Ja'Whaun Bentley

Ja'Whaun Bentley is an American professional football player who plays as a linebacker. Best known for his seven-year tenure with the New England Patriots, he emerged as a defensive leader and starting middle linebacker for the franchise, securing a championship ring in Super Bowl LIII.

Player Profile, High School, and College Career

Ja'Whaun Louis Bentley was born on August 24, 1996, in Glenarden, Maryland, USA. The Linebacker stands 188 cm tall, and his weight was last listed at 116 kg.

He attended DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, where he was a highly touted 3-star linebacker recruit. Following high school, he committed to play college football for Purdue University over several other major offers. He played for the Boilermakers from 2014 to 2017, becoming a four-year starter and a three-time team captain.

During his 2017 senior season, he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors and was named the defensive MVP of the 2017 Foster Farms Bowl.

Professional Career

He was drafted by the New England Patriots during the 2018 NFL Draft. They selected him in the fifth round, making him the 143rd overall pick.

During his rookie season, Bentley showed immediate promise and earned a starting role early on, though a torn bicep in Week 3 placed him on injured reserve for the remainder of the year. Despite the injury, he earned a championship ring when the Patriots went on to win Super Bowl LIII.

Over the following seasons, Bentley developed into a cornerstone of the Patriots' defense. After several veteran linebackers departed the team prior to the 2020 season, he stepped up as the primary starting middle linebacker.

His career peaked during the 2022 campaign when he started all 17 games and recorded a career-high and team-leading 125 combined tackles. The Patriots rewarded his consistent play with multiple contract extensions in 2022 and 2023.

Unfortunately, his 2024 season was cut short after he suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 2.

He was released by the Patriots in March 2025. He briefly signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad in September 2025 before being released in October of the same year.

Career Highlights:

• 2019 – Super Bowl champion (LIII)
• 2017 – Foster Farms Bowl Defensive MVP
• 2017 – Honorable mention All-Big Ten