Brayden Willis Bio
Brayden Willis is an American professional football tight end currently playing for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Oklahoma, where he developed into a reliable receiving threat over five seasons. Since entering the NFL in 2023, Willis has shown promise as a versatile tight end with potential for growth in his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Brayden Willis was born on November 11, 1999, in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in Arlington, Texas, and attended Martin High School. During his high school career, Willis was rated as a three-star recruit, which led to his commitment to play college football at Oklahoma. His early years in Texas laid the foundation for his football career, providing him with competitive high school experience in a strong football region.
Path to American Football
Willis’s path to collegiate football began with his recruitment out of Martin High School. His performance there attracted attention from major college programs, culminating in his decision to join the Oklahoma Sooners. At Oklahoma, he steadily progressed over five seasons, taking advantage of an extra year of eligibility granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His college tenure included notable improvements in receptions, yardage, and touchdowns, showcasing his development as a tight end.
Brayden Willis Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
Willis played for the Oklahoma Sooners from 2018 through 2022. Over this period, he evolved from a supporting player into a key offensive contributor. In his senior year, he caught 15 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Opting to return for a fifth season, he significantly increased his production, recording 39 receptions for 514 yards and seven touchdowns. His performance earned him Second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2022, highlighting his impact at the collegiate level.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2023–Present)
Brayden Willis was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round, 247th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. His rookie season involved transitions between the active roster and the practice squad, reflecting the competitive nature of NFL roster spots. Willis was waived and re-signed multiple times but demonstrated resilience and adaptability. He was promoted to the active roster in October 2023 and again in September 2025, indicating the team’s ongoing interest in his development. Willis re-signed with the 49ers in April 2025, underscoring the franchise’s commitment to his potential contribution.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a tight end, Brayden Willis combines size and athleticism, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 240 pounds. His strengths include reliable hands, route-running ability, and versatility in both receiving and blocking roles. Willis’s physical attributes and skill set allow him to contribute effectively in multiple offensive schemes, making him a valuable asset in the 49ers’ offense.
Notable Events and Milestones
Willis’s selection in the 2023 NFL Draft marked a significant milestone in his career. His recognition as Second-team All-Big 12 in 2022 stands out as a collegiate achievement. His repeated promotions to the active roster reflect important moments in his professional journey, demonstrating his perseverance and growth within the NFL environment.
Brayden Willis Career Wins
While individual wins are not typically tracked for football players in the same manner as in racing or individual sports, Brayden Willis’s contributions to team victories at Oklahoma and with the San Francisco 49ers highlight his role in competitive football environments. His progress from college to professional ranks underscores his development as a player capable of impacting game outcomes.
College Highlights
During his college career at Oklahoma, Willis’s most productive season was his fifth year, where he recorded 39 receptions for 514 yards and seven touchdowns. This performance earned him Second-team All-Big 12 honors and established him as a reliable offensive weapon for the Sooners.
Professional Highlights
Since joining the San Francisco 49ers, Willis has experienced the challenges of securing a consistent role on the active roster. His multiple promotions and re-signings indicate his potential value to the team and his ongoing development as a professional tight end.
Brayden Willis Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details regarding Brayden Willis’s family background have not been publicly disclosed. There is no available information indicating a family history in professional sports or football.
Personal Life
Brayden Willis has maintained a private personal life with no publicly available information regarding marital status or children. He is known to engage with fans through social media, including an active Instagram presence.
2025 Season Performance
In the 2025 NFL season, Brayden Willis re-signed with the San Francisco 49ers and has continued to navigate the competitive roster landscape. After being waived during final roster cuts, he was re-signed to the practice squad and subsequently promoted to the active roster. Willis’s role in the 2025 season reflects the 49ers’ strategy to develop his talents while managing team depth. His ongoing presence on the active roster suggests potential for increased playing time and contributions as the season progresses.