Brief Introduction of Derion Kendrick
Derion Rayshawn Kendrick is an accomplished American football cornerback, currently playing for the Los Angeles Rams in the National Football League (NFL). His journey to the professional league is marked by a decorated collegiate career playing for two powerhouse programs, the Clemson Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs. Kendrick is known for his athletic versatility, having been a highly-touted quarterback and wide receiver in high school before successfully transitioning to the cornerback position in college. His career is notable for being a two-time College Football Playoff (CFP) National Champion, winning with Clemson in 2018 and later with Georgia in 2021. Despite facing some off-field challenges, Kendrick’s talent and on-field performance have established him as a resilient and skilled player in the competitive landscape of professional football.
Derion Kendrick Overview
| Full Name | Derion Rayshawn Kendrick |
| Date of Birth | August 24, 2000 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 25 |
| Birthplace | Rock Hill, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Profession | American Football Cornerback |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Shenekia McClinton (Mother), Three Siblings |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Approximately $500,000 |
Early Life and Education of Derion Kendrick
Derion Rayshawn Kendrick was born on August 24, 2000, in Rock Hill, South Carolina. From a young age, he displayed exceptional athletic prowess. He attended South Pointe High School in his hometown, where he became a dominant force on the football field. Initially playing as a wide receiver, he transitioned to the quarterback position for his junior and senior years, leading the South Pointe Stallions to four consecutive state championships. His senior year was particularly remarkable; he threw for 2,683 yards and 30 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,194 yards and 20 touchdowns. This stellar performance earned him the prestigious title of South Carolina’s Gatorade Football Player of the Year. A highly sought-after recruit, Kendrick was rated as a top national player by major sports outlets like 247Sports, Rivals, and ESPN. He participated in the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Game and was a finalist for the U.S. Army Player of the Year Award, solidifying his status as one of the top high school football players in the nation. Following his high school success, he committed to play college football for Clemson University. During his time at Clemson, he majored in parks, recreation, and tourism management before later transferring to the University of Georgia.
Derion Kendrick’s Career
Derion Kendrick’s football career is a testament to his adaptability and high-level talent, marked by championships at the collegiate level and a promising start in the NFL. He began his college journey at Clemson University in 2018, initially recruited as a wide receiver. In his true freshman season, he saw action in 15 games, recording 15 receptions for 210 yards and contributing to the team’s CFP National Championship victory. A pivotal moment in his career came before his sophomore year in 2019 when he was moved to the cornerback position due to team needs. He quickly excelled in his new role, earning a starting job and impressing coaches with his natural defensive instincts. That season, he started all 15 games, tallying 51 tackles, two interceptions, and returning one for a touchdown, which earned him second-team All-ACC honors. In 2020, he continued to shine, earning a first-team All-ACC selection. However, after a history of disciplinary issues, Kendrick was dismissed from the Clemson football team in February 2021.
This setback did not derail his career. In June 2021, Kendrick announced his transfer to the University of Georgia. Joining the Bulldogs, he immediately became a key starter in their secondary. In his lone season with Georgia, he started all 15 games, recording 41 tackles and leading the team with four interceptions, earning second-team All-SEC honors. His performance was crucial to Georgia’s dominant season, which culminated in a victory in the 2021 CFP National Championship, making Kendrick a two-time national champion with two different teams. His two interceptions in the Orange Bowl semifinal against Michigan earned him the game’s Defensive MVP award.
In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected Derion Kendrick in the sixth round with the 212th overall pick. In his rookie season, he appeared in 15 games and started six, finishing with 43 total tackles and four passes defended. He took on a more significant starting role in his second season. Unfortunately, his 2024 season was cut short before it began when he suffered a torn ACL during practice. Following his recovery, Kendrick’s journey saw a few transactions. He was briefly waived and then re-signed by the Rams in June 2025. After being waived during the final roster cuts in August 2025, he was claimed by the Seattle Seahawks. His tenure in Seattle was brief; after playing in several games and recording two interceptions, he was released in November 2025. Demonstrating their continued belief in his abilities, the Los Angeles Rams claimed him off waivers the very next day, bringing him back to the team that drafted him.
