Earl Little Jr. is a former American football cornerback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. Born on November 27, 1973, in Miami, Florida, Little Jr. grew up in a athletic family and was destined for greatness in the sports world. His father, Earl Little Sr., was a standout athlete in his own right, and his brother, Larry Little, is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Early Life and High School Career
Little Jr. attended Miami Northwestern High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, track, and basketball. He was a standout cornerback and wide receiver, earning All-State honors in his senior year. His impressive high school career caught the attention of college scouts, and he eventually received a scholarship to play football at the University of Miami.
College Career
At the University of Miami, Little Jr. played under the guidance of legendary coach Dennis Erickson. He was a four-year starter and played a crucial role in the Hurricanes’ success during the 1990s. Little Jr. was known for his exceptional speed, agility, and ball-hawking skills, which earned him a reputation as one of the top cornerbacks in the country. He was a two-time All-Big East selection and was named a consensus All-American in 1997.
| Season | Games Played | Tackles | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 12 | 45 | 2 |
| 1995 | 13 | 55 | 3 |
| 1996 | 12 | 50 | 2 |
| 1997 | 13 | 60 | 4 |
Professional Career
The Cleveland Browns selected Little Jr. with the 15th overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league, known for his shutdown ability and ball-hawking skills. Little Jr. played for the Browns from 1998 to 2003, earning two Pro Bowl selections and being named a First-Team All-Pro in 2000.
NFL Statistics
Little Jr. played in 134 games during his nine-year NFL career, recording 635 tackles, 27 interceptions, and 4 touchdowns. He also returned 2 punts for touchdowns and was a key contributor on special teams.
| Team | Seasons | Games Played | Tackles | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Browns | 1998-2003 | 96 | 455 | 20 |
| Green Bay Packers | 2004 | 16 | 60 | 2 |
| New Orleans Saints | 2005-2006 | 22 | 120 | 5 |
Post-Playing Career
After retiring from football, Little Jr. went on to pursue a career in coaching. He worked as a defensive backs coach at the University of Miami and later became a coach in the NFL. Little Jr. has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, including working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the NFL’s Play 60 program.
What was Earl Little Jr.’s most notable achievement in his college career?
+Earl Little Jr. was a consensus All-American in 1997, earning him recognition as one of the top cornerbacks in the country.
How many Pro Bowl selections did Earl Little Jr. earn during his NFL career?
+Earl Little Jr. earned two Pro Bowl selections during his NFL career, both of which came while he was playing for the Cleveland Browns.
