A. J. Finley

A. J. Finley (born September 14, 2001) is an American football safety for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Ole Miss.

Early life
Finley grew up in Mobile, Alabama and attended St. Paul's Episcopal School. As a senior he put up six interceptions. On June 29, 2018, Finley committed to play college football at Ole Miss over other schools such as Duke, Iowa, Purdue, Tennessee, and Wake Forest.

College career
Finley played four years at Ole Miss and recorded 244 tackles, 8.5 being for a loss, eight interceptions, 13 pass deflections, four fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, and a touchdown. In his first season he posted 16 tackles, two for a loss, and two fumble recoveries. However, in Finley's second season he had a breakout year putting up 62 tackles, two going for a loss, three interceptions, seven pass deflections, and a fumble recovery. Finley's third season was his best collegiate year where he had 90 tackles, one going for a loss, three interceptions, including returning one for a touchdown, four pass deflections, and a forced fumble. For his performance on the year he was named an AP All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) second-team. Finley also had an outstanding fourth year in 2022 where he posted 76 tackles, 3.5 being for a loss, two interceptions, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble, After the conclusion of the 2022 season Finley declared for the NFL draft.

Professional career
After not being selected in the 2023 NFL draft, Finley signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent. Finley made the Chargers' initial 53 man roster out of training camp. After being inactive the first two games, he was waived on September 23, 2023 and re-signed to the practice squad. He was promoted back to the active roster on September 30.