Deon Jerome King (born July 2, 1993) is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Norfolk State University.
Early Life and Education
King was born in Reston, Virginia, and attended South Lakes High School. As a senior linebacker, he recorded 100 tackles and 10 sacks, earning All-Liberty District honors. He also competed in shot put and received All-district honors. After high school, he enrolled at Fork Union Military Academy to improve his academics before attending Norfolk State University.
College Career
King played for the Norfolk State Spartans from 2012 to 2015. He played in 46 career games, registering 372 tackles and 18 sacks. In 2015, he won the Buck Buchanan Award, given to the top defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). He was also named a consensus first-team FCS All-American, an HBCU All-American, and a two-time All-MEAC selection.
Professional Career
King went undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys but was released during final roster cuts. Over the next two seasons, he was signed to the practice squad or active roster of the San Diego Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns, and Jacksonville Jaguars. In total, he played 15 NFL games (all as a reserve/special teams), recording 4 career tackles. In 2018, he signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) but was released in 2019.
Personal
King completed his Bachelor of Science degree in building construction technology from Norfolk State University in May 2017.
