Denzel Perryman
refer to caption
Perryman with the Chargers in 2015
No. 6 – Houston Texans
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1992-12-05) December 5, 1992
Miami, Florida, U.S.
Height:5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:240 lb (109 kg)
Career information
High school:Coral Gables Senior
(Coral Gables, Florida)
College:Miami (FL)
NFL Draft:2015 / Round: 2 / Pick: 48
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2022
Total tackles:586
Sacks:6.0
Forced fumbles:4
Fumble recoveries:3
Pass deflections:11
Interceptions:5
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Denzel Perryman (born December 5, 1992) is an American football linebacker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He has played in the NFL for the Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers, and Las Vegas Raiders. He played college football at Miami (FL).[1]

High school career

Perryman attended Coral Gables Senior High School. He recorded 177 tackles, 12 for losses, 9 sacks, and 5 interception returns for touchdowns and 9 interceptions as a senior. He was also an area Defensive Player of the Year as a junior, registering 166 solo tackles and had 105 tackles, 9 sacks and 6 interceptions as a sophomore.

College career

Played as a true freshman, saw action in all 12 games, earning 8 starts. He finished first among ACC freshmen and second overall on team with 127 tackles (97 solo, 22 assists). Tied for second-highest tackle-for-loss total on team with 6.5. Played in nine games his sophomore season, making nine starts mostly at middle linebacker. He had 64 total tackles (45 solo) and 6.0 tackles-for-loss. Also made Third-team All-ACC.

As a junior in 2013, Perryman was a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) selection.[2] He was again an All-ACC selection as a senior in 2014. He was a semi-finalist for top linebacker of the year in 2014 [3][4]

College statistics

Season GP Defense
CmbTfLSckIntFF
2011 12696.51.002
2012 9646.00.010
2013 131085.01.501
2014 131109.52.003
Totals4735127.04.516

Professional career

Pre-draft

On November 4, 2014, it was announced that Perryman had received an invitation to appear in the 2015 Senior Bowl. He was one of four Miami players to be invited, including Phillip Dorsett, Clive Walford, and Ladarius Gunter.[5] He accepted his invitation and attended the Senior Bowl as part of Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley's South team, but was, unfortunately, unable to play in the actual game due to a minor injury he suffered earlier the week in practice. Although he didn't play, he was able to garner interest from the San Diego Chargers after having an impressive performance in practice.[6] Perryman was one of 35 collegiate linebackers to attend the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. He performed all of the combine drills and finished second among linebackers in the bench press and 18th in the 40-yard dash.[7] He was unable to perform the short shuttle and three-cone drill after sustaining a hip injury. On April 1, 2015, Perryman attended Miami's pro day and opted to perform the 40-yard dash (4.70s), 20-yard dash (2.65s), 10-yard dash (1.61s), bench press (30 reps), and vertical jump (33") before a hamstring injury during his second attempt in the 40-yard dash kept him from completing the short shuttle, and three-cone drill again. Although he was hampered by multiple injuries during the draft process, Perryman was still able to attain a second to third-round projection from NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked the fourth best inside linebacker in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com.[8]

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span40-yard dash10-yard split20-yard splitVertical jumpBroad jumpBench press
5 ft 10+3⁄4 in
(1.80 m)		 236 lb
(107 kg)		 31+7⁄8 in
(0.81 m)		 9+1⁄2 in
(0.24 m)		4.78 s1.67 s2.77 s32 in
(0.81 m)		9 ft 5 in
(2.87 m)		27 reps
All values from NFL Combine[9]

San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers

2015

The San Diego Chargers selected Perryman in the second round (48th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft.[10] He was the seventh linebacker selected in 2015 and was drafted by the Chargers' to provide depth after they experienced multiple injuries to their linebacker corps, including injuries to Dwight Freeney, Manti Te'o, and Melvin Ingram.[11] On May 14, 2015, the Chargers signed Perryman to a four-year, $4.77 million contract that includes $2.38 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $1.73 million.[12]

