CHESTER, Pa.— It has been truly a journey for Jordan Griffin through the Union pathway, and now he has taken the next step. The 17-year-old Philadelphia Union Academy left back who had a huge year of growth in 2025 playing for Union II and the U-17 Men’s National Team, and it was announced today that he has signed a professional contract with Union II.
“Jordan has shown steady growth within our environment and continues to demonstrate a strong understanding of our system,” said Ryan Richter, Philadelphia Union II head coach in the press release. “We’re looking forward to seeing him build on that progress and take another step this season.”
Griffin came up through the Union Academy from a young age, finally making his way to Union II in 2024 where he had made two appearances. In 2025, however, he became very impactful for Union II, becoming the everyday starter at left back after Isaiah LeFlore’s departure via loan to Detroit City FC. Griffin logged 12 starts in 19 appearances for 1,124 minutes in the MLS Next Pro regular season, and had one goal and two assists.
Ryan Richter has known him since he was about eight years old, as Richter was a coach with the Academy. Now that Richter is his coach at the professional level, he has a unique perspective in that he has seen not only the growth during the 2025 season, but all along the pathway. He had shared with me what he thought of Griffin’s growth in September 2025, saying, “I think that everyone can agree that he’s shown tremendous growth this year as far as tactically, being aggressive to attack forward, being fully connected to the game, playing his the position the right way.”
Richter also noted how Griffin could get beyond the MLS Next Pro level, adding, “He needs to keep this going because the goals are bigger than to be a solid player at Union II, and we’re going to keep pushing him for a much higher level than that.”
He made his mark on the international stage with United States U-17 Men’s National Team call ups. He, along with Kellan LeBlanc and Jamir Johnson, competed in the U-17 Concacaf Championship last February as the squad qualified for the U-17 World Cup, and had an assist. He joined LeBlanc, Johnson, and Cavan Sullivan in Qatar for the U-17 World Cup in November, playing in one match.
With the starting left back position at Union II, and the departure of left back Kai Wagner from the first team as well as Isaiah LeFlore, the depth in front of him at the next step is somewhat thin. While in Clearwater for spring training, he had the opportunity to play in the Union’s friendly against Tampa Bay Rowdies, subbing in during the second half. While there were certainly visible areas needing growth playing at that level, it was a great learning experience.
Should he continue to grow as a player, who knows what could happen for Griffin. He will certainly be one to watch as the 2026 season progresses. Look for him to make an impact and continue growing as Union II kick off their season tomorrow at home versus Toronto FC II at 3:00 PM.
Main article photo credit: Philadelphia Union
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