BIOGRAPHY
John Atkins was born on December 21, 1992, in Thomson, Georgia. He is a defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions in the NFL. Atkins played college football at Georgia.
During his high school career, Atkins was named by Scout.com three-star player, #23 DT nationally and #23 overall prospect in Georgia also 122 in the ESPNU Top 150. Atkins participated in 2012 Under Armour All-American game.
During his freshman season in 2014, Atkins played in 10 games and had nine total tackles. He tied a career-high with three tackles at No. 24 South Carolina. He was the recipient of the Brinson Family Football Scholarship. In 2015 during his sophomore season, Atkins appeared in 10 games, making three starts with 12 total tackles and recipient of the Brinson Family Football Scholarship.
During his junior season in 2016, Atkins Played in all 13 games, including starts in nine of the last ten contests. He has 22 total stops this season, including one TFL and also has two pass breakups and one QB pressure. Atkins earned Hugh Hendrix Award for being a player who most strains his potential following spring practice. He was selected as the recipient of the Brinson Family Football Scholarship.
In 2017 during his senior season, Atkins played in all 15 games, starting in 14 and finished with 38 total stops (17 solos, 21 assists. He was one of three defensive winners of the “Up Front” award at team’s post-season awards gala. Atkins signed with the New England Patriots on April 29, 2018.
Atkins was signed to the Detroit Lions' practice squad on September 3, 2018, and promoted to the Lions' active roster on December 18, 2018.
