Jeffery Wilson Jr. (born November 16, 1995) is an American professional football running back who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Born in Palestine, Texas, Wilson attended Elkhart High School in Elkhart, Texas, where he established himself as an elite high school running back. He played college football for the North Texas Mean Green from 2014 to 2017 before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018.
Jeffery Wilson Jr. Bio
Early Life and Background
Wilson attended and played high school football at Elkhart High School in Elkhart, Texas. During his senior season, he was named Associated Press Class 2A first-team all-state after rushing for 2,749 yards and 36 touchdowns, demonstrating the exceptional talent that would carry him to the next level. His high school performance positioned him among the top running back prospects in the Texas 2A classification.
A two-star recruit coming out of high school, Wilson selected North Texas over offers from Louisiana-Monroe, New Mexico State, and Texas State. His commitment to continue his football career at North Texas marked the beginning of his journey toward professional football.
Path to American Football
During his four-year college career at North Texas from 2014 to 2017, Wilson appeared in 41 games with 29 starts, establishing himself as a reliable and durable featured back. He finished his collegiate career with 3,205 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns, ranking third in school history for rushing touchdowns and fourth for rushing yards. Wilson also contributed as a receiver, catching 70 passes for 527 yards and two additional touchdowns.
As a senior in 2017, Wilson delivered his most productive collegiate season, starting 11 games and rushing for 1,215 yards on an impressive 6.5 yards per carry with 16 touchdowns. He also recorded 24 receptions for 168 yards, showcasing his dual-threat ability. His outstanding performance earned him Second-Team All-Conference USA honors, validating his status as one of the top running backs in the conference.
Jeffery Wilson Jr. Career
San Francisco 49ers (2018–2022)
Wilson signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2018. He was waived during final roster cuts on September 1 but was signed to the practice squad the following day. Wilson was promoted to the active roster on November 24 and made his NFL debut the next day against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, finishing with seven carries for 33 yards in the 27-9 road loss. In his rookie season, Wilson appeared in six games with two starts, recording 66 carries for 266 yards and 12 receptions for 98 yards.
Wilson was waived again at the end of the 2019 season but was re-signed to the practice squad, then promoted to the active roster when Tevin Coleman suffered an injury in the season opener. He appeared in 10 games that season with 27 carries for 105 yards and four rushing touchdowns, plus three receptions for 34 yards and a receiving touchdown. The 49ers reached Super Bowl LIV that season, with Wilson contributing a 20-yard reception in the championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 2020, Wilson took on a larger workload with 126 carries for 600 yards and seven touchdowns, along with 13 receptions for 133 yards and three receiving touchdowns in 12 games. His 2020 season featured several standout performances, including a Week 7 matchup against the New England Patriots where he recorded 17 carries for 112 yards and three touchdowns before leaving with a high-ankle sprain. He also posted a 22-carry, 183-yard performance against the Arizona Cardinals. In 2021, Wilson re-signed with the 49ers on a one-year contract extension, but his season was derailed by a torn meniscus suffered in May, requiring surgery and placing him on the reserve/PUP list until November. He returned to play nine games with 79 carries for 294 yards and two touchdowns.
Miami Dolphins (2022–2024)
On November 1, 2022, the 49ers traded Wilson to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. Wilson made his Dolphins debut during Week 9 against the Chicago Bears, recording nine carries for 51 yards and three receptions for 21 yards and a touchdown. He made an immediate impact with his new team, posting 17 carries for 119 yards and a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns the following week. Across 16 games split between the 49ers and Dolphins in 2022, Wilson accumulated 176 carries for 860 yards and five touchdowns, with 22 receptions for 185 yards and a receiving touchdown. He also scored in the Wild Card Round against the Buffalo Bills.
Wilson signed a two-year contract extension with the Dolphins in March 2023. However, his 2023 season was significantly limited by injury, as he was placed on injured reserve in August and activated in October. He appeared in only 10 games with 41 carries for 188 yards and 14 receptions for 85 yards. In 2024, Wilson saw limited playing time with just 16 carries for 57 yards and three receptions for 19 yards in nine games.
San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins (2025)
On August 10, 2025, Wilson returned to the San Francisco 49ers, signing with the team he started his career with. He was released during final roster cuts on August 26. Nine days later, on August 28, Wilson signed with the Miami Dolphins practice squad. He was elevated from the practice squad for the season opener, marking his return to the Dolphins for a third different stint with the organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Wilson has established himself as a reliable dual-threat running back capable of contributing both on the ground and through the air. His 4.5 yards per carry average demonstrates his ability to find creases and maximize opportunities when given the ball. His receiving production of 74 receptions for 585 yards throughout his career highlights his versatility as a check-down option and outlet receiver out of the backfield.
Notable Events and Milestones
Wilson played a role in the 49ers’ run to Super Bowl LIV during the 2019 season, contributing in the championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs. His 860-yard rushing season with combined teams in 2022 stands as one of his most productive campaigns. He has demonstrated the ability to break long runs and contribute in short-yardage situations throughout his career.
Jeffery Wilson Jr. Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career spanning 2018 to 2025, Wilson has established himself as a reliable dual-threat back with consistent production across multiple seasons. His career totals include 2,370 rushing yards on 4.5 yards per carry with 18 rushing touchdowns, plus 74 receptions for 585 yards and five receiving touchdowns.
NFL Highlights
Wilson’s most productive NFL season came in 2022, when he accumulated 860 rushing yards and five touchdowns while splitting time between the 49ers and Dolphins. His 600-yard rushing season in 2020 demonstrated his ability to serve as a featured back when called upon. Wilson’s standout college career at North Texas included 3,205 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns, ranking third in school history for rushing touchdowns and fourth for rushing yards. As a senior in 2017, he earned Second-Team All-Conference USA honors.
College and High School Achievements
Before his NFL career, Wilson was an accomplished collegian at North Texas, where he finished among the program’s all-time leaders in both rushing yards and touchdowns. His senior season honors and high school accolades in Texas established a foundation of success that translated to the professional level.
Jeffery Wilson Jr. Family
Family Background
Wilson was born in Palestine, Texas, and attended Elkhart High School in Elkhart, Texas, where his high school career laid the foundation for his eventual collegiate and professional success. No further family details have been made public.
Personal Life
Wilson maintains a public profile and shares content related to his football career on social media. No additional personal life information has been made publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks Wilson’s return to the Miami Dolphins after a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers earlier that year. Wilson signed with the 49ers in August 2025 before being released during final roster cuts, then joined Miami’s practice squad later that month before being elevated to the active roster for their season opener. This marks his third different tenure with the Dolphins organization. Wilson brings experience and versatility to the Dolphins backfield as he looks to contribute in whatever role the coaching staff assigns him during the 2025 campaign.