Denzel Perryman

BIOGRAPHY

Denzel Perryman was born on December 5th, 1992, in Miami, Florida. He is a linebacker in the National Football League.

During high school, Perryman ranked 25th and 28th at the position by Rivals.com and ESPNU, respectively. He was described as punishing tackler. Perryman recorded 137 tackles, seven for losses, four sacks and one interception return for a touchdown as a senior.

During his freshman season in 2011, Perryman saw action in all 12 games, earning five stars. He finished first among ACC first-year students and second overall on the team with 69 tackles (47 solos, 22 assists) and tied for third-highest tackle-for-loss total on team with 6.5.

In 2012 during his sophomore season, Perryman played in nine games, making six starts mostly at middle linebacker. He was named third-team All-ACC selection by Phil Steele. Perryman earned All-ACC honorable mention by ACSMA and league coaches. He finished second on the team with 64 total tackles and led with 45 solo stops.

During his junior season in 2013, Perryman started all 13 games at outside linebacker. He led the team with 108 total tackles, including 69 solo stops. Perryman had six games with 10+ tackles. He was First-team All-ACC selection by ACSMA and league's head coach.  He was second-team All-ACC choice by Athlon Sports, All-ACC choice by Sporting News and recorded team-high six tackles and two PBUs in opener vs. FAU.

In 2014 during his senior season, Perryman started the season opener at Louisville, recording game-high 12 tackles. He had 11 solo stops against Cardinals, included the first sack of season (three yards). Perryman led the team with six tackles against FAMU, including 1 TFL. He was ranked second on the team with seven tackles (five solos) in win over Arkansas State.

On May 14, 2015, the San Diego Chargers signed Perryman to a four-year contract. He made his professional regular-season debut in the San Diego Chargers' season-opener against the Detroit Lions and made one solo tackle during their 33-28 victory.

On September 25, 2016, Perryman recorded a season-high ten combined tackles and a sack on Andrew Luck during a 26-22 loss at the Indianapolis Colts. On November 12, 2017, Perryman started his first game of the season at outside linebacker. Perryman entered the 2018 season as the starting middle linebacker.

On March 8, 2019, Perryman signed a two-year contract extension with the Chargers. On March 18, 2021, Perryman signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Panthers. In the 2021 season, he was selected to the Pro Bowl.

On August 26th, 2021 Perryman was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. Perryman signed with the Houston Texans in 2023.