Teez Tabor Bio 2026: Age, NFL Career, Family, Net Worth & Facts
Teez Tabor, born Jalen Tabor, rose to national prominence as one of the most instinctive and dominant defensive backs in college football history while playing for the Florida Gators. After capturing back-to-back First-Team All-SEC honors, he entered the professional ranks as a high-profile second-round NFL draft pick by the Detroit Lions. Over his professional football journey across multiple franchises, Tabor earned a reputation for his tenacity, football IQ, and unwavering dedication to the game.
Fans of NFL and college football also track prominent defensive backs and SEC alumni such as Vernon Hargreaves III, Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, Quincy Wilson, and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Jalen Glenn Tabor |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Teez Tabor |
| Profession | Professional Football Player (Cornerback / Safety) |
| Birth Date | December 31, 1995 |
| Age | 30 years 8 months old |
| Birth Place | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| High School | Friendship Collegiate Academy (Washington, D.C.) |
| College / Qualification | University of Florida (Telecommunications / Sports Management coursework) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | In a Relationship |
| Parents | Merri Tabor (Mother) |
| Siblings | Roger Tabor (Brother) |
| Known For | Star cornerback for the Florida Gators; Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Draft Pick |
| NFL Draft | 2017 / Round 2 / Pick 53 (Detroit Lions) |
| Current Status (2026) | Active Pro Athlete / Defensive Back Consultant |
| Years Active | 2014âPresent |
| Estimated Net Worth | $3.5 Million â $5 Million |
Early Life & Education
Jalen “Teez” Tabor was born on December 31, 1995, in the heart of Washington, D.C. Raised by his devoted mother, Merri Tabor, he grew up learning the values of discipline, grit, and perseverance in a competitive urban sports environment. From an early age, Tabor displayed an extraordinary natural aptitude for athletics, spending countless hours running drills and competing on local neighborhood gridirons.
He attended Friendship Collegiate Academy Public Charter School in Northeast Washington, D.C., an athletic powerhouse known for producing top-tier collegiate talent. Under seasoned coaching, Tabor blossomed into an elite high school cornerback and wide receiver. During his senior campaign in 2013, he earned USA Today All-American honors and was selected to play in the prestigious Under Armour All-America Game. Recruiters across the United States rated him as a five-star recruit and one of the top ten high school prospects in the nation.
Although initially committed to the Arizona Wildcats, Tabor re-evaluated his collegiate choices and committed to the University of Florida in January 2014. At Gainesville, he pursued studies in telecommunications and sports management while making an immediate, electrifying impact on the Gators football program.
Career Journey
Dominance at the University of Florida (2014â2016)
Tabor arrived in Gainesville ready to compete immediately. As a true freshman in 2014, he played in 12 games, starting five, and recorded 31 tackles, two sacks, an interception, and eight pass breakups. His standout play earned him Freshman All-American recognition from several national sports outlets.
During his sophomore season in 2015, Tabor formed arguably the nation’s premier cornerback duo alongside future first-round pick Vernon Hargreaves III. Tabor tallied four interceptionsâreturning two for touchdownsâalong with 14 pass breakups and 40 total tackles. His performance earned him First-Team All-SEC honors and established him as a feared lockdown defender in college football.
In his junior year in 2016, Tabor officially adopted his childhood nickname “Teez” on Florida’s roster. Opposing quarterbacks frequently avoided throwing in his direction, yet he still grabbed four interceptions, broke up six passes, and recorded 33 tackles. He secured First-Team All-SEC honors for the second straight season and earned Sporting News First-Team All-American status. Following Florida’s dominant victory in the Outback Bowl, Tabor announced his decision to forgo his senior season and enter the 2017 NFL Draft.
NFL Draft and Detroit Lions Era (2017â2018)
Entering the 2017 NFL Draft, scouts praised Tabor’s exceptional ball skills, instincts, and game awareness. On April 28, 2017, the Detroit Lions selected Tabor in the second round with the 53rd overall pick. He signed a four-year rookie contract with Detroit, entering a secondary that featured veteran Pro Bowler Darius Slay.
