Trent Nelson Taylor Bio
Trent Nelson Taylor (born April 30, 1994) is an American professional football wide receiver currently with the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Louisiana Tech University and was selected by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Taylor has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears during his NFL career.
Early Life and Background
Trent Taylor was born in Cookeville, Tennessee, United States. He attended Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he excelled in high school football. During his senior year, Taylor recorded 107 receptions for 1,650 yards and 20 touchdowns, demonstrating his early talent as a wide receiver. His junior year was also impressive with 65 catches for 1,075 yards and 18 touchdowns.
His outstanding high school performance earned him a commitment to Louisiana Tech University, where he continued to develop his football skills at the collegiate level. Taylor’s early exposure to competitive football laid a strong foundation for his professional career.
Path to American Football
At Louisiana Tech, Taylor played from 2013 to 2016 and set a school record with 327 receptions. He amassed 4,179 receiving yards and scored 32 touchdowns during his college career. His performance earned him First-team All-Conference USA honors in 2015 and 2016, and Second-team All-Conference USA in 2014.
In his final collegiate game, the 2016 Armed Forces Bowl, Taylor was named the game’s MVP after recording 12 receptions for 233 yards and two touchdowns. His collegiate success positioned him well for the NFL Draft, where he was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017.
Trent Taylor Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
Trent Taylor made his NFL debut on September 10, 2017, with the San Francisco 49ers. In his rookie season, he recorded 43 receptions for 430 yards and two touchdowns. His first career touchdown came in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams on a three-yard pass from quarterback Brian Hoyer.
In the 2018 season, Taylor continued to contribute as a receiver, finishing with 26 receptions for 215 yards and one touchdown. His role with the 49ers during these years helped him gain valuable experience in the league.
San Francisco 49ers and Injury Challenges (2019–2020)
In 2019, Taylor was placed on injured reserve due to a setback from offseason foot surgery, which limited his playing time. He returned to play in the 2020 season, appearing in 12 games and starting one. That year, he contributed both on offense and as a punt returner, showcasing his versatility.
During the 2020 season, Taylor was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in late December but was activated in early January 2021. Despite challenges, he remained a valuable team member for the 49ers.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2021–2023)
Trent Taylor signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in May 2021. After initially being waived and re-signed to the practice squad, he finished the season with two receptions for 41 yards and contributed on kick and punt returns. He was promoted to the active roster for the AFC Championship Game, where he caught a crucial two-point conversion pass from Joe Burrow, helping the Bengals secure a victory and advance to their first Super Bowl since 1988.
Taylor re-signed with the Bengals in 2022 and served as the primary punt returner while backing up the slot receiver position. He returned 33 punts for 340 yards that season. He signed another one-year contract in March 2023 but was released during final roster cuts in August 2023.
Chicago Bears Tenure (2023)
Taylor signed with the Chicago Bears on August 31, 2023. He played in all 17 games during the season, primarily contributing as a punt returner with an average of 8.2 yards per return. Offensively, he recorded two targets but did not register any receptions.
San Francisco 49ers Return (2024–Present)
In April 2024, Taylor signed a one-year contract to return to the San Francisco 49ers. He was released during the preseason but re-signed to the practice squad. In January 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with the team. Unfortunately, in June 2025, Taylor was placed on injured reserve, ruling him out for the season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Trent Taylor is known for his reliable hands and precise route running, making him a dependable slot receiver. His agility and quickness allow him to create separation on short and intermediate routes. Additionally, his skills as a punt returner add value to his teams, contributing on special teams with consistent yardage gains.
Notable Events and Milestones
Taylor’s MVP performance in the 2016 Armed Forces Bowl stands out as a collegiate highlight. In the NFL, his two-point conversion catch in the 2022 AFC Championship Game was a pivotal moment that helped the Cincinnati Bengals reach the Super Bowl for the first time in over three decades.
Trent Taylor Career Wins
While individual wins are not typically tracked for wide receivers, Trent Taylor’s career includes significant contributions to team successes across multiple NFL seasons. His role in key games and special teams performances have been valuable assets to his teams.
Other Wins & Performances
Taylor’s college career featured record-setting receptions at Louisiana Tech and multiple all-conference honors. His professional journey includes important playoff appearances and contributions on special teams.
Trent Taylor Family
Personal Life
Details about Trent Taylor’s family and personal life, including marital status and children, have not been publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
Trent Taylor rejoined the San Francisco 49ers in 2024 and signed a reserve/future contract for the 2025 season. However, an injury led to his placement on injured reserve in June 2025, ruling him out for the entire season. His recovery and future contributions remain to be seen as he continues his professional career.