Former Penn State special teams ace, 4-time captain signs with new NFL team

One of only two four-time captains in Penn State’s history has signed with his second NFL team.

Former Nittany Lions linebacker/safety Jonathan Sutherland agreed to terms with the New York Giants, the team announced Thursday after releasing defensive back Jalen Mills and dealing with some other defensive injuries.

Sutherland began his career with the Seattle Seahawks, signing as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 NFL Draft. He made 10 tackles in two preseason games last year but stayed on the practice squad before Seattle released him in July.

Sutherland, alongside quarterback Sean Clifford, became the first player to be voted as a team captain for the fourth time ahead of the 2022 season. He was also the first Nittany Lion to wear the No. 0 jersey after the NCAA allowed it, as Penn State designated it for a special teams player who “is a tough, dependable, disciplined, physical leader and [who] inspires teammates with his accountability and production.”

Sutherland began his Penn State career as a true safety but switched to the hybrid linebacker role in his sixth and final season, under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. He started 11 times and played in 58 games throughout his career, picking up 137 tackles as longtime special teams ace.