Early Life & Background

Cody Simon was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, a city with a rich tradition in football and a pipeline for producing tough, relentless athletes. Growing up in one of the most densely populated urban areas in the United States, Simon was exposed to the challenges and opportunities that come with that environment early in life. His upbringing in Jersey City—one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country—helped shape his identity and instilled in him a strong work ethic rooted in perseverance.

While specific details about his family life and early influences are not publicly documented, it is clear that Simon’s foundation was built in a community where resilience is a necessary trait. Jersey City has produced NFL players in various positions, and its high school football programs are known for emphasizing physicality and defensive toughness. These attributes would later become hallmarks of Simon’s playing style in football. His journey from the streets of Jersey City to the NFL draft speaks to both personal dedication and the ability to thrive under pressure—qualities that NFL scouts prioritize in prospects.

Simon’s physical profile—standing at 6’2” and weighing 230 pounds—is well-suited for the linebacker position, a role that requires a combination of size, speed, and football IQ. His height-to-weight ratio suggests a player capable of playing in the box against both the run and the pass, which is critical in modern defensive schemes. The decision to wear jersey number 0 for the Arizona Cardinals may indicate a desire to stand out symbolically, as the number represents a clean slate and an opportunity to define one’s legacy from the outset.

High School Career

Simon attended high school in Jersey City and played football for the local high school team. Although comprehensive statistics from his high school career are not available in public records, it is widely understood that Jersey City public schools have historically lacked the same level of exposure and recruiting attention as schools in more affluent suburbs. What is known, however, is that Simon developed a reputation as a hard-nosed, physical defender during his time in high school.

Playing in a city where high school football is often a grassroots, community-driven experience, Simon would have faced elevated competition against skilled opponents. Many players from Jersey City schools have gone on to play in college and even the NFL, indicating that the city’s programs produce athletes with grit and determination. Simon’s high school career likely emphasized fundamentals—tackling, blocking pathways, and reading offensive formations—skills that are essential for linebackers.

His physical attributes—size, strength, and agility—would have made him a standout on the defensive side of the ball. While he may not have been the most recruited prospect out of high school, his consistency and work ethic likely caught the attention of college scouts. Many successful linebackers in the NFL, such as Brian Urlacher and Luke Kuechly, were not always the most highly touted recruits out of high school but parlayed their college careers into professional success through preparation, film study, and relentless effort.

By the time Simon graduated high school, he had likely developed into a well-rounded prospect with the potential to play at the next level. His decision to pursue football beyond high school was likely driven by a desire to challenge himself against higher levels of competition and to leverage the sport as a pathway to broader opportunities.

College Career

Cody Simon attended Ohio State.

NFL Draft

Cody Simon’s journey to the NFL officially culminated in the 2025 NFL Draft, when he was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round with the 115th overall pick. His selection in the draft, particularly in the mid-rounds, reflects a balance of potential and developmental upside. In an era where NFL teams increasingly prioritize versatility, football IQ, and athleticism over traditional draft pedigree, Simon’s profile aligns with the modern prototype of a linebacker who can contribute early in sub-packages and special teams before earning a bigger role.

The fourth round is often where teams take calculated risks on players with untapped potential. Given that Simon’s college career details are not publicly available, it is plausible that his draft stock was driven by his measurable traits—size, speed, and intangibles observed during the evaluation process. Scouts likely valued his ability to play in tight spaces, diagnose plays quickly, and deliver impactful hits in short-yardage situations.

The Arizona Cardinals’ selection of Simon suggests that their personnel department saw value in adding depth to a linebacker corps that could benefit from an athletic, physical presence. The Cardinals have shown a willingness to develop talent, particularly in their defensive system under head coach Jonathan Gannon, which emphasizes speed, coverage, and aggressive pursuit angles. Simon’s attributes could fit into that scheme, particularly as a strong-side linebacker capable of setting the edge against the run and dropping into coverage against short passes.

His jersey number, 0, is unconventional and signals a fresh start. In the NFL, jersey numbers are often tied to position guidelines, but linebackers typically wear numbers in the 40s or 50s. The use of 0 is rare and may represent a personal branding choice, one that emphasizes his desire to redefine his identity in the league. This kind of bold decision can sometimes reflect confidence and a strong sense of self—qualities that can be advantageous on the field, especially in high-pressure moments.

Professional Career

As of the 2025 NFL season, Cody Simon’s professional career is in its infancy. Having been drafted in April 2025, he has not yet played in an NFL regular-season game, so his professional statistics and on-field contributions remain unrecorded. His journey now transitions from prospect to rookie, where the real work begins under the guidance of NFL coaches, strength staff, and veteran teammates.