In his rookie season, Tabor appeared in 10 games, recording 14 tackles while adjusting to the physical speed of the professional level. During his second year in 2018, he transitioned into starting opportunities, playing in 12 games with four starts and compiling 28 tackles. Despite flashes of his trademark collegiate instincts, coaching changes in Detroit led to schematic shifts, and Tabor was waived prior to the 2019 regular season.
Transitions Across NFL Rosters (2019â2023)
Following his time in Detroit, Tabor signed with the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad in September 2019. He spent parts of two seasons in San Francisco’s defensive system, sharpening his versatility by learning both perimeter cornerback and safety responsibilities.
In 2021, Tabor joined the Chicago Bears. He made a strong impression in training camp, earning an elevation to the active roster. Playing in six games for Chicago, he logged eight tackles and demonstrated strong special teams contributions. In 2022, Tabor spent time with the Atlanta Falcons before being signed to the Seattle Seahawks active roster. During his stint in Seattle, he appeared in 10 games, registering eight total tackles and providing dependable depth in the secondary.
In 2023, Tabor joined the Indianapolis Colts organization, continuing to showcase his football intelligence and positional flexibility across defensive back roles.
Recent Activity and Veteran Pursuits (2025â2026)
Entering the 2025 and 2026 football calendars, Teez Tabor has leveraged his deep professional experience into both active spring league pursuits and elite defensive skills training. With expanded opportunities across spring football leagues such as the UFL, Tabor remains an athletic veteran who provides veteran leadership and technical precision on the field.
During the 2026 offseason, Tabor has also dedicated time to mentoring collegiate and prep defensive backs, hosting private secondary camps in the Washington, D.C., and Florida regions. His work emphasizes film study, route recognition, and hip fluidityâtraits that defined his own collegiate dominance.
Career Statistics & Highlights
College Statistics (Florida Gators)
| Year | Team | GP | Total Tackles | TFL | Sacks | INT | TD | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Florida | 12 | 31 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 1 | 0 | 8 |
| 2015 | Florida | 13 | 40 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 4 | 2 | 14 |
| 2016 | Florida | 12 | 33 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 4 | 1 | 6 |
| Total | Florida | 37 | 104 | 10.0 | 4.0 | 9 | 3 | 28 |
NFL Regular Season Summary
| Years | Teams | GP | GS | Total Tackles | Solo | PD | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017â2018 | Detroit Lions | 22 | 5 | 42 | 34 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | Chicago Bears | 6 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Seattle Seahawks | 10 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | NFL Career | 38 | 7 | 58 | 45 | 0 | 0 |
Personal Life
Beyond the football field, Teez Tabor maintains a close-knit personal life rooted in family and community service. He credits his mother, Merri, as the single most influential figure in his life, frequently honoring her sacrifices during interviews and on social media. Tabor also shares a strong bond with his brother, Roger.
Known for his down-to-earth personality, Tabor enjoys gaming, studying historical football film, and exploring fitness nutrition. Throughout his pro career, he has participated in numerous charitable initiatives, including youth football camps, turkey drives during Thanksgiving, and school visits across Washington, D.C., Detroit, and Gainesville.
Tabor keeps his romantic dating life relatively private, focusing his public profile on athletic endeavors, training routines, and philanthropic engagements.