Perryman was limited at beginning of organized team activities due to a hamstring injury. He was heavily criticized for playing in a charity dodgeball game while injured and not medically cleared.[13] Throughout training camp, he competed for a job as the starting inside linebacker against Manti Te'o and Donald Butler.[14] Head coach Mike McCoy named Perryman the backup inside linebacker behind veterans Donald Butler and Manti Te'o to start the regular season.[15]

He made his professional regular season debut in the Chargers' season-opener against the Detroit Lions and made one solo tackle during their 33–28 victory. On October 18, 2015, Perryman earned his first career start in place of Manti Te'o, who suffered an ankle injury the previous week. He recorded eight combined tackles during the 27–20 loss at the Green Bay Packers.[16] He started two consecutive games before sustaining a pectoral injury and was replaced by Kavell Conner in Weeks 8–9.[17] In Week 11, Perryman and Te'o both returned from injury and defensive coordinator John Pagano named them the starting inside linebackers and demoted starters Donald Butler and Kavell Conner. Pagano cited he wanted to give Te'o and Perryman experience as the Chargers were 2-8 going into Week 11.[18] On November 22, 2015, Perryman made his official return from injury and recorded six combined tackles and made his first career sack on Alex Smith as the Chargers were routed 33-3 by the Kansas City Chiefs. In Week 13, he made a season-high ten solo tackles in a 17–3 loss to the Denver Broncos. On December 24, 2015, he collected a season-high 11 combined tackles and sacked Oakland Raiders' quarterback Derek Carr during a 23–20 loss.[19] Perryman finished his rookie season in 2015 season with a total of 73 combined tackles (64 solo) and two sacks in 14 games and nine starts.[20]

2016

Perryman entered training camp slated as the starting inside linebacker, along with Manti Te'o, after the Chargers released Donald Butler and Kavell Conner during the offseason. His position was challenged by Nick Dzubnar after Perryman suffered an undisclosed injury in camp and was sidelined for a few weeks.[21][22] Head coach Mike McCoy named Te'o and Perryman the starting inside linebackers, along with Kyle Emanuel and Melvin Ingram.[23]

On September 25, Perryman recorded a season-high ten combined tackles and a sack on Andrew Luck during a 26–22 loss at the Indianapolis Colts.[24] Perryman suffered a shoulder injury and was sidelined for the Chargers' Week 5 loss at the Raiders.[25] He returned the following week to help a depleted defense, but was still dealing with an injured shoulder. On October 23, 2016, Perryman collected seven combined tackles, a pass break-up, and made his first career interception off of Matt Ryan during a 33-20 overtime victory at the Atlanta Falcons. Perryman helped the Chargers come back from a 17-point deficit as the defense held the Falcons to three points in the second half. His interception came with three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and set up the San Diego's game-tying drive. He also made a crucial stop on fourth down in overtime, tackling running back Devonta Freeman for a one-yard loss to set up Josh Lambo's game-winning 42-yard field goal.[26] He injured his hamstring and missed two consecutive games (Weeks 9–10).[27] Perryman returned in Week 12 and tied his season-high of ten combined tackles during a 21–13 victory at the Houston Texans. On December 24, 2016, Perryman recorded seven combined tackles and a sack in the Chargers' 20–17 loss at the Cleveland Browns.[28] He left in the fourth quarter after suffering a knee injury and was inactive for their Week 17 loss to the Chiefs.[29] He finished the 2016 season with 72 combined tackles (56 solo), two sacks, and an interception in 12 games and 11 starts.[20] The San Diego Chargers finished last in the AFC West with a 5–11 record in 2016 and did not qualify for the playoffs.

2017

On January 2, 2017, the San Diego Chargers fired head coach Mike McCoy. On January 12, 2017, San Diego Chargers' owner Alex Spanos announced that the team planned to immediately return to Los Angeles for the 2017 season and return as the Los Angeles Chargers.[30]

Perryman entered training camp slated as the starting middle linebacker by head coach Anthony Lynn after defensive coordinator Gus Bradley switched the Chargers' defense to a base 4-3 defense that only requires one middle linebacker instead of two inside linebackers. On August 13, 2017, Perryman suffered a serious ankle injury that will require surgery during the Chargers' preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks and was expected to miss 6–8 weeks.[31] On September 4, 2017, the Los Angeles Chargers officially placed Perryman on injured reserve.[32]

