Get to know NFL and Commanders Cornerback Marshon Lattimore
American professional football cornerback Marshon Demond Lattimore has become a major talking point after securing a move to the Washington Commanders in the NFL.
Marshon Lattimore featured for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the 2017 NFL draft first round.
He went on to clinch the award for the Rookie of the Year in 2017, making four Pro Bowls with the Saints prior to his move to the Commanders midway through this season.
Early Days
On May 20 1996, Marshon Lattimore was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He enrolled at Glenville High School and featured as a cornerback and also a wide receiver for the school’s football team.
Lattimore was one of the finalists named U.S. Player of the Year Award as a senior and was rated a four-star recruit committed to Ohio State University to compete in College football.
Marshon Lattimore made his first appearance at Ohio State in 2014 and featured in seven matches in 2015.
After graduating from Ohio State, Lattimore was tipped by NFL analysts and experts as one of the next big prospects to take over American Football.
However, he suffered some major injuries on the road but still showed his quality to make a difference and take the game by storm on a professional level.
At the beginning of his career, NFL analyst Bucky Brooks and outlets like ESPN and Sports Illustrated ranked Lattimore’s stats as one of the top cornerback prospects for the future.
Professional Years.
In 2017, Marshon Lattimore became the first of five cornerbacks to be chosen in the first round of the NFL draft.
In that summer, a Marshon Lattimore contract was signed when he joined the Saints in a four-year deal worth $24 million including bonuses.
In the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football, Lattimore made his debut and recorded four solo tackles although his team lost 29-19.
Only a week after, the American star went on to secure a combined seven tackles, which became his highest that season.
Lattimore continued his impressive run of form and was crowned National Football Conference Defensive Player of the Month in October but missed subsequent games due to an ankle injury.
Marshon Lattimore was then selected to feature in the 2018 Pro Bowl on December 21 as he was named Rookie of the Year.
A series of impressive performances continued for the 28-year-old and in 2021, Lattimore was handed a five-year contract extension worth $97 million with the Saints.
He had become one of the best young talents in the NFL and performed at a remarkable level game after game.
In the 2022 season, Lattimore suffered a lacerated kidney on week five and missed twelve matches.
A year later in 2023, he still struggled with injuries after spraining his ankle, featuring in 10 games.
On November 5, 2024, a Marshon Lattimore trade was made. He joined the Washington Commanders from the Saints in a transfer that has got the world talking.
The Commanders are hoping that Marshon Lattimore‘s hamstring injury heals faster, knowing how crucial the Lattimore trade would be for them this season.
According to a CHRON report, It is unclear as to whether the cornerback will be ready in time for Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh.
However, the team look forward to seeing Lattimore’s injury healed and his inclusion in the coming days, knowing the strong presence he brings to defenses in winning games.
Marshon Lattimore’s road to the top has been filled with highs and lows in injuries and breakthrough moments in the game. However, he has pressed on throughout his career and looks a great addition to the Washington Commanders.
READ ALSO: Damian Lillard: NBA Star, Record-Breaker, and Cultural Icon
Lattimore’s career has been filled with some impressive moments and awards that gained him recognition in the NFL.
Here are some career highlights and awards by the player
◦ 2017 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
◦ 2016 First-team All-Big Ten
◦ 2014 CPP national champion
◦ 2017 PWFA All-Rookie Team
◦ 4x Pro Bowl ( 2017,2019-2021)