Awards & Achievements
- USA Today High School All-American (2013)
- Under Armour All-America Game Selection (2014)
- Sporting News Freshman All-American (2014)
- First-Team All-SEC (Coaches & AP) (2015)
- First-Team All-SEC (Coaches & AP) (2016)
- Sporting News First-Team All-American (2016)
- Second-Round NFL Draft Pick (#53 Overall) (2017)
- Three Collegiate Interception Return Touchdowns (Florida Gators record contender)
Physical Statistics
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 200 lbs (91 kg) |
| Arm Length | 32 in (0.81 m) |
| Hand Size | 8 5/8 in (0.22 m) |
| Body Build | Athletic / Muscular |
| Shoe Size | 11.5 (US) |
Quotes
“I let my play do the talking. When you put on the tape, the instincts and preparation show up on every single snap.” â Teez Tabor
“My mom worked tirelessly so I could chase this dream. Everything I do on that field is to make her proud and build a legacy for our family.” â Teez Tabor
“Football is a game of continuous learning. Whether you are on top of the world or fighting for a roster spot, the work never stops.” â Teez Tabor
Controversies & Media Moments
During his collegiate career at Florida, Tabor was known for his candid, unfiltered personality on social media and with reporters. Prior to marquee matchups against SEC rivals like Tennessee and LSU, his competitive banter generated major national headlines. In 2016, Tabor also served a brief one-game internal suspension following a practice altercation with a teammate, an event he quickly moved past to finish his junior season with All-American accolades.
Favorites
| Favorite Sport other than Football | Basketball |
|---|---|
| Favorite NFL Player Growing Up | Deion Sanders & Champ Bailey |
| Favorite Pre-Game Meal | Grilled chicken, pasta, and fresh fruit |
| Favorite Music Genre | Hip-Hop and R&B |
| Favorite Vacation Spot | Miami, Florida |
Salary & Net Worth in 2026
As of 2026, Teez Tabor’s estimated net worth is between $3.5 million and $5 million. Over his NFL career, Tabor earned more than $5 million in total contract earnings, headlined by his four-year rookie deal with the Detroit Lions worth approximately $4.82 million with a $1.64 million signing bonus.
In addition to his NFL salaries across Detroit, Chicago, and Seattle, Tabor has generated income through endorsement agreements, spring league contracts, and football skills training academies.
Interesting Facts
- Tabor was legally named Jalen Glenn Tabor at birth; his mother gave him the nickname “Teez” when he was an infant, and he officially requested to be listed as Teez Tabor during his college career.
- He scored three defensive touchdowns during his college tenure at Florida, making him one of the most dangerous ball-hawking cornerbacks in Gators history.
- In high school, he led Friendship Collegiate Academy to an undefeated DCSAA championship season.
- Tabor played alongside numerous future NFL standouts at Florida, including Marcus Maye, Keanu Neal, and Alex Anzalone.
Did You Know Already?
Did you know that during his 2015 sophomore campaign at Florida, opposing quarterbacks recorded a passer rating under 35.0 when targeting receivers covered by Teez Tabor? His combination of closing speed and anticipation ranked among the highest ever tracked in modern SEC advanced analytics.
Social Media Links
- X (Twitter): @TeezTabor
- Instagram: @teez
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Teez Tabor’s real name?
His given birth name is Jalen Glenn Tabor. He adopted his lifelong family nickname, “Teez,” as his official playing name during his collegiate days at the University of Florida.
What teams did Teez Tabor play for in the NFL?
Teez Tabor was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2017. Throughout his NFL career, he spent time on the active rosters or practice squads of the Lions, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, and Indianapolis Colts.
How tall is Teez Tabor and what position does he play?
Tabor stands 6 feet 0 inches tall (183 cm) and weighs approximately 200 pounds. While he played cornerback for most of his career, he also has experience playing free safety.
Where did Teez Tabor go to college?
Tabor played college football for the Florida Gators from 2014 to 2016, earning First-Team All-SEC honors in both 2015 and 2016.
What is Teez Tabor doing now in 2026?
As of 2026, Tabor continues his involvement in professional football through veteran athletic training, spring league opportunities, and coaching youth and collegiate defensive backs through specialized skills clinics.
Conclusion
From his high school dominance in Washington, D.C., to his electrifying All-American career in the Swamp and his years on NFL rosters, Teez Tabor has left an indelible mark on football. His journey represents the determination required to compete at the highest tiers of American sports.
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Sources: Official NFL and NCAA statistical records, SEC sports media archives, team press releases, and verified player interview archives.
