Earl Little

Not to be confused with lay minister Earl Little, father of Malcolm X.

Earl Jerome Little (born March 10, 1973) is an American former professional football player. He played as a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for nine years from 1997 to 2005 with the New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, and Green Bay Packers. Little played college football at the University of Miami.

Earl Little

No. 20
Position:	Safety
Personal information
Born:	(1973-03-10) March 10, 1973 (age 51) Miami, Florida, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:	202 lb (92 kg)
Career information
High school:	North Miami Senior (FL)[1]
College:	Miami (FL)
Undrafted:	1997
Career history
Miami Dolphins (1997)*[2] New Orleans Saints (1997–1999) Cleveland Browns (1999–2004) Green Bay Packers (2005)
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 291 Sacks: 1.0 Forced fumbles: 3 Fumble recoveries: 2 Interceptions: 18 Stats at Pro Football Reference

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables

Height	Weight	Arm length	Hand span	40-yard dash	10-yard split	20-yard split	20-yard shuttle	Three-cone drill	Vertical jump	Broad jump	Bench press
5 ft 11+3⁄4 in (1.82 m)	183 lb (83 kg)	31+3⁄4 in (0.81 m)	9+3⁄4 in (0.25 m)	4.62 s	1.61 s	2.72 s	4.49 s	7.58 s	31.5 in (0.80 m)	9 ft 5 in (2.87 m)	2 reps
All values from NFL Combine[3]

New Orleans Saints

Little was signed as an undrafted free agent before the 1997 NFL season. He started on special teams and was a backup cornerback. His special teams coach, Bobby April, always praised Little outstanding special teams play. During the third preseason game vs the Denver Broncos, he made a big hit and he was taken off the field because of a concussion. Little missed the last preseason game and the first three games of the 1999 season. He was released by the Saints on October 24, 1999.

Cleveland Browns

He was picked up by the Browns off Waivers from the Saints on October 26, 1999. After having an outstanding season, Little signed a three-year multimillion-dollar contract. After having three good seasons (2001–2003), the Browns rewarded him with a five-year multimillion-dollar contract. He spent six seasons with the Browns until being released on 1 April 2005.

Green Bay Packers

Little was signed as a free agent on April 15, 2005. Little pulled his hamstring on October 4, 2005 on Monday Night Football vs Carolina Panthers. He was placed on injured reserve. To make room for a roster spot, he was released on November 23, 2005. Even though he was done for the remainder of the season, Little received his full salary for the 2005 season.

References

1. "Dolphins' free-agent take includes Little". The Miami Herald. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
2. Saints 1998 Media Guide (PDF). p. 98. Retrieved October 11, 2024.
3. "Earl Little, Combine Results, CB - Miami (FL)". nflcombineresults.com. Retrieved January 6, 2023.