Jamison Crowder Bio
Jamison Crowder is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist who played in the National Football League from 2015 to 2024. Born on June 17, 1993, in Monroe, North Carolina, Crowder played college football at Duke University before being selected by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Over his nine-season NFL career, Crowder also played for the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and New York Giants before returning to finish his career with the Washington Commanders. Known for his quickness, reliable hands, and exceptional punt-return ability, Crowder established himself as a versatile offensive weapon capable of making an impact both as a receiver and on special teams throughout his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Crowder grew up in Monroe, North Carolina, where he attended Monroe High School and played under head coach Johnny Sowell. He was a three-year letterman who helped lead Monroe High School to a combined 29-10 record over his final three seasons, including three straight state playoff appearances. As a junior, Crowder recorded 26 receptions for 618 yards and 19 total touchdowns, showcasing the playmaking ability that would define his career. He participated in the 74th annual Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas on December 18, 2010, in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Beyond football, Crowder excelled in multiple sports at Monroe High School. He was a standout basketball player who helped lead his team to a 32-1 record and the 2010 1A state basketball championship, earning him Rocky River Conference Player of the Year honors. He also competed in track and field. As a senior, Crowder rushed for 641 yards and 11 touchdowns, caught 41 passes for 790 yards and nine touchdowns, and added four returns for scores. His exceptional senior season earned him first-team All-State recognition and the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year award. Crowder was rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and ranked as the No. 65 athlete in the nation by ESPN.com.
Path to the NFL
Crowder continued his football career at Duke University from 2011 to 2014 under head coach David Cutcliffe. He made an immediate impact as a true freshman, appearing in all 12 games and recording 14 receptions for 163 yards and one touchdown. Crowder’s development accelerated significantly when he became a full-time starter as a sophomore in 2012, appearing in all 13 games and finishing with 76 receptions for 1,074 yards and eight touchdowns.
His junior season in 2013 represented Crowder’s breakout campaign. He started all 14 games and set an Atlantic Coast Conference record with 108 receptions for 1,360 yards and eight touchdowns. Crowder continued his dominant play as a senior in 2014, starting all 13 games and finishing with 85 receptions for 1,044 yards and six touchdowns. In his final college game, the 2014 Sun Bowl, he tied the ACC’s all-time receptions record with 283 career catches. Over his four seasons at Duke, Crowder amassed 283 receptions for 3,641 yards and 23 touchdowns, along with a school-record five punt returns for touchdowns. His outstanding collegiate career earned him first-team All-ACC honors in both 2013 and 2014.
Jamison Crowder Career
Washington Redskins (2015–2018)
Crowder was selected by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round with the 105th overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 11, 2015, officially beginning his professional career. Crowder made his NFL debut on September 13, 2015, against the Miami Dolphins and earned his first NFL start on October 11, catching eight passes for 87 yards against the Atlanta Falcons.
His first professional touchdown came on November 15, 2015, an eleven-yard reception from quarterback Kirk Cousins against the New Orleans Saints. In the season finale against the Dallas Cowboys, Crowder caught five passes for a career-high 109 yards and scored his second touchdown of the year. That performance broke the Redskins’ franchise record for receptions by a rookie, previously held by Hall of Fame receiver Art Monk. Crowder finished his rookie season with 59 receptions for 604 yards and two touchdowns.
The 2016 season marked Crowder’s emergence as one of the NFL’s most dangerous slot receivers. He caught his first touchdown of the season against the Cowboys on September 18 and followed with a 55-yard touchdown reception against the New York Giants on September 25. On October 9, 2016, against the Baltimore Ravens, Crowder returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown, becoming the first Redskins player to do so since Santana Moss in 2008, earning him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. He finished the 2016 season with 67 receptions for 847 yards and seven touchdowns, including multiple 100-yard receiving games.
Crowder continued his strong play in 2017, recording 66 receptions for 789 receiving yards and three touchdowns, including a 141-yard receiving performance on Thanksgiving Day against the Giants. A leg injury limited him to just nine games in 2018, where he recorded 29 receptions for 388 receiving yards and two touchdowns before his time with the franchise concluded.
New York Jets (2019–2021)
On March 15, 2019, Crowder signed a three-year, $28.5 million contract with the New York Jets with $17 million guaranteed. He made his Jets debut in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, catching 14 passes for 99 yards in a narrow 17-16 loss. That performance tied Al Toon’s franchise record for receptions in a game by a wide receiver. Crowder led the Jets in all major receiving categories during his debut season with 78 receptions for 833 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.
The 2020 season saw Crowder continue as the Jets’ primary receiving target despite the team’s struggles. He posted 59 receptions for 699 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns, including a notable 69-yard touchdown reception against Buffalo in Week 1. Crowder also showcased his versatility by throwing his first career touchdown pass, a 43-yard trick play to Braxton Berrios against the Cleveland Browns in Week 16. His 2021 season was shortened due to injuries, with Crowder finishing with 51 receptions for 447 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 12 games.
