Tahj Washington Bio
Tahj Washington (born May 16, 2001) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Memphis Tigers and USC Trojans before being selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Washington wears jersey number 84 for the Dolphins.
Early Life and Background
Tahj Washington was born on May 16, 2001, in Marshall, Texas, to Christopher and Shannon Washington. He grew up in Marshall and attended Marshall High School, where he lettered in both football and track and field. His athletic versatility was evident during his high school years, competing in multiple sports.
Washington was rated as a three-star recruit coming out of high school. His strong performances earned him scholarship offers from multiple college programs, including Air Force, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Bowling Green, Houston Christian, Kansas, Louisiana, McNeese State, Sam Houston State, Southern Miss, Stephen F. Austin, Texas Tech, Texas State, Tulane, and Tulsa. He ultimately chose to continue his football career at the University of Memphis.
Path to American Football
Washington began his collegiate journey at Memphis in 2019 as a true freshman. He appeared in four games during his first season, catching three passes for 32 yards while adapting to the collegiate level. The following year, he experienced a significant breakthrough in the 2020 season, playing in 11 games and establishing himself as a reliable target in the Tigers offense.
During his sophomore season at Memphis, Washington recorded 43 receptions for 743 yards with six touchdowns. He also contributed as a rusher with four carries for 11 yards and a touchdown, added value as a kickoff returner with 12 returns for 242 yards, and made four tackles on special teams. His impressive all-around performance earned him recognition as a Freshman All-American.
Tahj Washington Career
College Career at Memphis (2019–2020)
Washington’s time at Memphis showcased his developing skills as a versatile offensive weapon. After a modest true freshman season in 2019, he emerged as a significant contributor in 2020. His 743 receiving yards and six touchdown receptions demonstrated his ability to make plays in the passing game while his contributions on special teams added another dimension to his game.
His standout 2020 season caught the attention of college football observers and helped establish his reputation as an emerging talent in the Group of Five conferences.
Transfer to USC (2021–2023)
On March 24, 2021, Washington entered the transfer portal seeking new opportunities. Six days later, he announced his commitment to transfer to the University of Southern California, joining the Trojans program as he sought to compete at the Power Five level.
During the 2021 season with USC, Washington appeared in 12 games and recorded 54 receptions for 602 yards with one touchdown. He also contributed on special teams with seven kickoff returns for 121 yards and one tackle. The transition to the Pac-12 required adjustment, but he immediately became a reliable option in the Trojan passing attack.
The 2022 season proved to be a career-defining year for Washington. He delivered his best performance in Week Nine against Arizona, catching seven passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns in a 45-37 victory. Over the entire 2022 campaign, he played in 14 games with 11 starts, finishing with 50 receptions for 785 yards and six touchdowns while adding three kickoff returns for 75 yards.
Entering the 2023 season as a redshirt senior, Washington returned as a starter for the Trojans. On August 3, 2023, he was named to the Paul Hornung Award Watch List, recognizing the nation’s most versatile player.
Miami Dolphins Era (2024–Present)
Washington was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round with the 241st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The selection added him to a Dolphins roster featuring an explosive offense led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. He joined the team wearing jersey number 84 as he prepared to compete for playing time in the wide receiver rotation.
His rookie season encountered an early setback when he was placed on injured reserve on July 23, 2024, ending his first professional campaign before it could truly begin. Despite the injury, his draft selection by the Dolphins represented the culmination of his journey from Marshall, Texas, through the collegiate ranks to the NFL.
Playing Style and Strengths
Washington has demonstrated the ability to line up in multiple receiver positions and contribute as a returner on special teams. His collegiate production at both Memphis and USC, combined with his versatility, provided a foundation for his transition to the professional level. His experience playing in different offensive systems at both programs showed adaptability and football intelligence.
Notable Events and Milestones
His career-high performance against Arizona in 2022, where he recorded 118 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a high-scoring conference game, represented a defining moment in his collegiate career. Being named to the Paul Hornung Award Watch List in 2023 recognized his potential as a multi-dimensional player at the next level.
Tahj Washington Career Statistics
Washington has compiled statistics across his collegiate career at Memphis and USC before beginning his professional career with the Miami Dolphins in 2024.
Professional Career Statistics
In his rookie season with the Miami Dolphins during the 2024 NFL season, Washington appeared on the roster but was placed on injured reserve before appearing in regular-season games. His career NFL statistics as of the 2025 season include 3 receptions for 37 receiving yards.
Collegiate Career Highlights
Washington’s collegiate career included two 700-yard receiving seasons, first at Memphis in 2020 with 743 yards and six touchdowns, then at USC in 2022 with 785 yards and six touchdowns. His career total across both programs exceeded 2,100 receiving yards with 13 touchdowns over four seasons. His Freshman All-American recognition in 2020 and Paul Hornung Award Watch List selection in 2023 highlighted his progression.
| Competition Level | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Regular Season | 3 | 37 | 0 |
| Collegiate Total | 147 | 2,130 | 13 |
Tahj Washington Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Tahj Washington was born in Marshall, Texas, to his parents Christopher Washington and Shannon Washington. His upbringing in Marshall provided the foundation for his athletic development, where he attended Marshall High School and earned letters in both football and track and field. The support of his family played a significant role in his journey from high school prospect to professional athlete.
Personal Life
Washington continues to maintain connections to his Texas roots while pursuing his professional football career with the Miami Dolphins. He has leveraged social media to engage with fans, maintaining an Instagram presence. As a young professional athlete entering the league, he focuses on his development with the Dolphins organization as he works to establish himself in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marks an important chapter in Washington career as he returns from the injured reserve that ended his rookie campaign. After a full offseason of recovery and preparation with the Miami Dolphins coaching staff, he has the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities in training camp and preseason competition. His familiarity with the Dolphins offensive system should help him compete for a role in the receiving corps.
Washington brings positional versatility and special teams experience from his collegiate career, attributes that could help him secure a roster spot and contribute on multiple units. Working alongside established receivers and building chemistry with the quarterbacks will be essential as he seeks playing time in a competitive Dolphins offense.
The Dolphins coaching staff will evaluate his progress throughout training camp and the preseason schedule. His ability to secure the ball consistently, run precise routes, and contribute on special teams will determine his role with the team as the 2025 season unfolds. The foundation built during his collegiate career at Memphis and USC provides a framework for his continued development at the professional level.