Jon Eric Sullivan is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about executives in the NFL, especially after his rise through the Green Bay Packers’ front office and his recent hire as General Manager of the Miami Dolphins in 2026.
Early Life & Background
Born in 1976 or 1977 in Columbia, South Carolina, Jon-Eric Sullivan grew up surrounded by football. His father, Jerry Sullivan, was a long-time NFL and college coach, giving Jon-Eric unique insight into the sport from a young age.
Sullivan played college football as a wide receiver initially at South Carolina before transferring to Gardner-Webb University. After graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, he briefly coached before launching his NFL front-office journey.
Professional Career & Titans Connection
While Sullivan never played professionally in the NFL, his front-office career is impressive:
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2003: Began as a training camp intern with the Green Bay Packers.
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2004–2015: Worked his way through scouting roles, including regional scouting assignments.
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2016–2017: Promoted to Director of College Scouting.
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2018–2021: Served as Co-Director of Player Personnel.
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2022–2025: Vice President of Player Personnel.
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2025: Interviewed for multiple General Manager jobs, including the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans completed both virtual and in-person interviews with Sullivan as part of their GM search — a testament to his high profile in league circles and his extensive operational experience.
Miami Dolphins GM Hire (2026)
On January 9, 2026, Sullivan was hired as the General Manager of the Miami Dolphins, marking the most significant promotion of his career to date.
In this role, he oversees football operations, draft strategy, personnel decisions, coaching hires, and more — a major responsibility that positions him among the NFL’s elite executives.
Age & Personal Life
While exact birth records aren’t public, sources list Sullivan’s birth year as 1976 or 1977, putting his age around 48–49 years old in 2026.
Sullivan is married to Jennifer, and they have three daughters together. Jennifer is the daughter of longtime NFL and college coach Pete Hoener, linking Sullivan’s family deeply into the football world.
Salary & Net Worth Expectations
Unlike player salaries, NFL front office executive pay isn’t always publicly disclosed. However:
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NFL GMs typically earn in the seven-figure range, often between $1M and $4M+ annually, depending on team revenue, market size, and experience level.
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As a newly minted GM in a top-market franchise like the Dolphins, Sullivan’s annual salary is expected to align with or exceed the league average for his position.
(Exact contract figures for Sullivan weren’t publicly available at the time of writing.)
Legacy & Future Outlook
Jon-Eric Sullivan’s path — from a college player to one of the most respected front office minds in the NFL — highlights dedication, strategic acumen, and deep scouting expertise. His interview history with the Titans and hire by the Dolphins shows he’s in demand across the league.
As GM, all eyes will be on his draft choices, free-agency strategy, and ability to build a contender — making him a major figure to watch in the NFL’s executive landscape.
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