Derek Rivers is an American football defensive end for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the New England Patriots of the National Football League in 2017, after he played college football at Youngstown State.

As a senior, Rivers lead one of the top statistically rated defenses in the FCS to the National Championship where they would lose to James Madison University 24-14. Rivers was a three time 1st Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference performer as well as a two time FCS All-American. Rivers finished his career #5 All-Time in FCS history in career sacks.

Rivers was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round, 83rd overall, in the 2017 NFL Draft. During training camp, Rivers suffered a torn ACL and was ruled out for the season.He was officially placed on injured reserve on September 2, 2017. On March 23, 2021, Rivers signed with the Houston Texans. He was released on August 31, 2021 and re-signed to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on November 24. On December 9, the Texans signed Rivers to a two-year, $1 million deal that runs through the 2022 season.

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