Derion Kendrick Personal Life & Family
Derion Kendrick maintains a relatively private personal life. He was raised in Rock Hill, South Carolina, by his mother, Shenekia McClinton. He has three siblings, a brother and two sisters. While details about his father are not publicly known, his mother has been a supportive presence throughout his football journey. Kendrick is a father himself, having a son. The challenges of balancing football and family life were highlighted during his time at Clemson, where a miscommunication with the coaching staff regarding his son being in the hospital was cited as a factor in his eventual dismissal from the team. In recent years, Kendrick has expressed a desire to focus more on his family and has mentioned spending his off-field time gaming and with his immediate family to stay grounded. He has also shown a commitment to his hometown, hosting youth football camps at his alma mater, South Pointe High School, aiming to mentor young athletes and share lessons from his own experiences.
Awards and Achievements of Derion Kendrick
- 2× CFP National Champion (2018, 2021)
- Capital One Orange Bowl Defensive MVP (2021)
- First-team All-ACC (2020)
- Second-team All-SEC (2021)
- Second-team All-ACC (2019)
- South Carolina Gatorade Football Player of the Year (2017)
- U.S. Army All-American (2018)
Derion Kendrick Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Derion Kendrick’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $500,000. His primary source of income is his NFL salary. He signed a four-year rookie contract with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022 worth $3,792,016, which included a signing bonus of $132,016. Throughout his career, contract renegotiations and team changes have affected his annual earnings. After being waived and re-signed by the Rams and later claimed by the Seahawks and then the Rams again, his contract details have evolved. His earnings are supplemented by his performance on the field. Like many professional athletes, there is potential for future income through endorsements and other ventures as his career progresses.
Legacy and Influence
Derion Kendrick’s legacy is still being written, but he has already carved out a unique path defined by resilience and exceptional talent. Winning two national championships with different top-tier programs, Clemson and Georgia, is a rare and significant achievement that highlights his ability to adapt and perform at the highest level of college football. His successful transition from an award-winning high school quarterback to an all-conference collegiate cornerback showcases his remarkable athleticism and football intelligence. Kendrick’s journey also serves as a story of overcoming adversity. He has openly acknowledged his past mistakes and off-field issues, using them as learning experiences to mentor younger athletes in his community. By hosting youth camps and sharing his story, he aims to influence the next generation positively, emphasizing the importance of making good decisions off the field. On the field, his legacy will be defined by his continued performance in the NFL, where he has shown flashes of being a reliable and playmaking cornerback.
Interesting Facts about Derion Kendrick
- He was a highly successful dual-threat quarterback in high school, leading his team to four straight state titles.
- Kendrick won a college football national championship as a wide receiver with Clemson in 2018 and another as a cornerback with Georgia in 2021.
- He made the switch from wide receiver to cornerback just before his sophomore season at Clemson and quickly became an all-conference player at the new position.
- He was named the Defensive MVP of the 2021 Orange Bowl after recording two interceptions for Georgia against Michigan.
- After being waived by the Los Angeles Rams in 2025, he was claimed by the Seattle Seahawks, only to be waived by them and re-claimed by the Rams later that same season.
- In 2024, he had his South Pointe High School jersey retired during his youth leadership football camp.
Controversies
Derion Kendrick’s career has been marked by several off-the-field incidents. In February 2021, he was dismissed from the Clemson football program due to what was cited as a history of disciplinary problems and communication issues with the coaching staff. In October 2023, while playing for the Los Angeles Rams, Kendrick was arrested in Hollywood, California, on a felony charge of carrying a concealed weapon. Police also reportedly found marijuana in his vehicle. The charges were later reduced to misdemeanors, and he was granted entry into a judicial diversion program. This program required him to complete community service and a gun safety class, with the potential for the case to be dismissed upon completion of these obligations. Kendrick has publicly owned up to his past mistakes, stating that he has learned from them and is focused on his personal growth and maturity.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – Information not publicly available
- YouTube – Information not publicly available
Final Words about Derion Kendrick
Derion Kendrick’s journey through the world of football is a compelling narrative of immense talent, significant achievements, and the challenges of navigating life as a high-profile athlete. His on-field accomplishments, including two national titles and All-Conference selections, speak to his elite athletic ability and versatility. After overcoming a significant knee injury and navigating a period of career uncertainty that saw him move from the Rams to the Seahawks and back, Kendrick has demonstrated a notable resilience. His current status back with the Los Angeles Rams offers him a familiar environment to re-establish himself as a key contributor to their defense. Looking forward, Kendrick’s future in the NFL will depend on his ability to stay healthy and consistently perform at a high level. Off the field, his efforts to give back to his community suggest a growing maturity and a desire to build a positive legacy that extends beyond the gridiron. The Derion Kendrick biography continues to unfold, with future chapters promising to reveal the full scope of his impact on and off the football field.
