Jalen Wayne Bio
Jalen Jakory Wayne (born May 13, 1999) is an American professional football wide receiver who most recently played for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. He played college football at the University of South Alabama from 2017 to 2022, where he developed into a productive pass-catcher over six seasons. After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Wayne has spent time with several NFL and CFL teams, including the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, and Montreal Alouettes. He is currently a free agent.
Early Life and Background
Wayne was born in Marion, Louisiana, on May 13, 1999, and grew up in Spanish Fort, Alabama. He attended Faith Academy during his early high school years, where he focused primarily on basketball and was a member of the high school varsity team while in eighth grade. His athletic ability was evident early, showing promise as a multi-sport athlete.
Wayne transferred to Spanish Fort High School before his senior year, transitioning his focus from basketball to football. During his senior season at Spanish Fort High School, he recorded 28 receptions for 469 yards and 3 touchdowns while also rushing for 279 yards, demonstrating his versatility as an offensive weapon.
Path to American Football
After graduating from Spanish Fort High School, Wayne accepted a scholarship to play college football at the University of South Alabama. He arrived on campus with raw talent and developed steadily under the Jaguars coaching staff over his six seasons in Mobile. His early college career saw limited action, but he worked his way into a more prominent role in the offense as a junior and senior.
Wayne redshirted during the COVID-19-affected 2020 season and utilized the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes during that period. This additional season proved instrumental in his development, allowing him to log significant playing time and showcase his abilities at the FBS level.
Jalen Wayne Career
College Career (2017–2022)
Wayne played American football for the University of South Alabama Jaguars from 2017 through 2022. He delayed meaningful engagement with the program during his sophomore season, appearing in only four games. His breakthrough came in his junior year when he hauled in 33 receptions for 418 yards and 1 touchdown, establishing himself as a reliable target in the passing game.
As a redshirt senior, Wayne caught 53 passes for 630 yards and 2 touchdowns. He returned for a sixth season using his COVID-19 waiver year, which proved to be his most productive. In his final collegiate season, he recorded 58 receptions for 815 yards and 9 touchdowns. For his outstanding performance, he was named Second-Team All-Sun Belt Conference. Wayne finished his college career with 152 receptions for 1,980 yards and 14 touchdowns across six seasons.
Buffalo Bills (2023)
After not hearing his name called during the 2023 NFL Draft, Wayne signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent. He competed for a roster spot during training camp and the preseason. The Bills released Wayne on July 28, 2023, ending his first professional stint.
Cleveland Browns (2023)
Wayne signed with the Cleveland Browns on August 4, 2023, providing him another opportunity to make an NFL roster. He participated in training camp and preseason activities with the Browns. However, Wayne was released on August 27, 2023, as the team finalized its roster decisions.
Montreal Alouettes First Stint (2024)
Wayne signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League on January 22, 2024, expanding his professional horizons beyond the NFL. The CFL provided a different brand of football and an opportunity to develop his skills in a new environment while potentially catching the attention of NFL scouts.
Green Bay Packers (2024)
Wayne signed with the Green Bay Packers on July 19, 2024, returning to the NFL with another opportunity. He was released during final roster cuts on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad. He was released from the practice squad on September 10, 2024.
Montreal Alouettes Second Stint (2025)
Wayne was signed by the Montreal Alouettes again on January 20, 2025, giving him a second chance to establish himself with the CFL organization. He was released on July 13, 2025, making him a free agent.
Playing Style and Strengths
Wayne stands at 6 feet 2 inches and weighs 210 pounds, giving him good size for an NFL wide receiver. His frame allows him to compete for jump balls and make plays in traffic. Throughout his college career, he displayed reliable hands and consistent production, developing into a possession receiver who could move the chains. His experience at multiple levels of professional football has shown his adaptability to different offensive systems and coaching styles.
Notable Achievements
Wayne’s most significant accolade came in 2022 when he was named Second-Team All-Sun Belt Conference following his standout final season at South Alabama. That 58-catch, 815-yard, 9-touchdown performance validated his six-year development arc and demonstrated his ability to be a primary target at the Group of Five level of college football.
Jalen Wayne Career Statistics
Wayne’s professional career has seen him spend time with five different organizations across the NFL and CFL since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023. His college career at South Alabama produced steady improvement, culminating in his most productive season in 2022.
College Statistics Highlights
Wayne finished his six-season career at the University of South Alabama with 152 receptions for 1,980 yards and 14 touchdowns. His senior season in 2022 was his most impressive, as he set career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns while earning All-Conference recognition. His consistency and durability over six seasons demonstrated his reliability as a collegiate pass-catcher.
Professional Career Overview
Since turning professional in 2023, Wayne has been a journeyman, spending time with the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Montreal Alouettes (twice), and Green Bay Packers. While he has yet to establish a sustained NFL or CFL career, his willingness to sign wherever opportunities arise reflects his commitment to continuing his football career.
Jalen Wayne Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Wayne comes from a football family through his cousin, Reggie Wayne, who enjoyed a distinguished 14-year NFL career as a wide receiver with the Indianapolis Colts. Reggie Wayne was a key member of the Colts offense during the Peyton Manning era, catching passes from the future Hall of Famer and earning Pro Bowl honors multiple times. This family connection to professional football provided Jalen Wayne with inspiration and guidance throughout his development as a player.
Personal Life
Wayne continues to pursue his professional football career following his most recent release from the Montreal Alouettes. He maintains connections to both his birthplace in Louisiana and his hometown of Spanish Fort, Alabama.
2025 Season Performance
Wayne signed with the Montreal Alouettes for the second time in January 2025, aiming to secure a more permanent role with the CFL franchise. The Alouettes coaching staff evaluated him during training camp and the early portion of the 2025 season. Wayne was released on July 13, 2025, making him available to sign with other teams as a free agent.
Throughout his professional journey, Wayne has demonstrated persistence and adaptability, moving between leagues and organizations while continuing to work toward a sustained professional career. His ability to earn contracts with multiple NFL and CFL teams reflects his value as a player who can contribute when given opportunities.