Jalen Lorenzo Virgil Bio
Jalen Lorenzo Virgil is an American professional football wide receiver who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. Born on July 13, 1998, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Virgil developed his football skills at Mountain View High School before advancing to play at the collegiate level with the Appalachian State Mountaineers. After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, he signed with the Denver Broncos and has since built a professional career spanning multiple NFL teams. Virgil has demonstrated his speed and playmaking ability at the professional level, most notably recording a 66-yard touchdown reception during his rookie season with the Broncos.
Early Life and Background
Virgil grew up in Lawrenceville, Georgia, where he attended Mountain View High School. During his high school years, he honed his skills as a wide receiver, developing the athletic foundation that would carry him into collegiate football. His performance at the high school level positioned him for opportunities at the next stage of his football journey.
After graduating from Mountain View High School, Virgil continued his academic and athletic career by enrolling at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. He joined the Appalachian State Mountaineers football program, where he would spend six seasons developing as a player while pursuing his education.
Path to Professional Football
Virgil arrived at Appalachian State University in 2016 and became a member of the Mountaineers football program. He redshirted his true freshman season, using that year to adapt to the college-level competition and the demands of playing at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. This developmental year allowed him to adjust to the speed and physicality of collegiate football while continuing to train and refine his skills.
Over the following seasons, Virgil gradually increased his contributions to the Mountaineers offense. His most productive season came in 2021, his final year of college eligibility. That season, he caught 15 passes for 226 yards and one touchdown while also serving as the team’s primary kick returner. He returned 26 kickoffs for a school-record 781 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his versatility as both a receiver and a return specialist. His outstanding performance earned him second-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors, validating his development as a collegiate player and raising his profile among NFL scouts.
Despite his productive final college season, Virgil went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and special teams ability was enough to generate interest from NFL teams, and he quickly found an opportunity to continue his football career at the professional level.
Jalen Lorenzo Virgil Career
Denver Broncos (2022–2023)
Virgil signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2022. The signing represented an opportunity to prove himself at the NFL level despite not hearing his name called during the draft. He reported to the Broncos organization and immediately began competing for a roster spot during the offseason program and training camp.
Virgil impressed coaches enough to earn a spot on Denver’s initial 53-man roster out of training camp, a significant achievement for an undrafted rookie. His ability to contribute on special teams, combined with his potential as a receiver, gave him a foothold on the Broncos roster. On November 13, 2022, Virgil made his first major impact on offense when he scored a 66-yard touchdown on his first career reception during a 17-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The play demonstrated his speed and ability to make big plays in the passing game.
Virgil’s rookie season showed promise, but his 2023 campaign was cut short. On August 22, 2023, the Broncos placed him on injured reserve, ending his season before it could fully develop. The injury was a setback in his progression with the organization. He was later waived by the Broncos on August 27, 2024, as the team made roster decisions heading into the regular season.
Buffalo Bills (2024–Present)
Virgil did not remain on the open market for long. On August 28, 2024, just one day after being waived by the Broncos, he was signed to the Buffalo Bills practice squad. This move gave him an opportunity to continue his NFL career with a franchise known for its strong wide receiver corps and competitive culture. He spent the early portion of the season on the practice squad, developing within the Bills system and preparing for potential opportunities.
Virgil’s persistence paid off when he was promoted to the Bills active roster on November 8, 2024. The promotion reflected his contributions in practice and his readiness to contribute on game day. He was later released by the Bills on December 14, 2024, but quickly re-signed to the practice squad, demonstrating the organization’s continued interest in his development. On January 28, 2025, Virgil signed a reserve/future contract with Buffalo, securing his place with the team for the 2025 season. However, he was waived by the Bills on August 14, 2025, with an injury designation.
Following his departure from Buffalo, Virgil signed with the Arizona Cardinals practice squad on November 12, 2025. His tenure with Arizona was brief, as he was released on November 19, 2025. On January 14, 2026, Virgil was selected by the DC Defenders in the United Football League draft, providing him with another opportunity to play professional football. He returned to the Bills on February 10, 2026, signing a reserve/futures contract and rejoining the Buffalo organization for another stint.
Playing Style and Strengths
Virgil possesses the speed and deep-threat ability that NFL teams value in a wide receiver. His 66-yard touchdown reception on his first career catch demonstrated his ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays. His experience as a kick returner in college, including setting a school record for single-season kickoff return yards, indicates his versatility and willingness to contribute on special teams. At 6 feet 0 inches and 210 pounds, he has the size to compete physically while maintaining the speed to separate from defenders down the field.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Virgil’s early NFL career came on November 13, 2022, when he caught his first career pass and turned it into a 66-yard touchdown against the Tennessee Titans. The play not only showcased his speed but also provided a memorable introduction to NFL audiences. Making Denver’s 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie represented another significant milestone, as many players in his situation are forced to take different paths to reach the NFL level.
Jalen Lorenzo Virgil Career Statistics
Through the 2024 NFL season, Virgil has appeared in limited games while contributing primarily on special teams and as a depth receiver. His career statistics reflect a player who has made the most of limited opportunities when given the chance to contribute on offense.
NFL Receiving Statistics
In his NFL career through 2024, Virgil has recorded 2 receptions for 75 yards and 1 touchdown. His single reception for a 66-yard touchdown during his rookie season with the Broncos accounts for the majority of his career receiving yards, highlighting his ability to make plays when targeted.
| Season | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Denver Broncos | 1 | 66 | 1 |
| 2024 | Buffalo Bills | 1 | 9 | 0 |
| Career | — | 2 | 75 | 1 |
Jalen Lorenzo Virgil Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding Jalen Virgil’s family background, including his parents or family lineage, is not readily available in verified sources. Like many professional athletes, Virgil maintains a level of privacy regarding his family life, and this information has not been publicly disclosed in major sports databases or media reports.
Personal Life
Virgil maintains an active presence on social media, where he engages with fans and shares glimpses of his professional football career. He attended Mountain View High School in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and later pursued higher education at Appalachian State University, where he balanced his academic studies with his football career over six seasons. Beyond his athletic pursuits, detailed personal information about Virgil’s life outside of football has not been extensively documented in public sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a transitional year for Virgil in terms of team affiliations. After beginning the year with the Buffalo Bills organization under a reserve/future contract, he was waived in August with an injury designation. The move prompted him to seek opportunities elsewhere, eventually leading to a brief stint with the Arizona Cardinals practice squad in November 2025. Though his time with both organizations was limited, Virgil continued to demonstrate his availability and readiness to contribute when called upon.
Following his release from the Cardinals, Virgil found a new opportunity with the DC Defenders of the United Football League in January 2026. The UFL affiliation provides him with continued professional football exposure and the chance to showcase his abilities in a different context. His selection by the Defenders reflects the continued interest from professional football organizations in his skill set. Shortly after joining the UFL, Virgil returned to the NFL by signing another reserve/futures contract with the Buffalo Bills in February 2026, demonstrating his determination to maintain his presence in the league.