Javontae Jean-Baptiste

Javontae Jean-Baptiste (born May 16, 2000) is an American professional football defensive end for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish before being selected by the Commanders in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Early life

Jean-Baptiste was born on May 16, 2000, in Spring Valley, New York. He attended Bergen Catholic High School. As a senior, Jean-Baptiste notched 88 tackles with 14.5 being for a loss, 11.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Coming out of high school, he was rated as a four-star recruit and the 129th best player in the class of 2018. Jean-Baptiste committed to play college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

College career

Ohio State

In Jean-Baptiste's first two seasons in 2019 and 2020, he played in 11 games notching 20 tackles with three and a half being for a loss, two and a half sacks, and a fumble recovery. He finished the 2021 season with 12 tackles with two going for a loss, and a sack and a half. In week 3 of the 2022 season, Jean-Baptiste totaled two sacks, a forced fumble, and five pressures against Toledo. In the 2022 Peach Bowl he had half a sack. In the 2022 season, Jean-Baptiste totaled 19 tackles with four and a half going for a loss, and four sacks. After the season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal. Jean-Baptiste finished his career at Ohio State totaling 52 tackles, eight sacks, and a forced fumble.

Notre Dame

In 2023, Jean-Baptiste transferred to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In Week 4, he notched a career-high eight tackles against his former team Ohio State. Jean-Baptiste tallied 47 tackles, 9.5 for loss, and 4 sacks during the season.

Statistics

Professional career

Jean-Baptiste was selected by the Washington Commanders in the seventh round (222nd overall) of the 2024 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 10, 2024. Jean-Baptiste recorded his first career sack in Week 3. He was placed on injured reserve on October 16, 2024, after suffering an ankle injury in Week 6. He was activated on November 23.