Michael Wiley Bio
Michael Wiley (born November 10, 2000) is an American professional football running back who currently plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona Wildcats from 2019 to 2023, where he established himself as a versatile dual-threat running back. After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Wiley signed with the Washington Commanders and has since spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs before joining the Buccaneers organization.
Early Life and Background
Michael Wiley was born on November 10, 2000, in Houston, Texas. He attended Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston, where he lettered in three sports: football, basketball, and track. His multi-sport athletic background helped develop the speed, agility, and身体素质 that would define his playing style.
Coming out of high school, Wiley was rated as a three-star recruit. He attracted interest from several college programs including Arizona, Iowa State, Utah, and Toledo. After careful consideration, Wiley chose to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Arizona, committing to play college football for the Arizona Wildcats.
Path to the NFL
Wiley arrived at the University of Arizona in 2019 as a promising freshman running back. During his first three seasons from 2019 to 2021, he rushing 153 times for 630 yards and five touchdowns while also catching 59 passes for 495 yards and four touchdowns. His ability to contribute both as a rusher and receiver made him a valuable asset in the Wildcats offense.
His breakout moment came in week three of the 2020 season when he rushed seven times for an impressive 123 yards, demonstrating his big-play ability. The 2022 season proved to be his most productive year, as he rushed for 771 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 36 receptions for 349 yards and three touchdowns. His performance earned him All-Pac-12 honorable mention recognition.
Wiley saved his best performance for the 2022 regular-season finale against rival Arizona State, rushing for 214 yards and three touchdowns in a victory. For that exceptional performance, he was named the games MVP. He entered the 2023 season as a team captain, further demonstrating his leadership qualities and importance to the program.
Michael Wiley Career
Washington Commanders (2024)
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Michael Wiley signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2024. His journey to the NFL was not straightforward, as he was also selected by the DC Defenders in the sixth round of the 2024 UFL Draft on July 17, 2024, highlighting his versatility as a professional football player.
Wiley was waived by the Commanders on August 27, 2024, but was signed to their practice squad the following day. He remained on the practice squad through the remainder of the 2024 season. On February 6, 2025, Wiley signed a futures contract with Washington, indicating the team planned to bring him back for the 2025 season. However, he was released on July 22, 2025, as the team made roster adjustments.
Kansas City Chiefs (2025)
Following his release from Washington, Wiley signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on August 12, 2025. This opportunity allowed him to compete for a roster spot on a team known for developing versatile offensive weapons. Unfortunately, he was waived on August 26, 2025, as part of the teams final roster cuts heading into the regular season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2025-Present)
Wiley continued his NFL journey by signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad on October 14, 2025. This move provided him with another opportunity to develop within an NFL organization and compete for a permanent roster spot. He was released by Tampa Bay on December 30, 2025.
Despite the setback, Wiley remained committed to his NFL dreams. On January 8, 2026, he signed a reserve/futures contract with the Buccaneers, ensuring he would be part of the teams offseason program heading into the 2026 season. This contract demonstrated the teams continued interest in his potential as a professional football player.
Playing Style and Strengths
Michael Wiley is known as a versatile dual-threat running back who can contribute both as a rusher and receiver out of the backfield. His collegiate career at Arizona showcased his ability to make an impact in multiple facets of the offense, with over 1,100 receiving yards to complement his rushing production. His experience playing multiple sports in high school helped develop his agility, footwork, and body control. Wileys ability to line up in various formations and contribute as a receiver makes him a valuable asset in modern NFL offenses that value versatility.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his collegiate and professional career, Wiley has accumulated several notable accomplishments. At Arizona, he finished his career with 1,712 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground, while also recording 1,150 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns through the air. His 214-yard, three-touchdown performance against rival Arizona State in 2022 earned him game MVP honors. His All-Pac-12 honorable mention recognition in 2022 highlighted his status as one of the better running backs in the conference.
Michael Wiley College Statistics
Throughout his five seasons at Arizona from 2019 to 2023, Michael Wiley established himself as one of the most productive dual-threat running backs in program history. His ability to contribute significantly in both the running and passing games set him apart from traditional running back prospects.
Arizona Wildcats Career Highlights
Wiley finished his Arizona career with impressive totals across both rushing and receiving categories. He accumulated 1,712 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground, averaging approximately 4.6 yards per carry. His receiving production was equally impressive, with 1,150 yards and 12 touchdowns on 123 receptions. This level of dual-threat production is rare among college running backs and demonstrated his ability to impact games in multiple ways.
His best statistical season came in 2022 when he rushed for 771 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 349 receiving yards and three touchdowns through the air. The 2023 season saw him serve as a team captain, reflecting the leadership qualities and character he brought to the program.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Wileys second year in the NFL as he continued his professional career following his time with the Washington Commanders. After being released by Washington in July, Wiley signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in August but was waived during final roster cuts. He then joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad in October, giving him the opportunity to continue developing within an NFL system.
Wiley remained with Tampa Bay through the end of the 2025 calendar year before being released on December 30. However, his determination paid off when he signed a reserve/futures contract with the Buccaneers on January 8, 2026. This contract ensures he will be part of the teams offseason program and gives him an opportunity to compete for a permanent roster spot heading into the 2026 season.
Michael Wiley Family
Personal Life
Michael Wiley maintains a strong connection to his Texas roots, having grown up and attended high school in the Houston area. He continues to engage with fans through his social media presence, maintaining an active presence on the X platform under the handle @michael_wiley6. His journey from a three-star recruit at Strake Jesuit to a professional NFL player demonstrates his dedication to the sport of football.