DeCoud attended Glencove Elementary School and Hogan Senior High School in Vallejo, California, then attended Pinole Valley High School in Pinole, California and was a letterman in football and basketball. In football, as a senior, he was an All-ACCAL selection. In basketball, he was an All-ACCAL selection. DeCoud graduated from Pinole High School in 2003.
Professional career
Atlanta Falcons
DeCoud was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft.[3]
Playing primarily on special teams in 10 games as a rookie, DeCoud recorded 6 tackles (5 solo). He had a breakout season the next year as he started all 16 games at free safety and compiled 68 tackles (57 solo), 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 7 pass deflections and 3 interceptions. After the season, DeCoud received recognition from USA Today, which listed him on its annual "All-Joe" team.[4]
Decoud was released from the Falcons on March 11, 2014.[6]
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers signed DeCoud to a two-year deal on April 10, 2014.[7] DeCoud made his first start for the Panthers in a 20-14 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week 1.[8] During the home opener in a 24-7 win against the Detroit Lions in week 2, DeCoud recorded 3 tackles and was responsible for a pass deflection deep downfield against Calvin Johnson which led to an interception by Melvin White.[8][9] During the Panthers week 5 victory over the Chicago Bears, DeCoud recorded his first interception for the Panthers against Jay Cutler to go along with 4 tackles and a pass deflection.[10] He was released on February 17, 2015.[11]