Cornell Powell was originally drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Powell spent three seasons on the Chiefs practice squad, appearing in three games in 2022.
Powell also spent time on the Seattle Seahawks practice squad in 2024 and with the Houston Texans in the 2025 offseason.
Powell played for the DC Defenders in the United Football League, where he led the UFL with seven receiving touchdowns in 2025. He had 29 receptions for 418 yards, eighth in the league, in nine games.
Powell played college football at Clemson where he had 93 receptions for 1,211 yards and 10 touchdowns while appearing in 54 games.