The Unstoppable Comeback: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Jake Funk's NFL Journey And 2025 Status

Jake Funk, the hard-nosed running back whose career has been defined by overcoming adversity, is currently navigating the challenging waters of NFL free agency as of December 12, 2025. After a whirlwind 2024 season that saw him bounce between practice squads, the former seventh-round pick and Super Bowl champion is working to secure his next opportunity, proving once again that his relentless spirit is his greatest asset.

The running back position in the modern NFL is highly volatile, and Funk's journey is a perfect encapsulation of that reality. From being a key special teams contributor and a member of a Super Bowl-winning roster with the Los Angeles Rams, his career has transitioned into a persistent fight for a roster spot. His unique blend of powerful running and special teams prowess makes him a valuable, albeit currently unsigned, commodity for teams looking to add depth and grit for the 2025 season.

Jake Funk: Complete NFL and College Biography

Jake Funk’s story is a compelling narrative of local Maryland talent rising to the highest level of professional football, punctuated by remarkable resilience in the face of devastating injuries.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

• Full Name: Jake Funk
• Born: January 11, 1998
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 27
• Hometown: Gaithersburg, Maryland
• High School: Damascus High School (Damascus, MD)
• College: University of Maryland (Terrapins)
• Position: Running Back (RB)
• Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
• Weight: 205 lbs (93 kg)
• NFL Draft: 2021, Round 7, Pick 233rd overall by the Los Angeles Rams
• Current Status (Dec 2025): Unrestricted Free Agent
• Notable Achievements: Super Bowl LVI Champion (Los Angeles Rams), Third Team All-Big Ten (2020), Three-time Academic All-Big Ten.

The Rollercoaster 2024 Season and Current Free Agent Status

The 2024 NFL season was a turbulent one for Jake Funk, highlighting the precarious nature of a running back's career on the fringes of the active roster. His year was primarily spent with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he was shuffled between the practice squad and the active roster as needed for depth and special teams coverage.

Funk’s role in 2024 was a testament to his versatility and willingness to contribute wherever possible. He was briefly elevated to the active roster, demonstrating his commitment to the team in a limited capacity. His 2024 season stats reflect this limited opportunity, with him recording 62 rushing yards on 22 attempts.

The constant roster movement—including being released and re-signed by the Jaguars within a day in October 2024, followed by a final release in November 2024—ultimately led to his current status.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

Unrestricted Free Agent Status in 2025

As of December 2025, Jake Funk is an unrestricted free agent. This means he is free to sign with any NFL team. While his time with the Jaguars practice squad extended into late 2024, the final transaction left him on the open market. This period is critical for a player like Funk, who brings proven special teams experience and a low-cost, high-effort profile.

His original contract was a four-year deal worth $3,588,228 after being drafted by the Rams. However, subsequent waivers and re-signings have altered his financial landscape, making his next contract a pivotal moment for his continued NFL career. Teams looking for a reliable, hard-working running back who can immediately step in as a core special teamer will likely be evaluating his film and workout metrics closely during the offseason.

The Incredible College Comeback: Overcoming Two ACL Tears

Jake Funk’s professional journey is remarkable, but it is his college career at the University of Maryland that truly forged his reputation for toughness and resilience. While playing for the Terrapins, Funk suffered two separate ACL tears—a devastating injury for any athlete, let alone a running back—that could have ended his career prematurely.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

His ability to battle back from not one, but two, major knee injuries is a central theme in his personal story and a key reason why NFL teams value his character. This perseverance paid off spectacularly during his final college season.

Big Ten Success and Draft Stock

In the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Funk had a breakout performance, averaging an impressive 129 rushing yards per game in Maryland's four games. This high-level production earned him Third Team All-Big Ten honors, a significant achievement in one of college football's premier conferences.

His college statistics, despite the injuries, were solid, demonstrating his potential: he accumulated 518 rushing yards and nine touchdowns over 31 games played, in addition to being a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. This combination of on-field production, academic excellence, and a history of overcoming adversity made him an attractive late-round pick for the Los Angeles Rams in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Super Bowl Ring and Special Teams Prowess

Funk’s most significant professional achievement came early in his career: winning Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams in his rookie season. While his role on offense was limited, he quickly became a key contributor on special teams, a critical area for late-round draft picks looking to secure a roster spot. His dedication and high motor on kick and punt coverage units are what initially impressed the Rams coaching staff.

His ability to play special teams at a high level is the primary reason he continues to get opportunities in the NFL. In a league where roster spots are precious, a running back who can also be a core special teamer offers invaluable versatility and roster flexibility. This reputation for being a relentless special teams ace is what keeps him on the radar for NFL teams, even as a free agent in 2025.

What’s Next for Jake Funk?

As a free agent, Funk's immediate future is uncertain, but his path is clear: find a team that needs a high-effort, versatile running back who can immediately contribute to the special teams unit. The NFL offseason and training camps will be crucial. Funk will be competing for a roster spot, likely focusing on teams with injuries at the running back position or those with a high priority on special teams performance.

His journey from a two-time ACL tear survivor at Maryland to a Super Bowl champion and a persistent NFL journeyman is a powerful testament to his character. For fans and analysts alike, Jake Funk remains a compelling figure—a player whose career is less about superstar statistics and more about the sheer will to stay in the game he loves.