Jeremy Chinn, born February 26, 1998, is an American professional football safety for the Washington Commanders in the NFL.
He played college football at Southern Illinois, where he earned accolades including consensus FCS All-American honors in 2019.
Chinn was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.
Notable for his versatility, he has recorded significant defensive stats, including multiple interceptions and fumble recoveries throughout his career.
His uncle is Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Steve Atwater.
Parents
Chinn’s parents are James Chinn and Nichelle Gilbert.
James was a standout safety at Southeast Missouri State from 1989 to 1992, while Nichelle emphasized the importance of both education and sports in their children’s upbringing.
They maintain a low profile, avoiding media attention despite their son’s rising success in the NFL.
Jeremy also has three siblings, namely Jay, Jenesis.and Leah.
College career
Chinn played college football at Southern Illinois University, where he established himself as a standout safety from 2016 to 2019.
Coming out of high school, he was a highly regarded recruit, showcasing his athleticism and versatility on the field.
He chose Southern Illinois, a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), where he made an immediate impact as a freshman.
In his first year, he started in 11 games and recorded 43 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 7 passes defended. This strong start laid the foundation for his future success.
In his sophomore year, Chinn continued to develop, finishing with 66 tackles and 3 interceptions, earning recognition as one of the top defensive backs in the conference.
His junior year saw him reach new heights, as he recorded 81 tackles and 4 interceptions while being named to the All-MVFC First Team.
In his senior season in 2019, Chinn had a standout year with 50 tackles and 4 interceptions, culminating in consensus FCS All-American honors.
His ability to cover ground quickly and make plays on the ball solidified his reputation as one of the top defensive prospects in college football.
Senior career
Chinn was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round (64th overall pick) of the 2020 NFL Draft, marking a significant achievement for both him and Southern Illinois University.
He became the highest draft pick from the school since 1984. In his rookie season with the Panthers, Chinn made an immediate impact by starting all 16 games.
He recorded an impressive 117 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 3 fumble recoveries.
One of his standout performances included a memorable game against the Minnesota Vikings, where he returned a fumble for a touchdown.
His exceptional play earned him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team.
Chinn continued to excel in subsequent seasons with the Panthers.
In 2021, he recorded over 100 tackles again and showcased his versatility by playing both safety and linebacker positions.
Although injuries affected his playtime during the 2022 season, he still managed to make key contributions when on the field, recording several important tackles and interceptions.
In March 2024, Chinn signed with the Washington Commanders after spending four seasons with the Panthers.
Known for his versatility, athleticism, and playmaking ability, Chinn has excellent speed and agility that allow him to effectively cover receivers while also stepping up in run support.
His football IQ and instincts make him a valuable asset in both pass coverage and tackling situations.
