Nahshon Wright Bio
Nahshon Wright is an American professional football cornerback who began his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys in 2021 after being selected in the third round of the NFL draft. Born in Hayward, California, Wright has developed into a playmaking defensive back with ball skills and takeaways ability. He played college football at Oregon State University following his time at Laney College, and he has appeared in games for the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and New York Jets throughout his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Nahshon Wright was born on September 23, 1998, in Hayward, California. He attended James Logan High School in Union City, California, where he excelled as a two-way player, seeing action at both wide receiver and cornerback. In addition to football, Wright lettered in basketball and track, demonstrating the athleticism that would serve him well in his professional career.
After high school, Wright enrolled at Laney College in Oakland, California. He made an immediate impact with the Eagles football program, contributing to the team winning the 2018 state championship. In his freshman season at Laney, Wright recorded 12 starts, collecting 17 tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss. He also registered four interceptions and three passes defensed, earning All-conference honors for his performance.
Path to the NFL
Wright transferred to Oregon State University in 2019 to continue his college football development. As a sophomore in 2019, he appeared in all 12 games with 10 starts, posting 34 tackles with half a tackle for loss and three interceptions. His trajectory continued upward as he established himself as a playmaking defensive back in the Pac-12 Conference.
His junior season in 2020 was shortened to seven games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Wright remained productive. He started six games and registered 30 tackles, two interceptions, four passes defensed, and one sack. He delivered standout performances against California with six tackles and one interception, and against Oregon with seven tackles, one interception, and one pass defensed. Following the season, Wright declared for the 2021 NFL Draft, concluding his college career having showcased his coverage ability and ball skills.
Nahshon Wright Career
Dallas Cowboys (2021–2023)
The Dallas Cowboys selected Nahshon Wright in the third round with the 99th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract worth $4.8 million on July 21, 2021. As a rookie, Wright appeared in 13 games primarily on special teams. He experienced a memorable play in Week 9 against the Denver Broncos when he touched a blocked punt after it crossed the line of scrimmage, resulting in the Broncos recovering the ball with a new set of downs. He recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons. Wright finished his rookie season with seven defensive tackles and two special teams tackles.
In 2022, Wright appeared in seven games with two starts, registering 22 tackles including one for loss, one interception, four pass breakups, and one special teams tackle. He replaced Kelvin Joseph at right cornerback in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In his first start against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15, he compiled eight tackles including one for loss and two pass breakups. He followed with a career-best nine tackles, two pass breakups, and his first career interception in a start against the Tennessee Titans in Week 16. He was declared inactive for the playoff games to allow the team to activate Israel Mukuamu.
Wright opened the 2023 season on injured reserve with an ankle injury before being activated on October 16. He appeared in 12 games as a backup player, tallying two defensive tackles, one pass breakup, and three special teams tackles before his release from the Cowboys organization.
Minnesota Vikings (2024)
On August 9, 2024, Wright was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for Andrew Booth Jr. He was waived on August 27 and re-signed to the practice squad. Wright signed a reserve/future contract with Minnesota on January 17, 2025, but was released by the Vikings on April 7, 2025, ending his brief tenure with the franchise.
Chicago Bears (2025)
On April 8, 2025, Wright signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears. He made an immediate impact in his debut with Chicago, recording a 74-yard interception return touchdown against his former team, the Minnesota Vikings, in the season opener. As the season progressed, Wright saw increased action due to injuries at the cornerback position, and he capitalized on the opportunity with several turnover-generating plays.
Wright recovered a fumbled handoff in Week 6 that led to the Bears game-winning drive against the Washington Commanders. He intercepted New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler the following week. In Week 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Wright intercepted Joe Flacco’s Hail Mary pass to secure a 47-42 victory for Chicago despite being beaten for two touchdowns by Tee Higgins earlier in the game. He recovered a late fumble by New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart in Week 10 to help the Bears secure another win. Wright intercepted J.J. McCarthy for the third time in the season during the second meeting with Minnesota, dedicating the pick to late Laney College head coach John Beam.
