Cedrick Wilson Jr. Bio
Cedrick Wilson Jr. is an American professional football wide receiver who has played for multiple NFL franchises since entering the league as a sixth-round draft pick in 2018. He played college football at Boise State University, where he earned first-team All-Mountain West honors in 2017 and earned MVP accolades in the Las Vegas Bowl that same season. Wilson was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on November 20, 1995, and comes from a football family as the son of former NFL wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Sr. His professional career has seen him develop from a late-round draft selection with the Dallas Cowboys into a versatile offensive weapon capable of contributing as a receiver, return specialist, and occasional trick-play quarterback.
Early Life and Background
Cedrick Wilson Jr. grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, where he attended White Station High School. During his junior year, he earned the starting quarterback position, demonstrating his athletic versatility at an early age. As a senior, Wilson put up impressive numbers, completing 142 of 239 passes for 1,973 yards, throwing for 22 touchdowns and adding 7 rushing touchdowns. His leadership guided White Station to the Class 6A semifinals, earning him recognition that included 6A All-State honors, second-team All-District accolades, and offensive player of the year honors from the Touchdown Club of Memphis.
Path to Professional Football
After high school, Wilson enrolled at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, recording 629 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns while earning All-conference honors. His sophomore season was even more productive, as he caught 66 passes for 1,045 yards and led the nation with 17 touchdowns, earning second-team Junior College All-American recognition. His performance placed him second in school history for single-season receiving yards at that level. Wilson then transferred to Boise State University for his junior and senior seasons, where he continued to develop into a polished NFL prospect.
Cedrick Wilson Jr. Career
Dallas Cowboys (2018–2021)
The Dallas Cowboys selected Cedrick Wilson Jr. in the sixth round with the 208th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. His rookie season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve in July after being diagnosed with a torn labrum in his shoulder. In 2019, Wilson was released during final roster cuts but was signed to the practice squad and later promoted to the active roster. He appeared in six games, recording five receptions for 46 yards while also serving as a return specialist on special teams.
Wilson broke out in 2020, playing in all 16 games and posting 17 receptions for 189 yards and two touchdowns. He achieved his first 100-yard receiving game in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks, finishing with five catches for 107 yards and two scores. Additionally, he threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Dak Prescott on a trick play in a win over the New York Giants. The 2021 season represented Wilson’s best statistical year in Dallas, as he caught 45 passes for 602 yards and six touchdowns, including a 73-yard touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings and a 119-yard, two-touchdown performance in the season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Miami Dolphins (2022–2023)
On March 17, 2022, Wilson signed a three-year, $22.8 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. He was brought in to complement rising star Jaylen Waddle but found himself behind Tyreek Hill and Waddle on the depth chart, resulting in a reduced role. Wilson appeared in 15 games, catching 12 passes for 136 yards while also contributing as a punt returner with 97 yards on 13 returns. His production improved slightly in 2023, when he recorded 22 receptions for 296 yards and three touchdowns in 15 contests as injuries created opportunities in the receiving corps.
New Orleans Saints (2024–2025)
Wilson joined the New Orleans Saints in March 2024, signing a two-year contract. He saw action in 15 games with four starts, recording 20 receptions for 211 yards and one touchdown. Notable moments included catching quarterback Jake Haener’s first career touchdown pass in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos and throwing a 21-yard touchdown pass to Alvin Kamara on a trick play in Week 15 against the Washington Commanders. In August 2025, Wilson was released by the Saints and signed to their practice squad before being waived in September and re-signed to the practice squad later that month.
Miami Dolphins Second Stint (2025)
On October 1, 2025, Wilson was signed by the Miami Dolphins off the Saints’ practice squad. He was acquired to provide depth at wide receiver following a season-ending injury to Tyreek Hill. Wilson appeared in 10 games with five starts, catching 5 passes for 44 yards. He was not re-signed by the Dolphins after the 2025 season concluded.
Driving Style and Strengths
While not a traditional speedster, Wilson has carved out a role as a reliable possession receiver and occasional deep threat. His college tape showcased strong hands, crisp route-running ability, and竞争力 after the catch. Wilson demonstrated versatility throughout his career by contributing on special teams as both a punt and kickoff returner. His football intelligence has allowed him to execute trick plays, including successful touchdown passes in multiple seasons.
Notable Events and Milestones
Wilson achieved several career milestones during his time with the Dallas Cowboys. His 2021 season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles represented his best professional performance, with 119 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He has shown a knack for making plays in big moments, including clutch receptions in close games and occasional explosive plays downfield. His collegiate MVP performance in the 2017 Las Vegas Bowl, where he caught 10 passes for 221 yards against Oregon, remains one of the standout performances of his career.
Cedrick Wilson Jr. Career Statistics
Wilson has compiled modest but consistent statistics across his NFL career, demonstrating the ability to contribute when called upon. His best statistical season came in 2021 with the Cowboys, where he set career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Below is a summary of his career NFL receiving statistics through the 2025 season.
| Season | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Dallas Cowboys | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | Dallas Cowboys | 5 | 46 | 0 |
| 2020 | Dallas Cowboys | 17 | 189 | 2 |
| 2021 | Dallas Cowboys | 45 | 602 | 6 |
| 2022 | Miami Dolphins | 12 | 136 | 0 |
| 2023 | Miami Dolphins | 22 | 296 | 3 |
| 2024 | New Orleans Saints | 20 | 211 | 1 |
| 2025 | Miami Dolphins | 5 | 44 | 0 |
Cedrick Wilson Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Cedrick Wilson Jr. comes from a distinguished NFL family. His father, Cedrick Wilson Sr., played seven seasons as a wide receiver in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers. This family legacy provided Cedrick Jr. with firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed at the professional level, giving him a unique perspective on the demands and expectations of an NFL career from an early age.
Personal Life
Wilson’s father played for the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers during his seven-year NFL career, establishing the football foundation that Cedrick Jr. would build upon. The family connection to professional football has been a guiding influence throughout Wilson’s journey from high school quarterback in Memphis to professional wide receiver in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season saw Wilson split time between two organizations after beginning the year with the New Orleans Saints. He appeared in 15 games with the Saints before being released and re-signed to their practice squad multiple times during the season. Wilson caught 20 passes for 211 yards and scored one touchdown with New Orleans, showcasing his ability to make plays in limited opportunities. His highlight plays included catching his quarterback’s first career touchdown pass and throwing a touchdown pass on a trick play.
Wilson joined the Miami Dolphins in October 2025 after being signed off the Saints’ practice squad. He was brought in to address depth concerns following a season-ending injury to star receiver Tyreek Hill. Wilson appeared in 10 games with five starts, recording 5 receptions for 44 yards in a limited role. The move provided him with playing time in a competitive offense, though his production was constrained by the Dolphins’ existing receiving corps. After the season, Wilson was not re-signed by Miami, making him an unrestricted free agent heading into the 2026 offseason.