On November 7, 2017, he was activated off injured reserve to the active roster.[33] On November 12, 2017, Perryman started his first game of the season at outside linebacker. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley opted to have Hayes Pullard remain as the starting middle linebacker after a promising performance during Perryman's absence. Perryman went on to record a season-high ten combined tackles in his return, as the Chargers were defeated by the Jaguars 20–17. On December 16, 2017, he was carted off the field after suffering a hamstring injury in the first half of the Chargers' 30–13 loss at the Chiefs.[34] He was inactive for Week 16 before returning to play in the Chargers' Week 17 win over the Raiders.[35] He finished his third season with 37 combined tackles (25 solo) in seven games and six starts.[20]

2018

Perryman entered the 2018 season as the starting middle linebacker. He started the first nine games before suffering a knee injury in Week 10. It was revealed that he sustained an injury to his LCL and would need surgery on his hamstring.[36] He was placed on injured reserve on November 13, 2018.[37]

2019

On March 8, 2019, Perryman signed a two-year, $12 million contract extension with the Chargers.[38] In week 13 against the Broncos, Perryman recorded his first interception of the season off rookie quarterback Drew Lock in the 23–20 loss.[39]

2020

In Week 11 against the New York Jets, Perryman recorded his first sack of the season on Joe Flacco during the 34–28 win.[40]

Carolina Panthers

On March 18, 2021, Perryman signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Panthers.[41]

Las Vegas Raiders

On August 25, 2021, Perryman was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders, along with a 2022 seventh-round pick, for a 2022 sixth-round pick. Perryman had a career year with the Raiders and recorded a franchise high of 154 tackles, which was also a career-high for Perryman. He was voted to his first Pro Bowl selection.[42]

Houston Texans

On March 22, 2023, Perryman signed with the Houston Texans on a one-year, $3.5 million contract.[43] He was suspended two games on November 15, 2023 for repeated violations of initiating contact with the helmet.[44]

Personal life

Perryman's cousin is former Florida wide receiver and cornerback Quinton Dunbar.[45]