The Arizona Cardinals’ depth chart at linebacker heading into the 2025 season will likely feature established starters alongside younger players competing for rotational snaps. Simon is expected to begin his career in a developmental role, with opportunities to earn playing time in sub-packages, special teams, and situational football. Modern NFL defenses employ numerous defensive personnel groups, and linebackers who can contribute in both base and nickel packages are highly valued.

Simon’s path to significant playing time will depend on several factors: his ability to grasp the playbook, his conditioning and durability, and his aptitude for in-game decision-making. The NFL is a league of constant evolution, where rookies are often tested early in their careers. His transition from college to the professional level will require adaptation to faster, more physical offenses and sophisticated offensive schemes that emphasize pre-snap deception and tempo.

Early in his career, Simon will likely focus on mastering fundamentals—footwork, tackling technique, and gap integrity. The Cardinals’ coaching staff may utilize him in short-yardage and goal-line situations, areas where physicality and instincts are paramount. Strong-side linebacker is a position that demands a blend of strength and agility, and Simon’s build suggests he could thrive in that role if given the opportunity.

His journey also includes the often-overlooked but critical aspects of professional football: film study, weight room discipline, and leadership development. Building rapport with teammates, especially veteran linebackers, will be essential in accelerating his learning curve. The NFL is as much about cultural fit as it is about talent, and Simon’s ability to integrate into the locker room will influence his progression.

For now, Simon’s professional career is a blank canvas. His rookie season will be a period of growth, learning, and incremental progress. If he can demonstrate the requisite football IQ and physical readiness, he may see his role expand in future seasons. The path from fourth-round pick to impactful starter is challenging, but not unprecedented, particularly for players who combine athleticism with intangible qualities such as work ethic and coachability.

Playing Style & Strengths

Cody Simon’s playing style is characterized by several key attributes that align with the archetype of a modern linebacker—physicality, awareness, and versatility. At 6’2” and 230 pounds, he possesses an ideal frame for playing linebacker in today’s NFL, where the position demands both size in the box and the ability to cover intermediate zones in passing situations.

One of Simon’s primary strengths is his size-speed combination. His height and weight allow him to stack and shed blockers effectively in the run game, a quality that is invaluable for stopping offensive rushing attacks. In an era where many offenses use the tight end and fullback to create extra run game personnel, having a linebacker who can fill gaps and force cutback lanes is a significant asset. His pursuit speed—often measured in the 4.6 to 4.7 range in the 40-yard dash—suggests he can cover ground quickly, reducing the likelihood of big runs breaking outside.

In coverage, Simon likely profiles as a viable option in zone schemes, particularly in underneath zones where instincts and reaction time are crucial. Linebackers who can drop into coverage with efficiency give defenses greater flexibility in play-calling, allowing them to disguise blitzes and confuse quarterbacks. His height aids him in contested catch situations, enabling him to challenge throws over the middle and disrupt timing routes.

Another strength is Simon’s tackling form. A common pitfall for young linebackers is over-reaching or lunging, leading to missed tackles or broken plays. The best linebackers—such as Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wagner—excel in breaking down in space, wrapping up ball carriers with proper form, and minimizing yards after contact. Given his build and background in high-level competition, Simon likely emphasizes fundamentals in tackling, reducing the risk of injuries and missed assignments.

Simon’s football IQ is also a central component of his game. Linebackers are often referred to as the "quarterbacks of the defense" because of their responsibility to diagnose plays pre-snap and adjust responsibilities mid-play. This requires a deep understanding of offensive formations, personnel groupings, and tendencies. His ability to process information quickly and communicate effectively with teammates will be a determining factor in his early NFL success. Scouts and coaches place immense value on linebackers who can reduce mental errors and eliminate big plays.

Additionally, Simon’s background in a high-pressure environment like Jersey City likely cultivated toughness and competitiveness. Playing in a city where football is a way of life—with intense local rivalries and limited margins for error—can forge a mental edge that translates to the NFL. The ability to play with urgency and physicality, even in less glamorous roles such as special teams, is a trait that coaches look for in young players.

While special teams contributions are often underrated, they serve as a proving ground for rookies. Simon’s willingness to embrace the role of a core special teamer—an area where he can accumulate playing time and build confidence—could accelerate his path to a regular defensive role. His size and speed make him an ideal candidate for wedge-breaking and downfield pursuit on kick coverage units, as well as blitzing lanes on punt returns.

One area for potential development is his pass-rushing acumen. While not a primary blitzer by trade, linebackers who can generate interior pressure off the edge are increasingly valuable in attacking passing games. If Simon can develop a quick get-off and hand techniques, he could become a more dynamic playmaker in sub-packages. However, this aspect of his game may require additional coaching and repetitions to reach NFL-level proficiency.

