Jamaal Westerman

Jamaal Akeem Westerman (born February 21, 1985) is a former American football defensive lineman who is currently a college football coach for Rutgers. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Rutgers and was named to the Second–team All–Big East team two times. Westerman played high school football in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at St. Thomas Aquinas High School before moving to Brampton, Ontario and attending Notre Dame Secondary School.

Jamaal Westerman
African american male wearing white helmet and green uniform with "55" shown on the front
Westerman with the Jets in 2009
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Position:Defensive Graduate Assistant
Personal information
Born: (1985-02-21) February 21, 1985
Brooklyn, New York
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:260 lb (118 kg)
Career information
High school:Brampton (ON) Notre Dame
College:Rutgers
Undrafted:2009
Career history
As a player:
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
As a coach:
  • Rutgers (2020–present)
    Defensive Graduate Assistant
CFL status:National
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:62
Sacks:6.0
Forced fumbles:2
Fumble recoveries:4
Player stats at NFL.com · CFL.ca

In the NFL, Westerman has been a member of the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. In the CFL he has been a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Montreal Alouettes, and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Early years

Westerman was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 21, 1985. He and his family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Westerman began his high school career at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Following his freshman season, he moved, this time to Brampton, Ontario, and enrolled at Notre Dame Secondary School. Westerman started every year he was there and led both the team and league in tackles and sacks.[1] After graduating from Notre Dame in 2004 he was considered a two-star prospect by Rivals.com. Rutgers, Boise State and Central Michigan all recruited him and all offered him scholarships. He eventually accepted Rutgers' scholarship offer.[2]

College career

Westerman received three scholarship offers from National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) colleges before accepting one from Rutgers.

After redshirting in 2004, Westerman made a quick impression on the Rutgers coaching staff after recording six tackles in two games to begin 2005.[3] In the Cincinnati game, Westerman recorded a sack on quarterback Dustin Grutza which forced a fumble.[4]

Before the 2006 season, Westerman was involved in a car accident with teammates Willie Foster and Corey Hyman. Westerman and Foster were uninjured while Hyman required two stitches in his forehead.[5] On September 29, against South Florida, Westerman sacked quarterback Matt Grothe for a five-yard loss.[6] After the month of September, Westerman had eight tackles and two and a half sacks.[7] Through eight games, Westerman was the team leader in sacks with six.[8] Against Connecticut, Westerman blocked a punt and recovered a fumble by Connecticut quarterback D. J. Hernandez. Both the punt and fumble recovery were returned for a touchdown. Westerman also recorded two and a half sacks in the game.[9] By the final game in the season, Westerman and defensive end William Beckford had a combined 59 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss with 10 sacks.[10] In the Texas Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats, Westerman sacked quarterback Josh Freeman twice and recovered a Freeman fumble.[11] Westerman was named second–team All–Big East following the season along with teammates Brian Leonard, Cameron Stephenson, Pedro Sosa, Jeremy Ito, Ramel Meekins, Devraun Thompson, Ron Girault and Courtney Greene.[12]

During spring practice, Westerman and two other starter defensive linemen missed the annual intersquad scrimmage due to injuries.[13] In Rutgers' 59–0 win over Norfolk State, Westerman recorded one sack on quarterback Casey Hansen.[14] Against Syracuse and South Florida, Westerman recorded two sacks which gave him six for the season.[15][16] Following the season, Westerman and Rutgers earned a bid to play in the International Bowl against Ball State. The game was played in his hometown of Toronto.[17] According to Westerman he received numerous questions from teammates about Toronto, including "What's the weather like?"[18]

Beginning in March 2008, Rutgers attempted to convert Westerman to defensive tackle,[19] so he could replace the departed Eric Foster.[20] However, Westerman ended up playing defensive end during the season.[21] Against Morgan State, Westerman blocked a punt and recovered the loose ball.[22] Westerman suffered a torn biceps against Louisville and was forced to sit out the rest of the season which included a bowl game.[23] Despite his injury, he led Rutgers with six sacks on the season.[24]

Westerman ended his collegiate career with 26 sacks, 141 tackles and 45 tackles for a loss. His career sack total ranked him third highest in Rutgers school history.[1]

Professional playing career

New York Jets
African American male in green jersey and white helmet holding a football
Westerman in training camp.

