Jonathan Wade

Early years

Wade was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. He attended Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, and played for the Evangel Eagles high school football team. His Eagles teams won three state titles and a 1999 national championship during his time there.

College career

Wade attended the University of Tennessee, and played for the Tennessee Volunteers football team from 2002 to 2006. He was a standout in both track and football. Wade played wide receiver when first coming to Tennessee but moved to cornerback after sitting out most of the 2003 with an injury redshirt. Wade came under fire by fans early in his career, but many NFL pundits now consider him to be a solid NFL prospect. During the 2006 Season, Wade led the Vols in pass deflections is second in interceptions. Wade also was named Second-team All- SEC by the league's coaches and the AP.

Track and field

Also a star track athlete, Wade won the gold medal over the 200 meters, with a time of 20.95 seconds, and the bronze medal over 100 meters at 2001 World Youth Championships in Athletics. He also won the 2001 state titles in the 100 meters and 200 meters. He set the state record in the 200 meters, with a time of 21.03 seconds. He was also the Louisiana 2001 Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the Year.

Wade has also received honors for track and field while he was at the University of Tennessee. He was named All-American in 2005 for both indoor and outdoor track. Wade also anchored Tennessee's 2003 SEC champion and NCAA outdoor runner-up 4 x 100 metres relay team.

His personal bests are 6.67 seconds in the 60 meters, 10.15 seconds in the 100 meters and 20.58 seconds in the 200 meters.

St. Louis Rams

Jonathon Wade was the 84th pick overall in the 2007 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. Wade signed a three-year deal worth $1.635 million that included a signing bonus of $516,375 Over the course of his rookie season at cornerback, Wade played 16 games and made one start as a nickleback and made 24 total tackles, 23 of those solo, with 1 interception returned for 2 yards. On special teams, he returned 1 ball and that was for 19 yards. In 2008 Wade again played 16 games with one start (starting right cornerback Fakhir Brown was injured and Wade started the final game) and ended the year with 10 tackles, one interception and three passes deflected.

Detroit Lions

Wade signed with the Detroit Lions on March 8, 2010. He was cut on November 9, 2010 to make room for Dave Rayner who was signed to replace Jason Hanson.

Cincinnati Bengals

Wade signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on November 22, 2010 to replace free safety Chris Crocker after he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Week 11 game against the Buffalo Bills. He was released on September 3, 2011.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins signed him on November 1, 2011. He was waived on November 19. Wade was re-signed to a future contract on January 30, 2012. The Dolphins released him during the preseason on August 25, 2012.

Personal life

Jonathan Wade is retired from the NFL and is married to Johnna Hermann-Wade. They married in Antigua in a private ceremony on January 8, 2009. After Jonathan's retirement from the NFL, his family settled down in Fort Worth TX in 2013. Jonathan's wife has a bachelor's degree in Studio Art from Lindenwood University and currently lends her talent to Clear Channel Outdoor as a Graphic Designer. They have two son's together, Jonathan Charles Wade, Jr born July 26, 2009 and Jaydn Charles Wade born October 7, 2016. Jonathan also has a step daughter from his wife's previous relationship named Jaysha Marie Epperson born January 7, 2002. Jonathan spends his spare time coaching and training the youth of Texas in football, soccer, track and softball.