After a standout senior season at the University of Louisville, where he rushed for 1,405 yards – the fifth-highest single-season total in program history – Bilal Powell was selected by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Powell went on to spend his entire nine-year NFL career with the Jets, establishing himself as a dependable and versatile all-purpose back, equally effective between the tackles and as a receiver out of the backfield. He completed his professional career with 5,275 all-purpose yards and became a fan-favorite among Jets supporters for his toughness, reliability, and consistency.
Following his playing career, Powell returned to Louisville, where he founded the 29th and 9th Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting athletes by bridging the gap between mental health and sports.
