MJ Devonshire

Marlin "M.J." Devonshire Jr. (born September 12, 2000) is an American professional football cornerback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kentucky Wildcats and the Pittsburgh Panthers and was selected by the Raiders in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft.

MJ Devonshire

Carolina Panthers
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(2000-09-12) September 12, 2000 (age 24) Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:	179 lb (81 kg)
Career information
High school:	Aliquippa (Aliquippa, Pennsylvania)
College:	Kentucky (2019–2020) Pittsburgh (2021–2023)
NFL draft:	2024: 7th round, 229th pick
Career history
Las Vegas Raiders (2024) Carolina Panthers (2025–present)
Roster status:	Active
Career highlights and awards
2× Second-team All-ACC (2022, 2023)
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life and high school

Devonshire was born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania where he attended high school at Aliquippa. In his senior season, Devonshire recorded eight interceptions, and eight punt return touchdowns. Devonshire would decide to commit to play college football at the University of Kentucky.^[1][2]

College career

Kentucky

In Devonshire's first season in 2019 he totaled five tackles with one pass deflection.^[3] In the 2020 season, Devonshire had one tackle and a pass deflection.^[4] After the conclusion of the 2020 season, Devonshire would decide to enter the NCAA transfer portal.^[5][6]

Pittsburgh

Devonshire would decide to transfer to the University of Pittsburgh to continue out his college career.^[7][8] In week eleven of the 2021 season, Devonshire recorded his first career interception that sealed the win for the Panthers over North Carolina.^[9] Devonshire finished the 2021 season with 17 tackles, with one being for a loss, three pass deflections, and an interception.^[10] In week one of the 2022 season, Devonshire intercepted a pass and returned it for 56 yards to take the lead, as he helped Pittsburgh beat their rival West Virginia.^[11] For his performance on the week, Devonshire was named the ACC defensive back of the week.^[12] In week four, Devonshire returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdowns, in a win over Rhode Island.^[13] Devonshire finished the 2022 season with 34 tackles, eight pass deflections, three interceptions, and two touchdowns, Devonshire also returned 24 punts for 233 yards and a touchdown.^[14] For his performance on the year, Devonshire was named second team All-ACC as a returner.^[15][16] Devonshire entered the 2023 season, as one of the Panthers best players.^[17] In week seven of the 2023 season, Devonshire totaled six tackles, five pass deflections, and he intercepted a pass and returned it 86 yards for a touchdown, as he helped Pittsburgh upset #14 Louisville.^[18] For his performance on the week he was named the ACC defensive back of the week.^[19]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables

Height	Weight	Arm length	Hand span	40-yard dash	10-yard split	20-yard split	20-yard shuttle	Three-cone drill	Vertical jump	Broad jump
5 ft 10+3⁄4 in (1.80 m)	186 lb (84 kg)	32+7⁄8 in (0.84 m)	8+3⁄4 in (0.22 m)	4.45 s	1.54 s	2.59 s	4.35 s	7.12 s	38.5 in (0.98 m)	10 ft 4 in (3.15 m)
All values from NFL Combine[20][21]

Las Vegas Raiders

Devonshire was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the seventh round (229th overall) of the 2024 NFL draft.^[22] He was waived on August 28, and re-signed to the practice squad.^[23]

Devonshire signed a reserve/future contract with Las Vegas on January 6, 2025.^[24] On April 25, Devonshire was waived by the Raiders.^[25]

Carolina Panthers

On April 28, 2025, Devonshire was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers.^[26]