A.J. Terrell is a prominent NFL cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons, known for his strong defensive skills. Drafted 16th in 2020, he began his career with notable achievements, including a Second-team AP All-Pro selection in 2021. Terrell excelled at Clemson University, famously scoring the initial defensive touchdown in College Football Playoff history. His community engagement includes founding the A.J. Terrell Relays, aimed at supporting local athletes, highlighting his commitment to nurturing future sports talent. There’s much more to uncover about his path and impact.
Early Life
Aundell Terrell Jr., known as A.J. Terrell, displayed his athletic skill from a young age. During his childhood, he developed a passion for football, which carried into his high school years at Westlake High School.
There, he distinguished himself on the field, earning All-State honors in 2016 and being named the Georgia 7A Player of the Year in his senior year, reflecting his exceptional talent and hard work.
Following high school, A.J. pursued higher education at Clemson University while continuing to play college football.
In addition to his athletic commitments, he exhibited a commitment to supporting others by creating the A.J. Terrell Relays in 2021, aimed at inspiring high school student-athletes in track and field.
Family Life
A.J. Terrell Jr. values family deeply and often credits his loved ones for his success. Growing up in Atlanta, he maintains strong ties with his family, including his parents and siblings, celebrating achievements together.
Terrell’s family has been a constant source of support, frequently attending his games and cheering him on. His commitment to family extends to the community, as illustrated by the A.J. Terrell Relays, which he created to support local high school athletes in Atlanta, nurturing a sense of unity and encouragement in his hometown.
Career
A.J. Terrell, selected 16th in total by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2020 NFL Draft, has quickly emerged as a key cornerback in the league. Over his career, he has started 61 games, accumulating 429 tackles and defending 59 passes.
In the 2023 season, Terrell displayed his skills further by recording 45 tackles and 11 passes defended. His outstanding performance earned him a Second-team AP All-Pro selection in 2021, emphasizing his considerable impact on the field despite often being underrated among top cornerbacks.
Remarkably, during his college tenure at Clemson, he made headlines by scoring the initial defensive touchdown in College Football Playoff history with a 44-yard interception return, along with earning First-Team All-ACC honors in 2019.
Net Worth
As of October 2023, A.J. Terrell’s net worth is estimated at $10 million, largely derived from his NFL salary and endorsements.
He signed a four-year rookie contract with the Atlanta Falcons worth $12 million after being drafted in 2020.
In his career, his top earnings include a 2020 salary of $3 million, a 2021 salary of $1.5 million, a 2022 salary of $2.5 million, and a 2023 salary of $2.8 million.
Following a standout performance in 2024, he secured a lucrative contract extension that positioned him among the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league.
Beyond his NFL earnings, A.J. Terrell has also engaged in numerous endorsement deals that increase his total net worth, while investments in community initiatives and personal ventures further improve his financial portfolio.