A West Point linebacker and Army infantry officer whose fight for an NFL roster spot became a Hard Knocks fan favorite.
Jimmy Ciarlo is chasing an NFL career on borrowed time, balancing a football dream with an eight-year service commitment to the U.S. Army that follows any West Point graduate. His story - undrafted free agent, special-teams grinder, breakout Hard Knocks personality - has made him one of the more compelling long-shot stories in the Bills' locker room.
Path to the league
Ciarlo played linebacker at Army West Point from 2020 to 2023, serving as a team captain in his senior season and recording 58 tackles with 5.5 tackles for loss that year. He signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2024 but spent the season on injured reserve without appearing in a game.
Career highlights
As a graduate of West Point, Ciarlo owes eight years of service, five active and three in reserve, as an Army infantry officer once his football window closes. He signed with the Buffalo Bills in August 2025 and became a standout personality on HBO's Hard Knocks during that summer's training camp, showcasing his special-teams effort and his balancing act between football and military obligation.
2025 season recap
Ciarlo competed for a roster spot in Buffalo's crowded linebacker room behind established starters, flashing on special teams and getting extra reps late in preseason games. He did not see regular-season game action in 2025, continuing to push for a permanent NFL foothold while his military service clock keeps ticking.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Jimmy Ciarlo
- ESPN: Jimmy Ciarlo
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Linebacker
- Group
- defense
- College
- Army
- Hometown
- Ringwood, NJ, USA
- Age
- 25
- Status
- active