One of Wright’s most notable plays came in Week 13 against the Philadelphia Eagles when he ripped the ball from Jalen Hurts during the infamous Tush Push play, forcing Philadelphia’s first turnover of the season on that play. His standout season earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Month honors for November. Wright ended the 2025 season with a league-leading eight takeaways comprising five interceptions and three fumble recoveries. He also forced two fumbles and broke up 11 passes. Following Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell’s withdrawal due to injury, Wright was named an alternate for the 2026 Pro Bowl Games.
New York Jets (2026–Present)
On March 12, 2026, the New York Jets signed Wright to a one-year contract worth $5.5 million. He joined the Jets roster as a cornerback and was listed as active on the roster at number 26.
Playing Style and Strengths
Nahshon Wright possesses the length and athleticism that NFL teams covet at the cornerback position, standing at 6 feet 4 inches. His ball skills and instincts for creating turnovers have become his defining traits, evidenced by his league-leading eight takeaways in the 2025 season. Wright demonstrates the ability to play multiple coverage concepts and has shown willingness to contribute on special teams throughout his career. His instincts for stripping the ball and creating fumble recoveries add another dimension to his defensive playmaking ability.
Notable Events and Milestones
Wright’s 2025 season stands as his most productive campaign, highlighted by his league-leading takeaways and Pro Bowl selection. His forced fumble against Jalen Hurts on the Tush Push play was recognized as one of the most significant defensive plays of the season, stopping Philadelphia’s most reliable offensive weapon. His 74-yard interception return touchdown in the season opener against the Vikings provided an early signature moment in a breakout year with the Bears.
Nahshon Wright Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career, Wright has accumulated significant playing time across four teams, establishing himself as a reliable defensive back with playmaking ability. His career statistics reflect his development from a special teams contributor to a starting-caliber cornerback with game-changing instincts.
NFL Career Totals
Through the 2025 season, Wright has recorded 117 total tackles, 16 pass deflections, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one defensive touchdown. His six career interceptions include multiple picks in a single season multiple times, while his fumble recoveries demonstrate his awareness and pursuit of loose balls.
2025 Season Highlights
The 2025 season with the Chicago Bears represented Wright’s most productive professional season. His eight takeaways led the entire league and included five interceptions and three fumble recoveries. His 11 pass breakups showed his ability to disrupt opposing passing attacks even when not recording interceptions. His NFC Defensive Player of the Month honor in November recognized his consistently high level of play during a crucial stretch of the season.
Nahshon Wright Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Nahshon Wright comes from a family with deep football roots. His younger brother, Rejzohn Wright, was featured in the 2020 season of the reality series Last Chance U and currently plays cornerback for the New Orleans Saints. His cousin, Mekhi Blackmon, also plays cornerback in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts. Another cousin, Bump Cooper Jr., played cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens. This extensive football family has provided both support and competition throughout Nahshon’s development as a player.
Personal Life
Wright maintains connections to his Bay Area roots and the programs that helped develop his football career. He honored late Laney College head coach John Beam following an interception during the 2025 season, recognizing the mentor who helped shape his early career. His relationships within the football community extend through multiple NFL franchises, creating a network of family support across professional football.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a breakthrough year for Nahshon Wright with the Chicago Bears. After limited opportunities in his first four professional seasons, Wright emerged as one of the league’s most productive defensive backs in generating turnovers. His eight takeaways led the NFL and transformed him from a depth player into a recognized playmaker. The Bears coaching staff increased his role as injuries created opportunities, and Wright answered with consistent production.
Wright’s versatility showed throughout the season as he contributed in multiple ways. His five interceptions demonstrated his coverage skills and range, while his three fumble recoveries highlighted his pursuit and awareness. His forced fumbles, including the pivotal strip of Jalen Hurts, showed his physicality and willingness to make aggressive plays. His performance earned Pro Bowl recognition as an alternate, validating his emergence as a starting-caliber cornerback.
Wright’s momentum with the Bears positioned him well for continued opportunities in the NFL. His $5.5 million contract with the New York Jets in March 2026 reflected the market value created by his standout 2025 season. Teams value defensive backs who can create turnovers at the rate Wright demonstrated, and his length, instincts, and ball skills suggest continued growth potential at the professional level.