Tarik Black Bio
Tarik Black is an American professional football wide receiver who has competed at the NFL and UFL levels. Born on February 10, 1998, in Hamden, Connecticut, Black stands at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 213 pounds. He played college football at the University of Michigan and the University of Texas before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2021. Black has been affiliated with five NFL franchises, including the Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Miami Dolphins.
Early Life and Background
Tarik Black grew up in Connecticut and attended Cheshire Academy for high school. At Cheshire Academy, he established himself as a highly regarded football prospect. Black was rated as a four-star recruit by ESPN and was ranked as the No. 81 high school player in the country. He was recognized as the top recruit in the entire state of Connecticut and earned an invitation to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, one of the premier high school all-star events in the nation.
Black attracted scholarship interest from several major college football programs, including Auburn and Alabama. After careful consideration, he committed to play collegiately at the University of Michigan. He announced his decision during a Facebook live broadcast in December 2016, choosing the Wolverines over other prominent programs.
Path to Professional Football
Black enrolled at Michigan in January 2017, participating in spring practice and immediately impressing coaches and observers with his skills. He made his collegiate debut on September 2, 2017, starting at wide receiver in Michigan’s season opener against Florida. In his very first game, Black scored a touchdown on his first collegiate reception and finished the contest with two receptions for 83 yards, demonstrating his big-play ability at the Division I level.
Unfortunately, Black’s freshman season was cut short by injury. During the fourth quarter of Michigan’s third game against Air Force, he suffered a broken left foot and was unable to return for the remainder of the season. At the time of his injury, Black led the team in receiving yards. He finished his abbreviated freshman campaign with 11 catches for 149 yards and one touchdown in just three games.
Just before his sophomore season in 2018, Black suffered another similar injury, fracturing his right foot during training. This second major foot injury significantly limited his contributions that season. He did not see meaningful playing time until November 3 against Penn State and recorded just four receptions for 35 yards with no touchdowns throughout the year.
Healthy for the 2019 season, Black competed for playing time against several talented receivers including Nico Collins, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and Ronnie Bell. He appeared in 11 games, recording 25 receptions for 323 yards and one touchdown. Following the season, Black entered the transfer portal on December 13, 2019.
On April 28, 2020, Black announced he would transfer to the University of Texas as a graduate transfer. In his lone season with the Longhorns, he played in eight games with one start. He recorded 10 receptions for 240 yards and one touchdown. His only start came in the season opener against UTEP, after which he lost the starting position. He ultimately opted not to play in the Alamo Bowl despite increased opportunity due to another player’s absence.
Tarik Black Career
Early Career (2021)
After going undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft despite his productive college career, Black signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent on May 6, 2021. He spent training camp with the Colts before being waived during final roster cuts on August 31. Indianapolis re-signed him to their practice squad the following day. Black remained on the practice squad until November 23, when he was released.
New York Jets (2021–2022)
On December 7, 2021, Black was signed to the New York Jets practice squad. He was elevated from the practice squad for the season finale against the Buffalo Bills, where he made his first career NFL reception. Black signed a reserve/future contract with the Jets on January 10, 2022, securing a spot on the roster for the following season. However, he was waived during final roster cuts on August 30 and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He was released by the Jets on December 6, 2022, ending his tenure with the organization.
Baltimore Ravens (2023)
On January 3, 2023, Black joined the Baltimore Ravens practice squad. He re-signed with the team on April 19, 2023, but was waived on August 29 during final roster cuts. The Ravens re-signed him to their practice squad on September 26. He was released again on October 27 but returned to the practice squad on December 7. Black was released for the final time on January 17, 2024.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2024)
Black signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on July 31, 2024. His stint was brief, as he was waived/injured on August 13 and released with an injury settlement six days later, ending his time with the Steelers.
Miami Dolphins (2024–2025)
On October 23, 2024, Black was signed to the Miami Dolphins practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with Miami on January 7, 2025, indicating the team’s interest in his development for the upcoming season. He was waived by the Dolphins on August 19, 2025, concluding his tenure with the organization.
Playing Style and Strengths
Tarik Black possesses the prototypical size for an NFL wide receiver at 6 feet 3 inches and 213 pounds. His collegiate career demonstrated his ability to make plays down the field, evidenced by his 83-yard performance in his Michigan debut and his 240 receiving yards on just 10 catches at Texas. Black showed reliability as a red-zone target and the ability to win jump-ball situations against smaller defensive backs.
Notable Moments
Black’s most significant career moment came in his NFL debut with the Jets during the 2021 season finale against the Buffalo Bills, where he recorded his first professional reception. At Michigan, his opening-game performance against Florida showcased his potential as a dynamic playmaker capable of making an immediate impact at the collegiate level.
Tarik Black Career Statistics
Black has seen limited regular-season playing time throughout his NFL career, appearing in games with the Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Miami Dolphins. His career statistics reflect his journeyman path through the league with minimal game appearances.
NFL Career Statistics
Across his first four NFL seasons, Black appeared in a combined seven regular-season games with limited opportunities. He recorded his first career NFL reception with the Jets during the 2021 season finale against Buffalo. His career receiving totals remain modest as he continues seeking consistent playing time at the professional level. In his rookie season, Black appeared in limited games with minimal receiving statistics. He signed with Miami in October 2024, where he continues his professional career with the Dolphins.
College Career Statistics
At Michigan, Black showed promise with 11 receptions for 149 yards and one touchdown as a freshman before injuries curtailed his season. He recorded four catches for 35 yards as a sophomore and 25 receptions for 323 yards with one touchdown in 2019. His lone season at Texas saw 10 receptions for 240 yards and one touchdown in a reduced role.
Tarik Black Family
Family Background
Limited verified information is available regarding Tarik Black’s family background. No publicly confirmed details about his parents, siblings, or extended family have been reported in verified sources.
Personal Life
Black’s personal life remains largely private, with no confirmed information about his marital status, relationships, or children available in verified public sources.