Jamaal Westerman

{{Infobox NFL biography

| image = Jamaal Waterman cropped.jpg

| image_size =

| caption = Westerman with the New York Jets in 2009

| alt = African american male wearing white helmet and green uniform with "55" shown on the front

| current_team = Rutgers Scarlet Knights

| number =

| position = Defensive graduate assistant

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|2|21}}

| birth_place = Brooklyn, New York, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 3

| weight_lbs = 260

| high_school = Brampton (ON) Notre Dame

| college = Rutgers

| undraftedyear = 2009

| pastteams =

New York Jets ({{NFL Year|2009}}–{{NFL Year|2011}})
Miami Dolphins ({{NFL Year|2012}})*
Arizona Cardinals ({{NFL Year|2012}})
Indianapolis Colts ({{NFL Year|2012}})
Buffalo Bills ({{NFL Year|2013}})
Pittsburgh Steelers ({{NFL Year|2013}})
Cleveland Browns ({{NFL Year|2014}})*
Winnipeg Blue Bombers ({{CFL Year|2015}}–{{CFL Year|2017}})
Montreal Alouettes ({{CFL Year|2018}})
Hamilton Tiger-Cats ({{CFL Year|2018}}–{{CFL Year|2019}})

| pastcoaching =

Rutgers (2020–present)
Defensive graduate assistant

| status =

| cflstatus = National

| highlights =

2× Second-team All-Big East (2006, 2008)
CFL West All-Star ({{CFL Year|2015}})
Dr. Beattie Martin Trophy ({{CFL Year|2015}})

| statlabel1 = Total tackles

| statvalue1 = 62

| statlabel2 = Sacks

| statvalue2 = 6.0

| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles

| statvalue3 = 2

| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries

| statvalue4 = 4

| cfl = jamaal-westerman/138353/

}}

Jamaal Akeem Westerman (born February 21, 1985) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive lineman who is currently a college football coach for Rutgers. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and was named to the Second–team All–Big East team two times. Westerman played high school football in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at St. Thomas Aquinas High School before moving to Brampton, Ontario and attending Notre Dame Secondary School.

In the NFL, Westerman has been a member of the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. In the CFL he has been a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Montreal Alouettes, and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Early life

Westerman was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 21, 1985. He and his family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Westerman began his high school career at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Following his freshman season, he moved, this time to Brampton, Ontario, and enrolled at Notre Dame Secondary School. Westerman started every year he was there and led both the team and league in tackles and sacks.{{cite web|url=http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/player/1465-jamaal-westerman |title=#55 Jamaal Westerman |publisher=New York Jets |access-date=2009-09-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090819022154/http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/player/1465-jamaal-westerman |archive-date=August 19, 2009 }} After graduating from Notre Dame in 2004 he was considered a two-star prospect by Rivals.com. Rutgers, Boise State and Central Michigan all recruited him and all offered him scholarships. He eventually accepted Rutgers' scholarship offer.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/rutgers/football/recruiting/player-Jamaal-Westerman-24359|title=Jamaal Westerman|work=Rivals.com|access-date=2009-09-14}}

College career

Westerman received three scholarship offers from National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) colleges before accepting one from Rutgers.

After redshirting in 2004, Westerman made a quick impression on the Rutgers coaching staff after recording six tackles in two games to begin 2005.{{cite news|url=https://www.cfl.ca/article/ncaa_canadians|title=NCAA Canadians|date=September 14, 2005|work=CFL.ca|access-date=2009-09-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813103017/http://www.cfl.ca/article/ncaa_canadians|archive-date=August 13, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} In the Cincinnati game, Westerman recorded a sack on quarterback Dustin Grutza which forced a fumble.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores105/105330/NCAAF146169.htm|title=Cincinnati 9, Rutgers 44|date=November 26, 2005|work=USA Today|access-date=2009-09-16}}

