White Cornerbacks Make Historic Impact in 2024 NFL Season

The 2024 NFL season has been marked by a historic resurgence of white cornerbacks, a position traditionally dominated by Black athletes. For the first time in over two decades, white players like Cooper DeJean, Riley Moss, and Ethan Bonner have made significant contributions to their teams, challenging long-standing norms in the league.

Cooper DeJean, a second-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles, emerged as a standout rookie. The Sioux Falls, South Dakota, native started nine games, recording 51 tackles, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. DeJean also showcased his versatility as a punt returner, amassing 211 yards on 21 returns.

Riley Moss, a third-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2023, became the first white cornerback to start a game since Jason Sehorn in the early 2000s. Moss, a former Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, finished the 2024 regular season with 86 tackles, eight pass deflections, one interception, and one forced fumble. His interception marked the first by a white cornerback since Sehorn’s in 2002.

Ethan Bonner, an undrafted free agent signed by the Miami Dolphins, rounded out the trio. The Stanford alum made seven appearances in 2023 and 2024, recording two tackles and one pass deflection. While his contributions were modest, his presence on the field highlighted the growing diversity at the position.

Jason Sehorn, the last white cornerback to make a consistent impact in the NFL, played from 1994 to 2003, primarily with the New York Giants. Sehorn’s career included 443 tackles, 19 interceptions, and 10 forced fumbles. Since his retirement, white cornerbacks have been a rarity in the league, making the 2024 season a landmark year.

The resurgence of white cornerbacks has sparked conversations about diversity and representation in the NFL. While the league remains predominantly Black, the success of DeJean, Moss, and Bonner underscores the importance of merit-based opportunities in professional sports.