Jerrell Freeman

Jerrell Freeman (born May 1, 1986) is a professional linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tennessee Titans in 2008. He played three seasons of football in the Canadian Football League for the Saskatchewan Roughriders; in the 2011 season, he led the CFL in tackles. Freeman played college football for the Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders under the direction of Coach Pete Fredenburg, and was twice named a D3football.com All-American, including being honored as the 2007 D3football.com Defensive Player of the Year.

College career
Freeman played four seasons of collegiate football for the Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders and was twice named a D3football.com All-American, including being honored as the 2007 D3football.com Defensive Player of the Year. When he graduated he left as the schools all-time leading tackler. In his senior year he had 59 tackles, 18 tackles for a loss and six quarterback sacks.

Tennessee Titans
Jerrell Freeman declared himself eligible for the 2008 NFL Draft. Although he was not drafted he was signed by the Tennessee Titans immediately following the conclusion of the draft. He became the first Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusader to be offered an NFL contract. Jerrell Freeman was released by the Titans prior to the start of the 2008 NFL season.

Saskatchewan Roughriders
In March 2009 Freeman signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL. In the 2009 CFL season Jerrell Freeman was used primarily as a special teams tackler, recording a team high 25 special teams tackles. He was nominated as the teams Most Outstanding Rookie. In his second season with the Riders Freeman saw more time as a regular linebacker. He made the starting lineup for one game in the regular season and started in two playoff games and the Grey Cup. Jerrell Freeman won CFL Defensive Player of the Week honors in week 7 after recording 3 sacks against the BC Lions. He lead the team in sacks by the end of the season with 7.

The 2011 season was a breakout year for Freeman. Freeman lead the CFL in tackles with 105. Freeman won CFL Defensive Player of the Week in week 10 and earned CFL Defensive Player of the Month for the month of September.

Indianapolis Colts
On January 16, 2012, Freeman announced that he had signed a contract with the Indianapolis Colts of the NFL. In Week 1 against the Chicago Bears, Freeman returned a Jay Cutler interception for a touchdown in the first quarter. Freeman had an outstanding first season with the Colts finishing with 145 tackles (90 solo and 55 assisted) and 2 sacks. His 145 tackles was 5th highest in the league.