Xavier Rhodes is a former NFL cornerback known for his physical style of play, excellent coverage skills, and success as a key member of the Minnesota Vikings defense. Rhodes was widely regarded as one of the top cornerbacks during his prime years in the NFL, earning Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors during his time with the Vikings.
Early Life and College Career
Full Name: Xavier Jerome Rhodes
Born: June 19, 1990, in Miami, Florida
High School: Rhodes attended Miami Norland High School in Miami, Florida, where he was a standout player in both football and track. His athleticism and speed helped him stand out as a defensive back.
College:
- Rhodes played college football at Florida State University (FSU).
- At FSU, he became one of the top cornerbacks in college football, earning All-ACC honors. His size, speed, and ball skills made him a standout player in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
- Rhodes was known for his ability to shut down top receivers and play physical, aggressive football, which helped him gain recognition as one of the best cornerbacks in the nation. His strong college career set the stage for his entry into the NFL.
NFL Career
NFL Draft:
- Xavier Rhodes was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1st round (25th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.
Minnesota Vikings (2013–2019)
- Rookie Season: Rhodes made an immediate impact in his rookie season with the Vikings. He started in multiple games and quickly showed his potential as a top cornerback. His ability to defend against both big receivers and fast ones allowed him to play a key role in the Vikings’ secondary.
- Prime Years (2014–2017):
- Rhodes truly emerged as one of the NFL’s elite cornerbacks starting in 2014. He was known for his ability to lock down top receivers and had a physical playing style that often disrupted passing games.
- In 2015, he was named to his first Pro Bowl, establishing himself as one of the top players in the league.
- Rhodes earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2017 after a standout season. That year, he had a career-high 5 interceptions and was frequently tasked with covering the opposing team’s top wide receivers, often shutting them down.
- During this time, he formed a solid partnership in the Vikings’ secondary, often lining up against top competition and helping the team become one of the league’s best defenses.
- Later Years with the Vikings (2018–2019):
- Rhodes continued to perform at a high level through the 2018 and 2019 seasons, but his performance began to show signs of decline toward the end of his Vikings tenure.
- In 2019, his struggles with consistency led to a slight dip in performance, but he remained a key part of the Vikings’ defensive schemes, particularly in the playoffs.
Indianapolis Colts (2020–2021)
- After his tenure with the Vikings, Rhodes signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020.
- In his first year with the Colts, he provided solid play in the secondary, continuing his reputation as a physical and skilled cornerback.
- Although not at the peak of his career, Rhodes still demonstrated his experience and leadership, contributing to the Colts’ defense in 2020 and 2021.
- Retirement: Rhodes officially retired from the NFL after the 2021 season, capping off a productive career as one of the league’s top cornerbacks.
Playing Style and Strengths
- Physicality: Rhodes was known for his physical approach to cornerback play. He was a big, strong corner who could jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and disrupt their routes.
- Man-to-Man Coverage: One of Rhodes’ key strengths was his ability to excel in man-to-man coverage, especially against top-tier wide receivers. His ability to shadow wideouts and prevent separation made him one of the most difficult cornerbacks to beat.
- Ball Skills: Rhodes had excellent hands and was able to make plays on the ball, registering numerous interceptions throughout his career.
- Tackling: In addition to his coverage skills, Rhodes was a solid tackler who was capable of supporting the run defense when needed.
- Versatility: Rhodes was a versatile corner who could play both outside cornerback and in the slot if necessary, making him a valuable asset in multiple defensive schemes.
Career Achievements and Legacy
- Pro Bowls: Rhodes was selected to 3 Pro Bowls (2015, 2017, 2018) during his career, highlighting his status as one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks.
- First-Team All-Pro: He earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2017, which was the peak of his career and solidified his place as one of the top cornerbacks in the league at that time.
- Vikings’ Legacy: Rhodes played the majority of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, and he is considered one of the top cornerbacks in the team’s history. His dominant performances during his prime helped the Vikings’ defense become one of the league’s best units in the mid-2010s.
- Colts Tenure: While his time with the Indianapolis Colts was shorter, Rhodes still made an impact and brought veteran leadership to their secondary.
Post-NFL Career
- After retiring from the NFL, Xavier Rhodes has remained involved in various activities, including community outreach and football camps. He has also focused on his personal life, including spending time with family and maintaining his ties to the sport.
Summary
- Position: Cornerback
- NFL Teams: Minnesota Vikings (2013–2019), Indianapolis Colts (2020–2021)
- NFL Draft: 1st round (25th overall) in 2013
- Pro Bowls: 3-time Pro Bowl selection (2015, 2017, 2018)
- All-Pro Honors: First-Team All-Pro in 2017
- Career Interceptions: 13
- Career Tackles: Over 400 tackles
- Legacy: Known for his physical play, ball skills, and elite man-to-man coverage, Rhodes is regarded as one of the top cornerbacks of the 2010s and one of the best in Minnesota Vikings’ history.
Xavier Rhodes’ legacy as a dominant cornerback is solidified by his accolades and his ability to shut down some of the best wide receivers in the game. His combination of size, speed, and physicality made him a force in the secondary, and he leaves behind a strong impact on both the Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts.