As a true freshman at Clemson in 2017, Terrell played in 14 games, recording 15 tackles and an interception. As a sophomore in 2018, he started all 15 games and had 53 tackles, three interceptions and a touchdown.[4] In the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship he returned an interception 44 yards for a touchdown against Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.[5] Terrell returned as a starter his junior year in 2019.[6] Following a junior season where he was named to the first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference, Terrell announced that he would forgo his senior season and declared for the 2020 NFL draft.[7]
The Atlanta Falcons selected Terrell in the first round (16th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft.[11] Terrell was the third cornerback drafted in 2020, after Jeff Okudah (3rd overall) and C. J. Henderson (9th overall).[12] On July 20, 2020, the Falcons signed Terrell to a fully-guaranteed four-year, $14.31 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $7.96 million.[13] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on September 26, 2020, prior to week 3 after testing positive for the virus.[14] He was activated on October 8, 2020.[15]
In Week 6 against the Minnesota Vikings, Terrell recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown by Kirk Cousins during the 40–23 win.[16] In Week 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Terrell had a career-high 13 tackles in a 17–20 loss.[17]
2021 season
In Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints, Terrell had five tackles and a career-high 3 passes defended in the 27–25 win.[18] In Week 11 against the New England Patriots, Terrell had his first interception of the season in the 0–25 loss.[19] In Week 14, Terrell recorded an interception and three passes defended in the 29–21 win over the Carolina Panthers.[20] Terrell recorded his third interception of the season and his first career sack in Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills.[21]
On January 14, 2022, Terrell was named second-team All-Pro.[22] He received an overall grade of 82.7 from Pro Football Focus, 2nd among qualifying cornerbacks in 2021.[23]
2022 season
In Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks, Terrell had six tackles and season-high 3 passes defended in the 27–23 win.[24] In Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers, Terrell recorded his first career fumble recovery in the 28–14 blowout win.[25] Terrell suffered a hamstring injury in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.[26] Terrell missed three games due to injury before returning in Week 11 against the Chicago Bears, where he recorded four tackles in the 27–24 win.[27]
2024 season
On August 22, 2024, Terrell signed a four-year, $81 million contract extension with the Falcons.[28]
Aundell Terrell Jr. was the second of four children born to Aundell Terrell Sr. and his wife Aliya.[30][31] The family moved from Rochester, New York, to Atlanta, Georgia, in 2001.[31] Terrell Jr.'s son, Aundell III, was born in 2019.[6][32]
His younger brother, Avieon, plays college football at Clemson.[33]