Westerman was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2009.[25] On June 9, 2009, Jets head coach Rex Ryan said that he expected Westerman to make the team's final roster.[26][27] He ended up making the final roster as an outside linebacker[28] and recorded two tackles and a sack in his debut against the Houston Texans on September 13.[29] On October 9, 2011, Westerman recorded 5 tackles along with 2 sacks against the New England Patriots but in a losing effort while the Jets lost 30–21.

Miami Dolphins

Westerman signed with the Miami Dolphins on March 15, 2012.[30] He was waived during the final cuts before ever playing a regular season game for the Miami Dolphins.

Arizona Cardinals

On September 1, Westerman was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals. After making just one tackle in five games for the team, he was waived on November 20.

Indianapolis Colts

On December 4, Westerman signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

Buffalo Bills

On August 14, 2013, Westerman was signed by the Buffalo Bills.[31] After appearing in 12 games with the Bills in 2013, Westerman was waived on December 10, 2013.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Westerman signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 17, 2013, after a season-ending injury to linebacker LaMarr Woodley.[32] He appeared in one game for the Steelers during the 2013 NFL season.

Cleveland Browns

On July 24, 2014, Westerman signed with the Cleveland Browns. He was released by the Browns on August 30, 2014, as they trimmed their roster down to 53 players.[33]

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

On May 7, 2015, Westerman signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He appeared in 17 games in 2015, registering 17 sacks and receiving the Western nomination for Most Outstanding Canadian.[34] Unfortunately for Westerman, Ottawa Redblacks receiver Brad Sinopoli would end up winning the award for Most Outstanding Canadian.[35] He followed up his outstanding 2015 season with two more strong seasons in Winnipeg, compiling 65 more tackles, 15 quarterback sacks and three forced fumbles.

Montreal Alouettes

On February 14, 2018, the first day of free agency, Westerman signed with the Montreal Alouettes; joining his brother Jabar Westerman.[36] Westerman played five games for the Alouettes, contributing with 19 defensive tackles and three sacks.

Hamilton Tiger Cats

On July 22, 2018, Westerman was traded to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats along with international wide receiver Chris Williams and two first-round draft selections (2020, 2021) as part of a blockbuster trade for quarterback Johnny Manziel.[37] Westerman played in eight regular season games for the Ti-Cats, registering 10 tackles before being placed on the 6-game injured list on September 28, 2018 with an Achilles tendon rupture.[38] Mid-way through the 2019 season Westerman was getting close to returning to action while recovering from his Achilles injury, but suffered a torn triceps in practice, which prompted the team to place him on the injured reserve list revealing he would miss the remainder of the season.[39]

Coaching career

In 2020 Westerman was named a defensive graduate assistant for Rutgers, under his former head coach Greg Schiano.

Personal

Westerman's brother, Jawann, walked onto the Rutgers football team as a wide receiver after Westerman encouraged him to do so.[40] His other brother, Jabar Westerman, was a first round draft pick of the BC Lions in the 2012 Canadian Football League college draft.[41]

