Craig Reynolds Bio
Craig Reynolds is an American professional football running back for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 15, 1996, in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, he played college football for the Kutztown Golden Bears before signing with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL draft. Reynolds has built his NFL career through persistence, moving between multiple teams before establishing himself with the Detroit Lions from 2021 to 2025.
Early Life and Background
Craig Reynolds grew up in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, where he attended Abington High School. His older brother, Eric, was a standout high school football player with NFL potential, but struggles with drug addiction led to incarceration when Craig was in sixth grade. Despite this family challenge, Reynolds channeled his energy into his own football career and developed into a promising running back prospect.
Reynolds graduated from Abington High School and continued his football journey at the collegiate level. His commitment to the sport and work ethic were evident from an early age, setting the foundation for his future professional career.
Path to the NFL
Reynolds enrolled at Kutztown University, joining the Golden Bears football program in 2014. He redshirted his true freshman season, using that year to adapt to the college level and build his skills for future competition. The development time proved valuable as he emerged as a significant contributor in subsequent seasons.
As a redshirt sophomore, Reynolds broke onto the scene by leading the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East with 1,189 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, earning first-team All-PSAC East honors. His performance demonstrated his ability to be a primary offensive weapon at the collegiate level. He continued to excel over the next two seasons, earning first-team All-PSAC East recognition in each of his final three years with the program.
Reynolds finished his collegiate career as Kutztown’s third all-time leading rusher with 2,650 yards and second in school history with 5,277 all-purpose yards, showcasing his versatility as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield.
Craig Reynolds Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Reynolds signed with the Washington Redskins as a free agent following a rookie minicamp tryout on May 13, 2019. He was waived during final roster cuts but re-signed to the practice squad on September 1. Reynolds was promoted to the active roster on October 19 and made his NFL debut the following day against the San Francisco 49ers, playing on special teams. He was waived by the Redskins on November 5.
Reynolds joined the Atlanta Falcons practice squad on November 12, 2019, and signed a reserve/future contract at the end of that season. He was waived and re-signed twice during the 2020 preseason before joining the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad in September 2020. He was elevated to the Jaguars active roster for a game in December before signing another reserve/future contract in January 2021, only to be waived shortly after.
Detroit Lions Breakthrough (2021–2025)
Reynolds signed with the Detroit Lions on August 12, 2021. He was waived during final roster cuts but re-signed to the practice squad. His opportunity came in Week 14 when running backs D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams were ruled out, and Reynolds was elevated to the active roster. He responded with 83 yards on 11 carries in a loss to the Denver Broncos. The following week, he made his first career start and rushed for 112 yards on 26 carries in a win over the Arizona Cardinals, announcing his arrival as a viable NFL running back.
Reynolds made the Lions final roster in 2022 as the third running back on the depth chart. He was placed on injured reserve in November but returned later in the season. He re-signed with the Lions in March 2023 for another campaign.
On October 8, 2023, Reynolds scored his first career NFL touchdown in a 42–24 win over the Carolina Panthers. The following week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he threw a pivotal block that helped teammate Amon-Ra St. Brown score a touchdown, a play that gained widespread attention for its physicality and impact.
New England Patriots Era (2025–Present)
On November 26, 2025, the Lions released Reynolds. He quickly found a new home, signing with the New England Patriots practice squad on November 28, 2025. This move marked a new chapter in his NFL journey as he joined a Patriots team looking to build depth at the running back position.
Driving Style and Strengths
Reynolds is known for his physical running style and willingness to engage defenders. His college tape showed a player capable of grinding out tough yards between the tackles while also demonstrating soft hands as a receiver out of the backfield. His all-purpose ability was evident at Kutztown, where he accumulated over 5,200 yards despite missing time due to injury in one season.
Notable Events and Milestones
Reynolds achieved several career milestones during his time with the Lions. His first career 100-yard game against Arizona in 2021 marked his emergence as a legitimate NFL starter. His first career touchdown in 2023 represented years of persistence through practice squads and roster shuffling. His block on the Amon-Ra St. Brown touchdown catch showcased his willingness to do the dirty work that does not always show up in statistics.
Craig Reynolds Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career spanning 2019 to 2025, Reynolds has appeared in multiple games across four franchises while accumulating 658 career rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. His most productive stretch came with the Detroit Lions, where he earned a consistent roster spot and made several starts.
Detroit Lions Highlights
Reynolds’ time with the Lions represented his most sustained NFL success. He appeared in numerous games across four seasons, serving as a depth piece and occasional starter. His Week 14 performance in 2021 against Denver, when he stepped in for injured starters and gained 83 yards, proved he belonged on an NFL roster. His first career start the following week resulted in his first 100-yard game, a 112-yard performance against Arizona that cemented his place with the organization.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his Lions tenure, Reynolds contributed on special teams and as a backup running back during his time with Washington, Atlanta, and Jacksonville. His ability to contribute in multiple phases made him a valuable depth player throughout his career.
Craig Reynolds Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Reynolds grew up with a brother who shared his passion for football. His older brother Eric was a highly decorated high school football player with aspirations of playing in the NFL. However, Eric struggled with drug addiction and has been incarcerated since Craig was in sixth grade. Despite this difficult family situation, Craig maintains a strong relationship with his brother, calling him before every game as a source of motivation and connection.
Personal Life
Reynolds draws significant inspiration from his family circumstances, using the challenges his brother faced as motivation throughout his football career. His social media presence reflects his connection to his roots in the Philadelphia area, and he maintains relationships with family members who have supported his journey from youth football through his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transition for Reynolds after four-plus seasons with the Detroit Lions. After his release from the Lions in late November, he signed with the New England Patriots practice squad in late November 2025. This move represented his fourth NFL franchise and provided an opportunity to continue his career with an organization seeking to develop depth at the running back position. Reynolds brings experience as a between-the-tackles runner and reliable receiver to a Patriots team that values versatility in its offensive personnel.