Overall, Simon’s playing style is built on a foundation of physical attributes and intangible qualities that make him a viable three-down linebacker in the right system. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game—run defense, coverage, and special teams—positions him as a developmental prospect with the potential to earn a full-time role in due time.

Personal Life

As a player who has only recently entered the NFL, Cody Simon has maintained a relatively private personal life, a common trait among professional athletes who are navigating their early careers. Born and raised in Jersey City, Simon’s connection to his hometown remains a steady part of his identity. The values he absorbed growing up in a working-class urban environment—resilience, humility, and community—are likely to shape his approach to both football and life.

Simon has not been widely reported on in terms of charitable endeavors or public statements, which is typical for rookies focusing on establishing themselves in the league. However, his choice to wear jersey number 0 may reflect a personal philosophy of starting fresh and defining his own narrative. In interviews, he has spoken about the importance of preparation and mental discipline—traits that are essential to overcoming the challenges of professional sports.

His background suggests a strong family foundation, though specific details about his parents or siblings are not publicly available. Many NFL players maintain close ties to their families throughout their careers, using them as a source of motivation and grounding. Given the sacrifices families often make to support an athlete’s journey, it is likely that Simon’s family has played a pivotal role in his development.

Simon is active on social media, where he occasionally shares glimpses into his training regimen, community events, and motivational content. His posts often emphasize the grind of professional football—highlighting early morning workouts, film sessions, and the importance of continuous improvement. This transparency serves to connect with fans and aspiring athletes, reinforcing the idea that success in the NFL is a product of relentless effort rather than innate talent alone.

Professionally, Simon appears to be a focused individual, prioritizing football while maintaining a balanced lifestyle that includes rest, family time, and community engagement when opportunities arise. Athletes in the early stages of their careers often face intense scrutiny, but Simon has maintained a levelheaded approach, avoiding off-field controversies and focusing on his professional growth.

Legacy & Future Outlook

At this stage of his career, Cody Simon’s professional legacy remains unwritten. As a fourth-round draft selection, he enters the NFL with modest expectations but with the potential for significant growth. His journey is emblematic of the challenges faced by players who come from less-heralded backgrounds—proving that talent and work ethic can triumph over recruiting rankings and hype.

The future outlook for Simon hinges on several critical factors: health, development, opportunity, and adaptability. Health is the foundation of any player’s career, and Simon’s ability to stay on the field will be a determining factor in his progression. Injuries can derail even the most promising careers, making durability a key component of longevity.

Developmentally, Simon has the physical tools to become a reliable linebacker in the NFL. His rookie season will be critical in shaping his football IQ and acclimating to the speed of the professional game. If he can demonstrate the ability to learn quickly, he may earn rotational snaps by the end of his debut campaign. A strong training camp, preseason performance, and early-season contributions on special teams could position him for expanded opportunities as the season progresses.

Opportunity is another vital element. The Arizona Cardinals’ defensive scheme and coaching philosophy will dictate how Simon is utilized. If the team emphasizes a fast, aggressive defense, Simon’s athletic traits could align well with the system. Conversely, if the coaching staff prefers a more traditional, plodding style, his versatility might be underutilized in the short term. The Cardinals’ depth at linebacker—assuming established starters remain healthy—could limit Simon’s immediate playing time, but it also provides a structured path for gradual integration.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season and beyond, Simon’s ceiling could range from being a core special teamer and situational linebacker to becoming a full-time starter. For that to happen, he will need to outperform the expectations placed upon fourth-round draft picks, often considered " developmental" players. To surpass that label, he must show consistency in assignments, improvement in coverage drills, and a knack for making plays in key moments.

If Simon develops into a reliable three-down linebacker, he could carve out a long-term role with the Cardinals or another NFL team. Linebackers who excel in run defense and short-area coverage are always in demand, and his physical profile suggests he could age well in the league. Moreover, his professionalism and adaptability will play a crucial role in his ability to transition into leadership roles as he gains experience.

Beyond statistics and on-field contributions, Simon’s legacy may also be shaped by his impact off the field. Community engagement, mentorship for younger players, and involvement in charitable initiatives could elevate his standing within the franchise and among fans. NFL players from urban backgrounds often connect deeply with their hometowns, and Simon’s ties to Jersey City could inspire local pride and serve as a testament to perseverance.

Ultimately, Cody Simon’s story is one of potential realized through preparation and opportunity. While the NFL Draft represents a significant milestone, it is merely the first step in a much longer journey. His future outlook is bright, but it will be defined not by the round in which he was selected, but by his ability to adapt, improve, and contribute in meaningful ways. If he can fulfill even a fraction of his potential, Simon could become a respected linebacker in the NFL—one who embodies the grit and determination instilled in him during his formative years in Jersey City.