Buffalo Bills (2022)
Crowder signed with the Buffalo Bills on March 22, 2022, joining the AFC powerhouse on a one-year deal. He was projected to provide veteran experience to the Bills’ receiving corps. However, his tenure was cut short when he suffered an ankle injury in Week 4 and was subsequently placed on injured reserve on October 8, 2022, ending his season prematurely.
Washington Commanders (2023–2024)
Crowder returned to Washington on September 6, 2023, signing with the Commanders’ practice squad before being promoted to the active roster five days later. This marked a reunion with the organization that originally drafted him in 2015. In Week 6 of the 2023 season, Crowder delivered an exceptional special teams performance with a 61-yard punt return, the longest in the league that week, earning him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. He finished the 2023 season with 16 receptions for 159 yards and one receiving touchdown.
On March 13, 2024, Crowder re-signed with the Commanders on another one-year contract. He was placed on injured reserve due to a calf injury on October 2 but was activated on December 14. In Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Crowder contributed two receiving touchdowns in the Commanders’ 36-33 victory. His performance demonstrated his continued value as a reliable target and veteran presence in the receiving corps.
Driving Style and Strengths
Crowder established himself as a reliable possession receiver with exceptional quickness and route-running ability. His 5-foot-9 frame made him particularly effective in the slot, where his ability to create separation and find soft spots in zone coverage proved invaluable. Beyond his receiving skills, Crowder was a dynamic return specialist, with his 85-yard punt return for a touchdown in 2016 highlighting his game-breaking ability in the return game. His consistency, hands, and football intelligence allowed him to remain a productive offensive weapon throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Crowder achieved several notable milestones. As a rookie with Washington in 2015, he broke the franchise record for receptions by a rookie with 59 catches. In 2016, his 85-yard punt return for a touchdown against Baltimore earned him his first NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award. He reached the 100 career reception mark in just 25 games, ranking third fastest in Redskins franchise history behind Gary Clark and Charlie Brown. His 2019 season with the Jets, where he led the team with 78 receptions, demonstrated his ability to be a primary receiving option. His return to Washington in 2023 and subsequent NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honor further cemented his legacy as a dual-threat player.
Jamison Crowder Career Wins
Over his nine NFL seasons, Crowder accumulated 440 career receptions for 4,898 receiving yards and 31 receiving touchdowns, along with 1,174 return yards and one return touchdown. His consistent production across multiple teams and systems highlighted his reliability and adaptability as a professional receiver.
NFL Statistics Highlights
Crowder’s most prolific statistical season came in 2019 with the Jets, where he led the team with 78 receptions for 833 yards and six touchdowns. His 2016 season with Washington was equally impressive, as he recorded 67 receptions for 847 yards and seven touchdowns while adding his signature punt return touchdown. His rookie season in 2015 saw him set the Redskins’ franchise record for receptions by a rookie with 59 catches for 604 yards and two touchdowns. Throughout his career, Crowder demonstrated the ability to make clutch catches and contribute in crucial moments.
Special Teams Contributions
Beyond his receiving production, Crowder made significant contributions as a return specialist. His 85-yard punt return for a touchdown against Baltimore in 2016 stood out as one of the most memorable special teams plays of his career. His 61-yard punt return in Week 6 of the 2023 season earned him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors, demonstrating his continued explosiveness even in the latter stages of his career. Over his NFL career, Crowder accumulated 1,174 return yards and one return touchdown, adding another dimension to his game.
| Career Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 440 |
| Receiving Yards | 4,898 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 31 |
| Return Yards | 1,174 |
| Return Touchdowns | 1 |
Jamison Crowder Family
Family Background
Crowder has a younger brother named Jamaris who was born with Down syndrome. Crowder has spoken publicly about the impact his brother has had on his life, emphasizing the importance of family and perseverance. His background and family experiences shaped his character and approach to both football and life.
Personal Life
Crowder graduated from Duke University in December 2014 with a degree in sociology while minoring in African and African American studies. His commitment to academics while excelling on the football field demonstrated his ability to balance athletics and education. Following his playing career, Crowder announced on April 11, 2026, that he would be returning to Duke University as part of the program’s inaugural former player coaching fellowship, beginning the next chapter of his football journey.
2025 Season Performance
Jamison Crowder officially concluded his playing career prior to the 2025 season. Following his retirement from professional football, Crowder transitioned into coaching by joining Duke University’s football program through their former player coaching fellowship. This opportunity allows him to give back to the university that helped shape his football career while developing his skills as a mentor and coach for the next generation of players. His experience as a player at Duke and his nine seasons of NFL experience provide him with valuable knowledge to share with current Blue Devils players.