss, two sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, four interceptions and two pass breakups...Registered career-highs with 15 tackles (ten solo) and a forced fumble and notched half a sack versus UTSA…Registered 13 tackles (two solo), two stops for loss, one quarterback hurry, one pass breakup and an 18-yard interception return against Baylor. His interception against the Bears his fourth of season, tying the single-season interception record for a Texas linebacker, last accomplished by Derrick Johnson (2002 and 2003). Earned third Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honor for efforts against Baylor, becoming the third Longhorn to earn the accolade three times in the same season (Johnson, '04; Jackson Jeffcoat, '13)…Totaled ten tackles (five solo) against Washington in the Alamo Bowl. Marked his seventh game with double-digit tackles in 2022 and the eighth of his career…Season tackle total of 119 was the most for a Longhorn since 2014 (Jordan Hicks - 147; Steve Edmond - 131). All four of interceptions set up Texas TDs…Played in all 12 games with two starts in 2021. Registered 53 tackles (29 solo) with team-leading six stops for loss…In 2020, played in all ten games, contributing primarily on special teams and started in Alamo Bowl win over Colorado, where he posted four tackles…Graduated with degree in communications and leadership.
PERSONAL – Two-time All-State honoree who led Lone Star (Frisco, Texas) HS to the state semifinals as senior...Ranked No. 112 overall in Texas by Rivals...Named second-team 5A All-State in 2019, when he amassed 142 tackles (115 solo), including 11 stops for loss, a sack, six pressures, an interception, a pass breakup and one forced fumble. Part of a defense that allowed just 15.7 points per game, including six contests of surrendering seven points or fewer, including two shutouts. Helped Lone Star to a 14-1 overall record, including a 7-0 district mark/title, and an appearance in the 5A Division 1 state semifinals. Named third-team 2019 Super Team and to Texas Top 300 (Dave Campbell's Texas Football)…Honorable mention 5A All-State as a junior in 2018 and District Defensive MVP, when he compiled 105 tackles, eight stops for loss, eight pass breakups, three forced fumbles and three interceptions. Part of a defense that allowed just 11.3 points per game, including 31 points in their first six contests, two which were on a safety, and seven total performances of seven points or less. Helped Lone Star to 10-3 record, including a 6-1 district mark and regional playoffs appearance…2017 District 13-5A Defensive Newcomer of the Year as sophomore. Part of defense that allowed just 13.1 points per game, including four shutouts. Helped Lone Star to 12-2 overall record, including a 7-0 district mark/title, and appearance in 5A Division 2 quarterfinals…Rode in 2025 Krewe of Tucks Mardi Gras parade…In 2025, volunteered with teammates and team employees to help in Tad Gormley Stadium's refurbishment…Born in Dallas, Texas.