Before the 2006 season, Westerman was involved in a car accident with teammates Willie Foster and Corey Hyman. Westerman and Foster were uninjured while Hyman required two stitches in his forehead.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/28/AR2006082801152.html|title=Jones's Backup Sample To Be Tested This Week|date=August 29, 2006|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=2009-09-14}} On September 29, against South Florida, Westerman sacked quarterback Matt Grothe for a five-yard loss.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=262720058&period=0|title=Rutgers 22, South Florida 20|date=September 29, 2006|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2009-09-16}} After the month of September, Westerman had eight tackles and two and a half sacks.{{cite news|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/NFLCFLFuturesNCAA06/1004.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717170412/http://slam.canoe.ca/NFLCFLFuturesNCAA06/1004.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 17, 2012|title=Canadians in the NCAA – 2006 Division I-A Midseason Update|date=October 4, 2006|work=Slam! Sports|access-date=2009-09-16}} Through eight games, Westerman was the team leader in sacks with six.{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9501E4DD1E3FF93BA35752C1A9609C8B63|title=Defense and Confidence Go Together for Rutgers |last=LaPointe|first=Joe|date=November 8, 2006|work=New York Times|access-date=2009-09-16}} Against Connecticut, Westerman blocked a punt and recovered a fumble by Connecticut quarterback D. J. Hernandez. Both the punt and fumble recovery were returned for a touchdown. Westerman also recorded two and a half sacks in the game.{{cite news|url=http://bulletin.gmnews.com/news/2006/1102/Sports/038.html |title=Rutgers not pretty, but effective in win |last=McDonald |first=Mike |date=November 2, 2006 |work=Brick Township Bulletin |access-date=2009-09-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061105082213/http://bulletin.gmnews.com/news/2006/1102/Sports/038.html |archive-date=November 5, 2006 }} By the final game in the season, Westerman and defensive end William Beckford had a combined 59 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss with 10 sacks.{{cite news|url=http://westvirginia.scout.com/2/594973.html|title=Preview: West Virginia – Rutgers|last=Easton|first=Andy|date=November 30, 2006|work=Scout.com|access-date=2009-09-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716022948/http://westvirginia.scout.com/2/594973.html|archive-date=July 16, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} In the Texas Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats, Westerman sacked quarterback Josh Freeman twice and recovered a Freeman fumble.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=263622306&period=0|title=Rutgers 37, Kansas State 10|date=December 28, 2006|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2009-09-16}} Westerman was named second–team All–Big East following the season along with teammates Brian Leonard, Cameron Stephenson, Pedro Sosa, Jeremy Ito, Ramel Meekins, Devraun Thompson, Ron Girault and Courtney Greene.{{cite news|url=http://nbs.gmnews.com/news/2006/1214/Sports/049.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124064944/http://nbs.gmnews.com/news/2006/1214/Sports/049.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 24, 2013|title=Schiano, slew of RU players earn All-Conference nods|date=December 14, 2006|work=New Brunswick Sentinel|access-date=2009-09-16}}

During spring practice, Westerman and two other starter defensive linemen missed the annual intersquad scrimmage due to injuries.{{cite news|url=http://rutgers.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=666223|title=Rutgers closes spring amid new expectations|last=Fox|first=David|date=April 22, 2007|work=Rivals.com|access-date=2009-09-16}} In Rutgers' 59–0 win over Norfolk State, Westerman recorded one sack on quarterback Casey Hansen.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=272580164&period=0|title=Norfolk State 0, Rutgers 59|date=September 15, 2007|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2009-09-16}} Against Syracuse and South Florida, Westerman recorded two sacks which gave him six for the season.{{cite news|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/scorecard/cfootballnews.asp?articleID=213156|title=Bulls and Knights meet in Thursday night action|date=October 17, 2007|work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|access-date=2009-09-16}} {{Dead link|date=December 2011|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}{{cite news|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/scorecard/cfootballnews.asp?articleID=213652|title=Critical Big East showdown features Knights and Mountaineers|date=October 24, 2007|work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer|access-date=2009-09-16}} {{Dead link|date=December 2011|bot=RjwilmsiBot}} Following the season, Westerman and Rutgers earned a bid to play in the International Bowl against Ball State. The game was played in his hometown of Toronto.{{cite news|url=http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/20071219106325/sports/wire-sports/brampton-s-jamaal-westerman-anxious-to-play-in-toronto-in-international-bowl.html|title=Brampton's Jamaal Westerman anxious to play in Toronto in International Bowl|last=Ralph|first=Dan|work=The Canadian Press|publisher=Prince George Citizen|access-date=2009-09-16}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} According to Westerman he received numerous questions from teammates about Toronto, including "What's the weather like?"{{cite news|url=http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2008/01/westerman_is_rus_answer_man.html|title=Westerman is RU's answer man|last=Luicci|first=Tom|date=January 2, 2008|work=Newark Star-Ledger|access-date=2009-09-16}}

