D’Wayne “Dee” Eskridge is an American professional football wide receiver and kickoff returner for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He played college football for the Western Michigan Broncos and was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. After three seasons with the Seahawks, Eskridge joined the Dolphins in 2024. He earned second-team All-American honors and the MAC Special Teams Player of the Year award during his final collegiate season in 2020.
D’Wayne Eskridge Early Life and Background
D’Wayne Eskridge was born on March 23, 1997, in Winona, Mississippi. His family relocated to Bluffton, Indiana, while he was in grade school, and he grew up in the small northeastern Indiana town. At Bluffton High School, Eskridge distinguished himself as both a football player and a track athlete. He competed as a sprinter on the school’s track team in addition to his football duties.
As a senior at Bluffton High School, Eskridge was recognized as Indiana’s Mr. Track and Field, the state’s highest honor for high school track athletes. His exceptional speed and athletic ability made him a highly sought-after recruit. Despite interest from multiple programs, only two FBS schools extended scholarship offers to him. He ultimately chose to continue his academic and athletic career at Western Michigan University over Ball State, the only other FBS program to offer him a spot.
D’Wayne Eskridge Path to Professional Football
Eskridge arrived at Western Michigan in 2016 and began his collegiate career as a reserve wide receiver. He worked his way into the starting lineup going into his sophomore season and demonstrated his potential with 30 receptions for 506 yards and three touchdowns. His production increased as a junior, when he caught 38 passes for 776 yards and three more scores.
During his senior year, Eskridge expanded his role by taking reps at cornerback alongside his receiver duties. However, his season was cut short when he suffered a broken collarbone after just four games. He utilized a medical redshirt to preserve a year of eligibility. As a redshirt senior in 2020, Eskridge returned to focusing solely on wide receiver while also handling the Broncos’ kickoff return responsibilities. That season proved to be his breakout, as he led the Mid-American Conference with 784 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on only 34 receptions.
D’Wayne Eskridge Career
College Career (2016–2020)
Eskridge’s final collegiate season was historic. He earned first-team All-MAC honors as a receiver and was named the MAC Special Teams Player of the Year for his work as a kickoff returner. He returned 16 kickoffs for 467 yards and one touchdown during the 2020 season. Following the year, he participated in the 2021 Senior Bowl, where he showcased his talents against top college prospects from around the country.
His performance throughout his Western Michigan career, particularly his redshirt senior season, established him as one of the top small-school prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft class. His combination of elite speed, reliable hands, and special teams ability made him an attractive selection for NFL teams seeking dynamic offensive weapons.
Seattle Seahawks Era (2021–2024)
The Seattle Seahawks selected D’Wayne Eskridge with the 56th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 14, 2021, a deal worth $5.9 million in total compensation plus a $1.6 million signing bonus.
Eskridge’s rookie season was interrupted by injury. He was placed on injured reserve on October 7, 2021, with a concussion and did not return to action until November 12. Nevertheless, he managed to score his first NFL touchdown on December 5, catching a 7-yard pass from quarterback Russell Wilson in a 30–23 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Overall, he appeared in ten games as a rookie, recording ten receptions for 64 yards and one touchdown.
The 2022 season brought more injury challenges. Eskridge suffered a broken hand that required him to be placed on injured reserve on November 26. He managed to appear in ten games that year, compiling seven receptions for 58 yards. The 2023 season proved even more difficult, as Eskridge was suspended for the first six games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The suspension resulted from an investigation into a February 2023 arrest involving misdemeanor charges following a confrontation. He appeared in only four games during the 2023 season.
On August 27, 2024, the Seahawks waived Eskridge, ending his tenure with the organization that drafted him. He finished his Seattle career having appeared in 24 games across three seasons, recording 17 receptions for 122 yards and one touchdown.
Miami Dolphins Era (2024–Present)
D’Wayne Eskridge joined the Miami Dolphins organization on August 29, 2024, when he was signed to the team’s practice squad. His talent and speed convinced the Dolphins’ coaching staff, and he was promoted to the active roster on October 25, 2024, giving him an opportunity to contribute on the field.
On May 12, 2025, Eskridge re-signed with the Dolphins, indicating the team’s continued interest in his abilities. During the 2024 season with Miami, he appeared in 13 games and recorded four receptions for 62 yards. His contributions extended beyond the passing game, as he provided value as a kickoff returner and depth at the receiver position.
Playing Style and Strengths
Eskridge’s game is built around his exceptional straight-line speed, which he developed through his elite track and field background. His experience as Indiana’s Mr. Track and Field translates to the football field, where he can stretch defenses vertically and create separation on deep routes. As a former sprinter, he has the ability to accelerate quickly and reach top speed in a short distance.
Beyond his offensive skills, Eskridge has proven capable as a kickoff returner, earning MAC Special Teams Player of the Year honors in 2020 for his work in that phase. His combination of speed, elusiveness, and football intelligence makes him a versatile weapon who can contribute in multiple facets of the game when healthy.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Eskridge’s early career came on December 5, 2021, when he scored his first NFL touchdown. Catching a 7-yard pass from Russell Wilson in a victory over the San Francisco 49ers represented the culmination of his journey from small-town Indiana to professional football. The game provided a glimpse of the playmaking ability that made him a second-round draft pick.
D’Wayne Eskridge Career Statistics
Through the 2025 season, Eskridge has played in 37 career NFL games across four seasons with two teams. He has established himself as a complementary receiver and effective special teams player throughout his professional career.
NFL Career Highlights
Eskridge’s most productive statistical season came as a rookie with the Seattle Seahawks in 2021, when he recorded ten receptions for 64 yards and one touchdown in ten games. His career reception total stands at 24 catches for 228 yards and one touchdown as of the 2025 season. Beyond his receiving production, he has contributed 1,300 career return yards, demonstrating his value as a two-way player.
Collegiate Achievements
At Western Michigan, Eskridge achieved the highest honors of his collegiate career during his redshirt senior season in 2020. He earned second-team All-American recognition, becoming the first Bronco to achieve that distinction in several years. His first-team All-MAC selection came alongside being named the MAC Special Teams Player of the Year, making him one of the most decorated players in the conference that season.
| Competition Level | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs | Return Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career (2021–2025) | 24 | 228 | 1 | 1,300 |
| 2020 College Season | 34 | 784 | 8 | 467 |
D’Wayne Eskridge Family
Family Background
Details about Eskridge’s family background, including his parents, siblings, or any family connections to athletics, are not extensively documented in public sources. He grew up in Bluffton, Indiana, after moving from Mississippi during his childhood.
Personal Life
Eskridge maintains an active presence on social media under the handle @allaroundplays on X. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children is not publicly available. In 2023, his personal life drew NFL attention following a legal matter that resulted in a suspension under the league’s personal conduct policy.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season saw D’Wayne Eskridge return to the Miami Dolphins on a new contract after spending the latter portion of 2024 on the active roster. He appeared in 13 games during the 2024 season with Miami, recording four receptions for 62 yards while contributing on special teams.
The 2025 campaign was cut short due to injury. Eskridge was placed on season-ending injured reserve on December 27, 2025, after suffering a toe injury during Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The injury required surgery and ended his availability for the remainder of the season, preventing him from continuing the momentum he had built with the Dolphins organization.