Mitchell Wilcox Bio
Mitchell Wilcox (born November 7, 1996) is an American professional football tight end who currently plays for the New England Patriots in the National Football League. Originally from Largo, Florida, Wilcox has built a reputation as a reliable receiver and special teams contributor throughout his professional career. After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and has since developed into a dependable player at the tight end position. He played college football for the South Florida Bulls, where he established himself as one of the most productive tight ends in the school’s history.
Early Life and Background
Wilcox was born in Largo, Florida, and grew up as the youngest child in his family. His father, Chuck Wilcox, served in the United States Coast Guard and achieved the rank of Commander. His grandfather also served in the Coast Guard, reaching the rank of Captain, establishing a strong military tradition within the family. This background provided Wilcox with discipline and structure that would later influence his athletic and professional pursuits.
Wilcox attended Tarpon Springs High School, where he excelled as a two-sport athlete. During his senior year, he played varsity basketball and helped lead his team to their first ever Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Final Four appearance in school history. He averaged 5.8 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, and 0.8 assists per game during that season. Wilcox played alongside Scottie James, who would later go on to play for Gigantes de Carolina. His athletic versatility and competitive drive were evident during these high school years, setting the foundation for his future football career.
Path to American Football
Following his standout high school career as a dual-sport athlete, Wilcox continued his athletic journey at the collegiate level. He accepted a scholarship to play football at the University of South Florida, joining the South Florida Bulls program in 2015. He redshirted his true freshman season, using that year to adjust to the college level and develop his skills in the Bulls’ system.
The experience paid off, as Wilcox became a reliable target for the South Florida offense over the next four seasons. His combination of size, athleticism, and hands made him a matchup problem for opposing defenses. He earned recognition from the American Athletic Conference, being named Second-team All-AAC in 2016 and subsequently First-team All-AAC in 2018, validating his status as one of the premier tight ends in the conference.
Mitchell Wilcox Career
Early Career (2020)
Despite a productive college career, Wilcox went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. His performance at South Florida had caught the attention of NFL scouts, but teams ultimately passed on him in the seven-round selection process. On April 27, 2020, he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent, earning an opportunity to prove himself at the professional level.
Wilcox faced immediate challenges during his rookie season. He was waived during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, but the Bengals signed him to their practice squad the following day. He spent the majority of his rookie year developing on the practice squad, refining his technique, and learning the intricacies of the Bengals’ offensive scheme under the guidance of the coaching staff.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2020–2023)
Wilcox’s persistence paid off when he was signed to the Bengals’ active roster on January 1, 2021. He demonstrated enough growth during his time on the practice squad to earn a spot on the team for the remainder of the 2020 season. The following year, he made the Bengals’ 53-man roster out of training camp at the start of the 2021 season, cementing his place on the team.
On April 8, 2022, Wilcox re-signed with the Bengals on a one-year contract, continuing his tenure with the organization. During his time in Cincinnati, he appeared in 29 games with 10 starts, recording 29 receptions for 211 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown. His most memorable moment came in Week 15 of the 2022 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when he scored his first career NFL touchdown on a 12-yard pass from quarterback Joe Burrow in the red zone.
Earlier that same season during Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wilcox showcased his versatility whenCal Adomitis was inactive, he was called upon as an emergency long snapper after starting long snapper Clark Harris suffered a biceps injury. While the game did not end in the Bengals’ favor, his willingness to step into an unfamiliar role demonstrated his value to the team beyond his duties as a receiver. On July 24, 2023, Wilcox re-signed with the Bengals, continuing his relationship with the organization that had given him his NFL opportunity.
New England Patriots (2024–present)
On April 22, 2024, Wilcox signed with the New England Patriots, joining the franchise in search of a new opportunity. He competed for playing time in the Patriots’ offense during training camp and the preseason. He was released on August 27, 2024, but was re-signed to the practice squad, where he continued to work on his craft and stay ready for potential elevation to the active roster. This experience with the Patriots provided Wilcox with continued opportunities in the NFL despite the roster fluctuations.
Driving Style and Strengths
Wilcox brings a combination of size and reliability to the tight end position. At 6 feet 4 inches and 250 pounds, he presents a sizable target for quarterbacks, particularly in the red zone. His background as a basketball player at the high school level contributed to his hand-eye coordination and ability to high-point passes. His experience playing multiple positions and stepping in as an emergency long snapper demonstrates his versatility and team-first mentality, qualities that coaches value in backup players.
Notable Events and Milestones
The highlight of Wilcox’s professional career came in Week 15 of the 2022 season when he scored his first NFL touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 12-yard reception from Joe Burrow represented the culmination of years of hard work since going undrafted in 2020. Additionally, his emergency long snapping appearance in Week 1 of 2022 showcased his willingness to do whatever was necessary to help the team, even in unfamiliar situations.
Mitchell Wilcox Career Wins
Throughout his professional career spanning from 2020 to the present, Wilcox has accumulated meaningful statistics and experience across his time with two NFL franchises. His journey from undrafted free agent to consistent NFL roster player represents a significant achievement in professional football.
NFL Highlights
During his four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2020 to 2023, Wilcox appeared in 29 games with 10 starts. He recorded 29 receptions for 211 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown. His first career touchdown reception came in Week 15 of the 2022 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a memorable moment that validated his perseverance as an undrafted player. His career statistics as of the 2024 season reflect his contributions as a reliable backup and special teams player in the NFL.
College Career Highlights
Wilcox’s collegiate career at South Florida stands as one of the most productive in school history for tight ends. He finished his five-year career with 100 receptions, 1,326 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns. All three statistics represent school records for tight ends, underscoring his significance to the South Florida football program. His exceptional college career earned him recognition as a two-time All-AAC selection, including Second-team All-AAC honors in 2016 and First-team All-AAC honors in 2018.
Mitchell Wilcox Family
Family Background and Military Lineage
Wilcox was born in Largo, Florida, to Chuck Wilcox and Carole Wilcox. His family has a distinguished military tradition, with both his father and grandfather serving in the United States Coast Guard. His father, Chuck Wilcox, reached the rank of Commander during his service, while his grandfather achieved the rank of Captain. This military heritage contributed to Wilcox’s discipline, work ethic, and character throughout his upbringing and athletic career.
Personal Life
As of publicly available information, Wilcox maintains a private personal life. He continues to pursue his professional football career with dedication and focus. His journey from Largo, Florida to the NFL exemplifies his resilience and commitment to achieving his goals despite being undrafted. He remains connected to his roots in Florida while building his professional career in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
As Wilcox enters the 2025 season, he continues his journey with the New England Patriots organization. He will look to build on his experience and compete for expanded opportunities within the Patriots’ offense during training camp and the preseason. His ability to contribute on special teams and as a reliable backup at the tight end position will be key factors in his efforts to secure a prominent role on the 2025 roster. The Patriots’ coaching staff will evaluate his performance throughout the offseason program and preseason to determine his place on the team heading into the regular season. Wilcox’s professionalism and track record as a reliable NFL player provide him with a solid foundation as he works toward contributing to the Patriots’ success in the 2025 campaign.