Beginning in March 2008, Rutgers attempted to convert Westerman to defensive tackle,{{cite news|url=http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2008/03/westerman_may_move_to_dt.html|title=Westerman may move to DT|last=Luicci|first=Tom|date=March 28, 2008|work=Newark Star-Ledger|access-date=2009-09-16}} so he could replace the departed Eric Foster.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/football/columns/story?columnist=muench_steve&id=3552212|title=Big East team recruiting needs for the Class of 2009|last=Muench|first=Steve|author2=Weidl, Kevin|date=August 25, 2008|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2009-09-16}} However, Westerman ended up playing defensive end during the season.{{cite news|url=http://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2008/09/rutgers_trounced_247_by_fresno.html|title=Rutgers trounced, 24–7, by Fresno State in season opener|last=Luicci|first=Tom|date=September 1, 2008|work=Newark Star-Ledger|access-date=2009-09-16}} Against Morgan State, Westerman blocked a punt and recovered the loose ball.{{cite news|url=http://rutgers.scout.com/a.z?s=183&p=2&c=795347&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2frutgers.scout.com%2f2%2f795347.html|title=Rutgers' Defense Gets A Shutout |last=Myers|first=Jim|date=September 28, 2008|work=Scout.com|access-date=2009-09-16}} Westerman suffered a torn biceps against Louisville and was forced to sit out the rest of the season which included a bowl game.{{cite news|url=http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2008/12/four_downs_with_rutgers_de_jam.html|title=Four Downs with Rutgers DE Jamaal Westerman|last=Luicci|first=Tom|date=December 29, 2008|work=Newark Star-Ledger|access-date=2009-09-16}} Despite his injury, he led Rutgers with six sacks on the season.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytargum.com/sports/senior-sacks-qbs-rutgers-records-1.1041746|title=Senior sacks QBs, Rutgers records|last=Franko|first=Kyle|date=December 1, 2008|work=The Daily Targum|access-date=2009-09-16}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Westerman ended his collegiate career with 26 sacks, 141 tackles and 45 tackles for a loss. His career sack total ranked him third highest in Rutgers school history.

Professional playing career

=New York Jets=

File:Jamaal Westerman.JPG

Westerman was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2009.{{cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nfl/story/?id=277162|title=Jets sign 17 players, including Canada's Westerman|date=May 1, 2009|work=The Canadian Press|publisher=TSN|access-date=2009-09-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018024510/http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/story/?id=277162|archive-date=October 18, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} On June 9, 2009, Jets head coach Rex Ryan said that he expected Westerman to make the team's final roster.{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/jets/2009/06/sanchez-on-the-mark.html |title=Jamaal Westerman expected to make Jets |last=Cimini |first=Rich |date=June 9, 2009 |work=New York Daily News |access-date=2009-06-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090613055402/http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/jets/2009/06/sanchez-on-the-mark.html |archive-date=June 13, 2009 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2009/05/rutgers_product_jamaal_westerm.html|title=Rutgers product Jamaal Westerman impressing at New York Jets rookie minicamp|last=Hutchinson| first=Dave|date=May 2, 2009|work=Newark Star Ledger|access-date=2009-06-10}} He ended up making the final roster as an outside linebacker{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/sports/football/10jets.html?em|title=An Undrafted Rookie From Rutgers Plays His Way Onto the Jets |last=Caldwell|first=Dave|date=September 9, 2009|work=New York Times|access-date=2009-09-14}} and recorded two tackles and a sack in his debut against the Houston Texans on September 13.{{cite news|url=http://www.sportsfeatures.com/index.php?section=press-point-view&title=New%20York%20Jets%20Postgame%20Notes%20Jets%2024,%20Texans%207&id=50042|title=NEW YORK JETS POSTGAME NOTES JETS 24, TEXANS 7|date=September 13, 2009|access-date=2009-09-14}}{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} On October 9, 2011, Westerman recorded 5 tackles along with 2 sacks against the New England Patriots but in a losing effort while the Jets lost 30–21.

=Miami Dolphins=

Westerman signed with the Miami Dolphins on March 15, 2012.{{cite news|title=Former Jets OLB Jamaal Westerman agrees to one-year deal with Dolphins|url=http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2012/03/former_jets_olb_jamaal_westerm.html|work=The Star-Ledger|author=Vrentas, Jenny|date=March 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318214828/http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2012/03/former_jets_olb_jamaal_westerm.html|archive-date=March 18, 2012|url-status=live|access-date=March 16, 2012}} He was waived during the final cuts before ever playing a regular season game for the Miami Dolphins.

=Arizona Cardinals=

On September 1, Westerman was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals. After making just one tackle in five games for the team, he was waived on November 20.

=Indianapolis Colts=

On December 4, Westerman signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

=Buffalo Bills=

On August 14, 2013, Westerman was signed by the Buffalo Bills.{{cite web |url=http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/LB-Jamaal-Westerman-signed-by-Bills/0ddfeeab-7ac5-460b-8861-f66fd2ed5797 |title=LB Jamaal Westerman signed by Bills |last=Brown |first=Chris |date=August 14, 2013 |website=BuffaloBills.com |access-date=August 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816081139/http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/LB-Jamaal-Westerman-signed-by-Bills/0ddfeeab-7ac5-460b-8861-f66fd2ed5797 |archive-date=August 16, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} After appearing in 12 games with the Bills in 2013, Westerman was waived on December 10, 2013.

