Deatrich Wise Jr. Bio
Deatrich Wise Jr. (born July 26, 1994) is an American professional football defensive end for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks and was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft. Wise has built a reputation as a reliable edge rusher and run defender across his eight professional seasons, earning a Super Bowl championship and establishing himself as a durable contributor in defensive line rotations.
Early Life and Background
Deatrich Wise Jr. was born on July 26, 1994, in Suffolk, Virginia, as the eldest of three sons to Sheila and former football player Deatrich Wise. His father played professional football, providing young Deatrich with early exposure to the sport and mentorship from an experienced athlete. His mother, Sheila Wise, served 22 years as a nurse in the United States Army.
The family later relocated to Texas, where Wise attended Hebron High School in Carrollton. He played defensive end for the Hebron Hawks football team and established himself as one of the top prospects in the country. The consensus rating from Scout.com, Rivals.com, and 247Sports ranked Wise among the top 40 defensive ends nationally. His three-star recruitment rating attracted offers from major programs including Arkansas, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Arizona, Purdue, and Wake Forest.
Path to Professional Football
Wise accepted his scholarship offer to play for the Arkansas Razorbacks, beginning his collegiate career in 2012. He developed steadily over his four years in Fayetteville, balancing his athletic development with academic success. Wise made the First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll for the 2012-2013 semester and graduated in 2016 with a degree in kinesiology.
As a senior in 2016, Wise accepted an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Game, a premier college all-star showcase. He recorded eight combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, four quarterback pressures, and a forced fumble during the West team’s 10-3 victory over the East. His dominant performance, which earned him game-high honors for tackles, significantly raised his draft stock among NFL scouts and analysts. He was also one of 59 defensive linemen invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where he further impressed scouts with his measurables and athleticism.
Deatrich Wise Jr. Career
New England Patriots (2017-2024)
The New England Patriots selected Deatrich Wise Jr. in the fourth round with the 131st overall pick of the 2017 NFL draft. On May 18, 2017, he signed a four-year contract worth $2.97 million that included a $575,883 signing bonus. Wise made an immediate impact during his rookie season, recording his first career sack against the Kansas City Chiefs in his NFL debut. He finished his inaugural professional campaign with 26 tackles and 5 sacks while helping the Patriots reach the playoffs.
During the 2017 postseason, Wise recorded 2 sacks in the Divisional Round victory over the Tennessee Titans. The Patriots advanced past the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Championship and reached Super Bowl LII, where they fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in a high-scoring affair. The following season, Wise continued his development with 30 tackles and 4.5 sacks, playing a key role in the Patriots’ journey to Super Bowl LIII. New England defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 to claim the championship, giving Wise his first Super Bowl ring.
Washington Commanders Era (2025-Present)
On March 19, 2025, Wise signed a one-year contract worth $5 million with the Washington Commanders, joining the franchise as a veteran presence for their defensive line. The move represented a new chapter in his career after seven seasons with the Patriots organization. Wise brought experience, consistency, and championship pedigree to Washington’s rebuilding defensive unit.
However, the 2025 season encountered immediate obstacles. On September 11, during Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers, Wise suffered a season-ending quad injury that required him to be placed on injured reserve. Despite the setback, the Commanders demonstrated confidence in his long-term value by signing him to a one-year contract extension on March 6, 2026. The extension signaled Washington’s commitment to Wise as a veteran leader for their defensive front.
Driving Style and Strengths
Wise has established himself as a complete defensive end with the ability to contribute against both the pass and the run. His 6-foot-5 frame and 280-pound build provide the size necessary to hold up at the point of attack, while his quickness off the line allows him to threaten offensive tackles as a pass rusher. His strengths lie in gap integrity and discipline against the run, complementing his ability to generate pressure on third downs.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Wise’s career came during Week 3 of the 2020 season when he strip-sacked Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and recovered the football in the end zone for his first career touchdown during a 36-20 Patriots victory. In 2022, Wise enjoyed his best professional season, starting 16 games and recording a career-high 7.5 sacks along with 59 tackles, demonstrating his ability to serve as an every-down contributor.
Deatrich Wise Jr. Career Wins
Across eight NFL seasons with the New England Patriots and Washington Commanders, Deatrich Wise Jr. has accumulated impressive statistics while earning a reputation as a durable and reliable defender. His career totals include 318 tackles, 34 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 1 touchdown through the 2025 season.
New England Patriots Highlights
Wise’s tenure with the Patriots yielded consistent production and team success. His rookie season provided immediate returns with 5 sacks, including 2 in the playoffs during the team’s run to Super Bowl LII. The 2018 campaign saw him help the Patriots capture Super Bowl LIII with their victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Wise’s 2022 season represented his statistical peak, as he posted career highs with 7.5 sacks and 59 tackles while starting 16 games.
Other Achievements
Beyond his NFL accomplishments, Wise earned recognition for his collegiate performance, notably during the 2017 East-West Shrine Game where his dominant display raised his professional draft stock. He was inducted into the Hebron High School Hall of Fame in 2024, honoring his prep career in Texas. His versatility as both a run defender and pass rusher has made him a valuable rotation piece throughout his professional career.
| Metric | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Tackles | 318 |
| Sacks | 34 |
| Forced Fumbles | 5 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 1 |
| Pass Deflections | 12 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Deatrich Wise Jr. comes from a football family with multiple generations of professional experience. His father, Deatrich Wise, also played professional football and served as an early mentor for his son. His younger brother, Daniel Wise, has also pursued a professional football career, following in the family’s athletic tradition.
Personal Life
Beyond football, Wise embraces a vegan lifestyle and became a part-time owner of Veggie Galaxy, a restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2024. The restaurant aligns with his personal dietary choices and represents his interests outside of athletics. Wise and his family also operate a non-contact youth program called Wise Big Man Camp, which welcomes 7th through 12th graders interested in learning the fundamentals of football.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a new beginning for Deatrich Wise Jr. as he joined the Washington Commanders on a one-year, $5 million contract in March. The move brought him to a franchise in the early stages of rebuilding under new leadership, where his experience and professionalism were expected to provide stability for a young defensive line. Wise’s veteran presence offered mentorship opportunities for the Commanders’ developing players.
The season encountered significant challenges when Wise suffered a season-ending quad injury during Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers on September 11. The injury required him to be placed on injured reserve just four days later, prematurely ending his inaugural campaign with the franchise. Despite the setback, the Commanders expressed confidence in his recovery and long-term value by extending his contract in March 2026.