He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks, and was selected by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2000 NFL draft.

While he was a Gamecock, he amassed 23.5 quarterback sacks, ranking second on South Carolina's career list, and was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection.

[8] Abraham tied a franchise record set by Joe Klecko and Mark Gastineau with four sacks in a game on November 4, 2001, against the New Orleans Saints.

On December 27, on Monday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints, Abraham recorded his first career interception after deflecting and catching a Drew Brees pass attempt.

[21] After a productive first season with the Cardinals, Abraham left Arizona's week one Monday Night Football game on September 10, 2014, after a concussion.

He cites running back Walter Payton and wide receiver Jerry Rice as his childhood heroes.

Media related to John Abraham (American football) at Wikimedia Commons Italics denotes active player