=Pittsburgh Steelers=

Westerman signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 17, 2013, after a season-ending injury to linebacker LaMarr Woodley.[https://twitter.com/steelers/status/413036744238313472 Twitter / steelers: We have placed LaMarr Woodley on IR and signed linebacker Jamaal Westerman to fill the roster spot.] He appeared in one game for the Steelers during the 2013 NFL season.

=Cleveland Browns=

On July 24, 2014, Westerman signed with the Cleveland Browns. He was released by the Browns on August 30, 2014, as they trimmed their roster down to 53 players.{{Cite web|url = https://sports.yahoo.com/news/cleveland-browns-roster-cuts-final-220113814.html|title = Cleveland Browns Roster Cuts: The Final 53-Man Roster|date = |website = Yahoo|publisher = SB Nation|last = Pokorny|first = Chris|access-date = November 17, 2015|archive-date = November 18, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151118064508/https://sports.yahoo.com/news/cleveland-browns-roster-cuts-final-220113814.html|url-status = dead}}

= Winnipeg Blue Bombers =

On May 7, 2015, Westerman signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He appeared in 17 games in 2015, registering 17 sacks and receiving the Western nomination for Most Outstanding Canadian.{{Cite web|url = https://www.tsn.ca/bombers-sign-former-nfl-player-westerman-to-deal-1.277362|title = Bombers sign former NFL player Westerman to deal|date = May 7, 2015|website = TSN|publisher = The Canadian Press|last = |first = }} Unfortunately for Westerman, Ottawa Redblacks receiver Brad Sinopoli would end up winning the award for Most Outstanding Canadian.{{Cite web|title = Redblacks R Sinopoli wins outstanding Canadian award|url = https://www.tsn.ca/redblacks-r-sinopoli-wins-outstanding-canadian-award-1.400448|website = TSN|date = 2015-11-26|access-date = 2015-11-27}} He followed up his outstanding 2015 season with two more strong seasons in Winnipeg, compiling 65 more tackles, 15 quarterback sacks and three forced fumbles.

= Montreal Alouettes =

On February 14, 2018, the first day of free agency, Westerman signed with the Montreal Alouettes; joining his brother Jabar Westerman.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2018/02/14/westerman-heads-east-signs-deal-alouettes/|title=Westerman heads East; signs deal with Alouettes - CFL.ca|date=2018-02-14|work=CFL.ca|access-date=2018-09-28|language=en-US}} Westerman played five games for the Alouettes, contributing with 19 defensive tackles and three sacks.

= Hamilton Tiger Cats =

On July 22, 2018, Westerman was traded to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats along with international wide receiver Chris Williams and two first-round draft selections (2020, 2021) as part of a blockbuster trade for quarterback Johnny Manziel.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2018/07/22/report-ticats-als-close-manziel-deal/|title=Als acquire Johnny Manziel in blockbuster deal - CFL.ca|date=2018-07-22|work=CFL.ca|access-date=2018-09-28|language=en-US}} Westerman played in eight regular season games for the Ti-Cats, registering 10 tackles before being placed on the 6-game injured list on September 28, 2018, with an Achilles tendon rupture.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2018/09/27/ticats-add-jamaal-westerman-6-game/|title=Ticats add Jamaal Westerman to 6-game - CFL.ca|date=2018-09-27|work=CFL.ca|access-date=2018-09-28|language=en-US}} Mid-way through the 2019 season Westerman was getting close to returning to action while recovering from his Achilles injury, but suffered a torn triceps in practice, which prompted the team to place him on the injured reserve list revealing he would miss the remainder of the season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/hamilton-tiger-cats-defensive-end-jamaal-westerman-done-for-season-1.1351407|title=Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive end Jamaal Westerman done for season - TSN.ca|author=TSN ca Staff|date=2019-08-15|website=TSN|language=en|access-date=2019-08-15}}

Coaching career

In 2020 Westerman was named a defensive graduate assistant for Rutgers, under his former head coach Greg Schiano.

Personal

Westerman's brother, Jawann, walked onto the Rutgers football team as a wide receiver after Westerman encouraged him to do so.{{cite news|url=http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2007/08/ledger_cb_anderson_getting_not.html|title=CB Anderson getting noticed|last=Luicci|first=Tom|date=August 12, 2007|work=Newark Star-Ledger|access-date=2009-09-16}} His other brother, Jabar Westerman, was a first round draft pick of the BC Lions in the 2012 Canadian Football League college draft.{{cite news|url=https://www.cfl.ca/article/lions-trade-up-draft-westerman-second-overall|title=Lions trade up, draft Westerman second overall|work=CFL.ca|access-date=May 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507025427/http://www.cfl.ca/article/lions-trade-up-draft-westerman-second-overall|archive-date=May 7, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}