Winston Reid Bio
Winston Reid is an American professional football linebacker for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Weber State Wildcats from 2017 to 2023. After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Reid signed with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent and has since become a member of the team’s defensive unit. Reid was born on August 3, 1999, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and attended Copper Hills High School in West Jordan, Utah. Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing 225 pounds, he plays the linebacker position at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Winston Reid was born on August 3, 1999, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to parents Mike Reid and Lau Reid. He grew up in the Utah area where he developed his passion for football at a young age. His family background provided him with support as he pursued his athletic ambitions through his formative years in the region.
Reid attended Copper Hills High School in West Jordan, Utah, where he played high school football. His performance during these years laid the foundation for his future collegiate career and helped him develop the skills that would later translate to success at the college level. The experience gained at Copper Hills High School prepared him for the competitive environment he would encounter at Weber State University.
Path to Professional Football
After completing high school, Reid initially joined the Weber State Wildcats football program as a walk-on player. His dedication and on-field performance earned him a scholarship, a testament to his work ethic and ability to compete at the collegiate level. This transition from walk-on to scholarship player demonstrated his determination to prove himself at each stage of his football journey.
During his seven-year collegiate career at Weber State from 2017 to 2023, Reid played in 47 games. He accumulated 281 total tackles, including 28.5 tackles for loss, along with 7 sacks. His standout performances earned him recognition as an FCS All-American and all-conference honors. In his final season in 2023, Reid achieved the distinction of being named First-team All-Big Sky, solidifying his status as one of the top defensive players in the conference.
Winston Reid Career
Cleveland Browns (2024-Present)
Following the conclusion of his collegiate career, Reid entered the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite his successful college career, he was not selected during the draft. However, his talent did not go unnoticed, and he signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent, joining the organization that had shown confidence in his abilities.
Reid’s journey to the active roster was marked by perseverance. On August 27, 2024, he was released during final roster cuts, but he signed back to the Browns’ practice squad the following day. His persistence paid off when, on September 14, 2024, Reid was signed to the Browns’ active roster for their Week 2 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This promotion represented a significant milestone in his professional career, moving him from the practice squad to an integral part of the team’s defense.
On April 8, 2025, Reid signed his exclusive rights free agent tender with the Browns, securing his place with the organization for the 2025 season. This contract reflected the team’s investment in his continued development and contributions to the defensive unit. Reid’s progression from undrafted free agent to signed exclusive rights player demonstrated his ability to compete at the NFL level.
Playing Style and Strengths
Reid brings physicality and consistency to the linebacker position for the Cleveland Browns. His collegiate experience spanning 47 games provided him with extensive playing time and the opportunity to develop his tackling ability, as evidenced by his 281 career tackles at Weber State. His capacity to penetrate the backfield, with 28.5 tackles for loss at the collegiate level, showcases his disruptive playmaking potential that he aims to translate to the professional game.
Notable Events and Milestones
The transition from college football to the NFL represents Reid’s most significant career milestone thus far. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a member of the Browns’ active roster demonstrates his resilience and determination. The Week 2 elevation for the matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in September 2024 marked his official entry into NFL regular-season play, a milestone achieved through his performance during practice squad activities. His signature achievement at the collegiate level was earning First-team All-Big Sky honors in 2023, a recognition that validated his status as an elite FCS player.
Winston Reid Career Statistics
Reid has compiled early career statistics since joining the NFL in 2024. His rookie season with the Cleveland Browns showed promise as he contributed to the team’s defensive efforts. Below are his verified career statistics through the 2024 NFL season.
NFL Career Highlights
In his rookie season with the Cleveland Browns during the 2024 NFL campaign, Reid appeared in games as a member of the active roster. His performance during this inaugural professional season contributed to the Browns’ defensive unit. The transition from the FCS level to the NFL presented challenges, but Reid’s collegiate background and preparation allowed him to compete effectively at the professional level.
2024 Season Statistics
Reid’s rookie-year production included 23 total tackles, half a sack, one fumble recovery, and two pass deflections during his time on the Browns’ active roster. These statistics represent his contributions during the 2024 NFL season while playing the linebacker position for Cleveland.
| Season | Team | Tackles | Sacks | Fumble Recoveries | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Cleveland Browns | 23 | 0.5 | 1 | 2 |
Family
Family Background
Winston Reid was born to Mike Reid and Lau Reid in Salt Lake City, Utah. His parents have supported his football career throughout his development from youth football through his collegiate career at Weber State and into his professional career with the Cleveland Browns. The family environment fostered his dedication to the sport and contributed to his successful progression through the football ranks.
Personal Life
Reid maintains a presence on social media, where he connects with fans through his official accounts. He continues his football career with the Cleveland Browns organization, residing in Ohio during the NFL season while maintaining connections to his Utah roots. His focus remains on continuing to develop as a professional athlete and contributing to his team’s success at the highest level of American football.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season represents an important chapter in Winston Reid’s professional career. After signing his exclusive rights free agent tender with the Cleveland Browns in April 2025, Reid entered training camp with an opportunity to secure a more prominent role within the team’s defensive scheme. The 2025 season offers him the chance to build upon his rookie-year experience and establish himself as a reliable contributor on defense.
Reid’s continued presence on the Browns’ roster demonstrates the organization’s belief in his long-term potential. Working within the team’s defensive unit, he aims to improve upon his 2024 statistics and contribute more significantly to the Browns’ season objectives. His familiarity with the coaching staff, defensive playbook, and professional football expectations positions him for an informed and prepared approach to the 2025 campaign.