References

  1. ↑ "2015 NFL Draft Tracker – NFL.com". www.nfl.com. Archived from the original on May 2, 2015.
  2. ↑ "2013 All-ACC Teams Announced". TheACC.com. December 2, 2013.
  3. ↑ "Scooby who? UCLA's Eric Kendricks named Butkus Award winner". December 9, 2014.
  4. ↑ Duke Johnson, Denzel Perryman named All-ACC
  5. ↑ Jerry Steinberg (November 19, 2014). "Report: 4 Miami Football Players Invited to the Senior Bowl, Breaking Down Their Early Stock". stateoftheu.com. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  6. ↑ Ricky Henne (January 27, 2016). "How Denzel Perryman Turned Heads at Senior Bowl". Chargers.com. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  7. ↑ James Brady (February 22, 2015). "NFL Combine 2015: Full results for linebackers". SBNation.com. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  8. ↑ "Denzel Perryman, DS #4 ILB, Miami (FL.)". NFLDraftScout.com. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  9. ↑ "Denzel Perryman Combine Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved February 22, 2015.
  10. ↑ Henne, Ricky (May 1, 2015). "Bolts Add Hard-Hitting ILB Denzel Perryman in Second Round". Chargers.com. Retrieved May 29, 2017.
  11. ↑ Lindsay Jones (January 6, 2015). "Melvin Ingram's return from knee injury sparks Chargers". USAToday.com. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  12. ↑ "Spotrac.com: Denzel Perryman contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  13. ↑ "Chargers criticize Denzel Perryman for playing dodgeball while injured". si.com. June 2, 2015. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  14. ↑ Nick Small (July 11, 2015). "Chargers News: Competition At Linebacker Will Pay Dividends in '15". eastvillagetimes.com. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  15. ↑ Ernie Passing (September 8, 2015). "San Diego Chargers Week 1 Depth Chart". BoltBeat.com. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  16. ↑ Ryan Posner (October 30, 2015). "Chargers Week 8 Injury Report: Franklin, Te'o Out While Gates Remains Questionable". timesofsandiego.com. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Denzel Perryman Dealing With Pectoral Injury". calisportsnews.com. October 27, 2015. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  18. ↑ Tom Krasovic (November 27, 2015). "Donald Butler losing snaps again--but upbeat". sandiegouniontribune.com. Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  19. ↑ "NFL Player stats: Denzel Perryman (2015)". NFL.com. Retrieved February 18, 2018.
  20. 1 2 3 "NFL Player stats: Denzel Perryman (Career)". NFL.com. Retrieved February 18, 2018.
  21. ↑ Michael Gelhkin (August 4, 2016). "Perryman injury opens door for others". sandiegouniontribune.com. Retrieved February 18, 2017.
  22. ↑ Lucas Clark (August 10, 2016). "Cal Poly alum Nick Dzubnar 'grinding' way to starting role in NFL with San Diego Chargers". Retrieved February 18, 2018.
  23. ↑ Ricky Henne (August 8, 2016). "First Look at 2016 Depth Chart". Chargers.com. Retrieved February 18, 2018.
  24. ↑ "NFL Game Center: Week 3-2016: San Diego Chargers @ Indianapolis Colts". NFL.com. Retrieved February 18, 2018.
  25. ↑ Levi Damien (October 6, 2016). "Raiders-Chargers injury report: Denzel Perryman joins long list of Chargers not practicing". silverandblackpride.com. Retrieved February 18, 2018.
  26. ↑ George Henry (October 24, 2016). "Perryman overcomes sore shoulder to help Chargers rally". apnews.com. Retrieved February 18, 2018.
  27. ↑ Kevin Nogle (November 13, 2018). "Dolphins at Chargers injuries include Jarvis Landry, Denzel Perryman, Travis Benjamin". thephinsider.com. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  28. ↑ "NFL Player stats: Denzel Perryman (2016)". NFL.com. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  29. ↑ Rotowire (December 28, 2016). "Chargers' Denzel Perryman: absent from injury report". TheScore.com. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  30. ↑ "Chargers chairman 'looking forward' after announcing L.A. move". ESPN.com. January 12, 2017. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  31. ↑ Sean Wagner (August 16, 2017). "Chargers' bad injury luck continues with Perryman expected to miss 6-8 weeks". cbssports.com. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  32. ↑ Henne, Ricky (September 4, 2017). "Chargers Re-Sign Kellen Clemens; Place Denzel Perryman on IR". Chargers.com.
  33. ↑ Henne, Ricky (November 7, 2017). "Chargers Announce Flurry of Transactions". Chargers.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2018.
  34. ↑ Matt Conner (December 16, 2017). "Chargers vs. Chiefs: Denzel Perryman leaves with injury". arrowheadaddict.com. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  35. ↑ "NFL Player stats: Denzel Perryman (2017)". NFL.com. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  36. ↑ Alper, Josh (November 12, 2018). "Report: Denzel Perryman to miss rest of season". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports.
  37. ↑ Henne, Ricky (November 13, 2018). "Chargers Sign LB Tre'Von Johnson; Place Denzel Perryman on IR". Chargers.com.
  38. ↑ Bergman, Jeremy (March 8, 2019). "Chargers keep Denzel Perryman on 2-year contract". NFL.com.
  39. ↑ "McManus' 53-yard field goal lifts Denver past Chargers 23-20". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 1, 2019. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  40. ↑ "New York Jets at Los Angeles Chargers - November 22nd, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 28, 2020.
  41. ↑ Gantt, Darin (March 18, 2021). "Panthers bolster defense on the first official day of free agency". Panthers.com. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  42. ↑ Gordon, Grant (August 25, 2021). "Panthers trade LB Denzel Perryman to Raiders for sixth-round pick". NFL.com. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  43. ↑ Lane, Mark (March 22, 2023). "Texans sign Perryman one year deal". Texans Wire. USA Today. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  44. ↑ "NFL reduces Texans LB Denzel Perryman's suspension to 2 games". ESPN. November 15, 2023.
  45. ↑ Boyle, John (March 24, 2020). "Seahawks Acquire CB Quinton Dunbar In Trade With Washington". Seahawks.com. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
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