Career
Earned Pro Bowl honors in four consecutive seasons from 2007-2010, longest current streak by an NFL cornerback. Also earned Associated Press second-team All-Pro honors in 2009.
Transactions
Originally selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round (120th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft. Signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an unrestricted free agent on February 29, 2008. Acquired by the Falcons in exchange for an undisclosed draft choice in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles on April 25, 2011.
Career
Earned Pro Bowl honors in four consecutive seasons from 2007-2010, longest current streak by an NFL cornerback. Also earned Associated Press second-team All-Pro honors in 2009. Since joining the League in 2003, ranks second in interceptions with 45, first in interception returns for touchdowns with nine (including playoffs), and according to Stats Inc., first in passes defensed with 143. Since 2006, he leads the NFL with 39 interceptions. Is the NFL’s all-time leader with four postseason interception returns for touchdowns. His teams are 36-7 overall (.837) when he records an interception (20-2 with NE & 16-5 with Phi.), including a 26-1 record at home (14-0 with NE & 12-1 with PHI). Since 2003, leads the NFL with eight interceptions in the fourth quarter of close games, in which his team is winning or losing by seven points or less. Has recorded eight multi-interception games in his career and his teams are 8-0 in those games. Was a two time Super Bowl Champion with the New England Patriots following the 2003 (XXXVIII) and 2004 (XXXIX) seasons. Has intercepted the Manning brothers seven times in his career (Eli four times & Peyton three times), including one from each in the playoffs. Is also the fourth player to pick them both off in the same season and the first player in the NFL to intercept each brother twice. Became just the third Eagle ever to post sevenor-more interceptions in back-to-back seasons in 2009 and 2010, joining Bill Bradley (1971-72) and Don Burroughs (1961-62). His 10 interceptions in 2006 led the NFL and were the second-highest single-season output in Patriots history behind Ron Hall’s 11 in 1964.
2011 (Eagles)
Intercepted QB Mark Sanchez in the first quarter vs. NYJ (12/18) to set up an Eagles touchdown. Forced and recovered a fumble by Dolphins WR Davone Bess that led to an Eagles field goal at Miami (12/11). Intercepted QB John Skelton and returned it 20 yards for a touchdown vs. Arizona (11/13), marking his ninth career INT return for a touchdown. Picked off QB Matt Ryan (9/18) at the Georgia Dome. Intercepted Ryan in all three of their career match ups. Recorded 38 tackles (32 solo) with three interceptions, 14 passes defensed, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one touchdown. Closed out the 2010 season by tying his seasonhigh with seven tackles (four solo) and added 0.5 sacks and one tackle for loss.
College
Recorded 127 tackles (102 solo), with eight interceptions, 38 passes defensed, 63 punt returns for 673 yards (10.8 avg.), and 10 kickoff returns for 168 yards (16.8 avg.). His 38 career pass breakups set a new school record, breaking the previous record of 34 set by Greg Atterberry (1981-85). Provided solid leadership in the secondary as well as on special teams, where he was chosen by his teammates to be a captain. As a senior in 2002, earned All Mid-American Conference first-team honors after recording 48 tackles (42 solo) with three tackles for loss and a team-high four interceptions. Also posted a team-high 15 passes defensed. Was named an All-Independent first-team selection by Football News as a junior in 2001. Made 41 tackles,(31 solo) with two interceptions and a team-high 13 passes defensed. Posted 26 tackles (23 solo) with two interceptions and six passes defensed as a sophomore. Played in every game at free safety during his freshman season in 1999.
Personal
Has four children, one son A.J. and three daughters, Ashante, Amaya and Aleesa. A.J. plays quarterback and safety for the Lauderhill Lions of a Pop Warner league and his team won the Super Bowl in 2010. Was a versatile athlete at Boyd Anderson High School, where he playered DB, QB, KR and PR. Earned All-State and All-County honors as a senior DB, tallying 75 tackles and four interceptions. Also saw significant action at QB. As a junior he threw for 1,800 yards and rushed for 500 yards. Ten minutes before his final high school game, he replaced his team’s injured starting quarterback and went on to throw two touchdown passes, intercepted two more on defense, and also rushed for 80 yards. Also lettered in basketball and baseball and was an all-county selection as a point guard. Led his team in home runs despite his primary position being pitcher.
