The D.C. Defenders released defensive back Willie Drew Jr. last Friday according to the UFL Transactions page.
Willie Drew Jr. is six foot and weighs 185 pounds. The 25-year-old from Smithfield, Virginia, signed with the D.C. Defenders on December 4, 2024. In 2025, he made four tackles (4 solos), one interception for 17 yards, and two pass breakups in seven games. In the playoffs, he made one tackle (1 solo) and one fumble recovery in two games helping D.C. win the UFL Championship over the Michigan Panthers.
The Carolina Panthers signed Drew Jr. as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024. In 2024, Drew Jr. played two preseason games recording no stats.
The Panthers released him on August 27, 2024. The Toronto Argonauts signed Drew Jr. on September 23, 2024, and spent the season on the practice squad. The Argonauts released him on November 18, 2024.
Collegiately, Drew Jr. played two seasons at James Madison University (2018-19) making 9 tackles (5 solo, 4 assists) and two pass breakups in 11 games for the Dukes. Then, Drew Jr. transferred to Virginia State (2021-23) making 99 tackles (74 solo, 25 assists), 5.5 tackles for loss, 11 interceptions for 54 yards, one touchdown, 39 pass breakups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one kick return for nine yards in 28 games for the Trojans. He was named First Team All-CIAA, First Team All-American, and the CIAA Defensive Player of the Year.
