In 2003, he opened the season as the starter at middle linebacker, collecting 11 tackles (3 solo) and one pass defensed against the Seattle Seahawks. In the fifth game against the Carolina Panthers, he was moved as the starter at strongside linebacker, replacing an injured Sedrick Hodge. In the ninth game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he suffered a strained right hamstring in the second quarter. He was declared inactive in the next 2 contests. He was a backup and played on special teams in the last 5 games. He finished with 9 starts, 71 tackles (fifth on the team), 51 solo tackles, one sack, one interception and 6 passes defensed.