Rodriguez joined Oklahoma State in 2017 and played there until 2021.[5][6][7][8] After starting his career as a safety he moved to linebacker in 2019.[9][10] As a senior he was named a first-team All-American by ESPN.[11] During his career, he had 408 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two interceptions, and a touchdown.[12] In his final college game, he was named the MVP of the 2022 Fiesta Bowl.[13]
Rodriguez was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 188th pick in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft.[16] As a rookie, he appeared in 16 games and started 15.[17] He finished with one sack, 87 total tackles, two passes defended, and one forced fumble. He was named to the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team.[18] In the 2023 season, he appeared in 17 games and started three.[19]
Rodriguez made 10 appearances (6 starts) for Detroit in 2024, recording 43 combined tackles, two sacks, one pass deflection, and one fumble recovery. On November 29, 2024, it was announced that Rodriguez would miss the remainder of the season after he suffered a torn ACL in Week 13 against the Chicago Bears.[20]
On November 18, 2025, Rodriguez was activated for his return from surgery ahead of Detroit's Week 12 matchup against the New York Giants.[21]
On March 16, 2026, Rodriguez re-signed with the Lions on a one-year, $2.75 million contract.[22]
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