References
  1. "#55 Jamaal Westerman". New York Jets. Archived from the original on August 19, 2009. Retrieved September 14, 2009.
  2. "Jamaal Westerman". Rivals.com. Retrieved September 14, 2009.
  3. "NCAA Canadians". CFL.ca. September 14, 2005. Archived from the original on August 13, 2012. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  4. "Cincinnati 9, Rutgers 44". USA Today. November 26, 2005. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  5. "Jones's Backup Sample To Be Tested This Week". Washington Post. August 29, 2006. Retrieved September 14, 2009.
  6. "Rutgers 22, South Florida 20". ESPN.com. September 29, 2006. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  7. "Canadians in the NCAA – 2006 Division I-A Midseason Update". Slam! Sports. October 4, 2006. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  8. LaPointe, Joe (November 8, 2006). "Defense and Confidence Go Together for Rutgers". New York Times. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  9. McDonald, Mike (November 2, 2006). "Rutgers not pretty, but effective in win". Brick Township Bulletin. Archived from the original on November 5, 2006. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  10. Easton, Andy (November 30, 2006). "Preview: West Virginia – Rutgers". Scout.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  11. "Rutgers 37, Kansas State 10". ESPN.com. December 28, 2006. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  12. "Schiano, slew of RU players earn All-Conference nods". New Brunswick Sentinel. December 14, 2006. Archived from the original on January 24, 2013. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  13. Fox, David (April 22, 2007). "Rutgers closes spring amid new expectations". Rivals.com. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  14. "Norfolk State 0, Rutgers 59". ESPN.com. September 15, 2007. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  15. "Bulls and Knights meet in Thursday night action". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. October 17, 2007. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  16. "Critical Big East showdown features Knights and Mountaineers". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. October 24, 2007. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  17. Ralph, Dan. "Brampton's Jamaal Westerman anxious to play in Toronto in International Bowl". The Canadian Press. Prince George Citizen. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  18. Luicci, Tom (January 2, 2008). "Westerman is RU's answer man". Newark Star-Ledger. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  19. Luicci, Tom (March 28, 2008). "Westerman may move to DT". Newark Star-Ledger. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  20. Muench, Steve; Weidl, Kevin (August 25, 2008). "Big East team recruiting needs for the Class of 2009". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  21. Luicci, Tom (September 1, 2008). "Rutgers trounced, 24–7, by Fresno State in season opener". Newark Star-Ledger. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  22. Myers, Jim (September 28, 2008). "Rutgers' Defense Gets A Shutout". Scout.com. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  23. Luicci, Tom (December 29, 2008). "Four Downs with Rutgers DE Jamaal Westerman". Newark Star-Ledger. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  24. Franko, Kyle (December 1, 2008). "Senior sacks QBs, Rutgers records". The Daily Targum. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  25. "Jets sign 17 players, including Canada's Westerman". The Canadian Press. TSN. May 1, 2009. Archived from the original on October 18, 2012. Retrieved September 14, 2009.
  26. Cimini, Rich (June 9, 2009). "Jamaal Westerman expected to make Jets". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on June 13, 2009. Retrieved June 10, 2009.
  27. Hutchinson, Dave (May 2, 2009). "Rutgers product Jamaal Westerman impressing at New York Jets rookie minicamp". Newark Star Ledger. Retrieved June 10, 2009.
  28. Caldwell, Dave (September 9, 2009). "An Undrafted Rookie From Rutgers Plays His Way Onto the Jets". New York Times. Retrieved September 14, 2009.
  29. "NEW YORK JETS POSTGAME NOTES JETS 24, TEXANS 7". September 13, 2009. Retrieved September 14, 2009.
  30. Vrentas, Jenny (March 16, 2012). "Former Jets OLB Jamaal Westerman agrees to one-year deal with Dolphins". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on March 18, 2012. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  31. Brown, Chris (August 14, 2013). "LB Jamaal Westerman signed by Bills". BuffaloBills.com. Archived from the original on August 16, 2013. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
  32. Twitter / steelers: We have placed LaMarr Woodley on IR and signed linebacker Jamaal Westerman to fill the roster spot.
  33. Pokorny, Chris. "Cleveland Browns Roster Cuts: The Final 53-Man Roster". Yahoo. SB Nation.
  34. "Bombers sign former NFL player Westerman to deal". TSN. The Canadian Press.
  35. "Redblacks R Sinopoli wins outstanding Canadian award". TSN. November 26, 2015. Retrieved November 27, 2015.
  36. "Westerman heads East; signs deal with Alouettes - CFL.ca". CFL.ca. February 14, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  37. "Als acquire Johnny Manziel in blockbuster deal - CFL.ca". CFL.ca. July 22, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  38. "Ticats add Jamaal Westerman to 6-game - CFL.ca". CFL.ca. September 27, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
  39. TSN ca Staff (August 15, 2019). "Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive end Jamaal Westerman done for season - TSN.ca". TSN. Retrieved August 15, 2019.
  40. Luicci, Tom (August 12, 2007). "CB Anderson getting noticed". Newark Star-Ledger. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  41. "Lions trade up, draft Westerman second overall". CFL.ca. Archived from the original on May 7, 2012. Retrieved May 3, 2012.
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