Devin Duvernay (born September 12, 1997) is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns and was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft. Duvernay has earned Pro Bowl honors twice and was a First-team All-Pro selection in 2021 for his exceptional play as a return specialist. Throughout his NFL career, he has also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears.
Devin Duvernay Bio
Devin Duvernay has established himself as one of the NFL’s most dynamic return specialists while also contributing as a wide receiver. Known for his elite speed, quickness, and reliability in the return game, Duvernay has carved out a niche as a special teams weapon. His ability to make defenders miss and find creases in coverage has made him a valuable asset for every team he has joined. Duvernay’s journey from a high school standout in Texas to a two-time Pro Bowl selection demonstrates his dedication and consistent improvement throughout his football career.
Early Life and Background
Devin Duvernay was born on September 12, 1997, in Sachse, Texas. He attended Sachse High School in his hometown, where he quickly became a standout football player. During his high school career, Duvernay recorded 170 receptions for 2,906 yards and 36 touchdowns. His most impressive feat came as a sophomore when he returned a kickoff 109 yards for a touchdown, setting the school record for the longest kickoff return touchdown.
Duvernay’s exceptional high school performance earned him recognition in the 2016 Under Armour All-America Game, a premier all-star event featuring the nation’s top high school players. Initially, he committed to play college football at Baylor University but later switched his commitment to the University of Texas at Austin, where he would continue his football development under the Texas Longhorns program.
Path to Professional Football
Duvernay’s collegiate career at Texas began as a true freshman in 2016, when he played in all 12 games with two starts. He made an immediate impact with 20 receptions for 412 yards and three touchdowns. As a sophomore in 2017, he appeared in all 13 games and recorded nine receptions for 124 yards. His role continued to expand during his junior year in 2018 when he started all 14 games, compiling 41 receptions for 546 yards and four touchdowns.
Duvernay saved his best college season for his senior year in 2019. He returned as the Longhorns’ number one receiver and delivered a standout campaign with 106 receptions for 1,386 yards and nine touchdowns. His exceptional performance earned him First-team All-Big 12 honors, validating his development into one of the conference’s top receivers. Following his senior season, Duvernay entered the 2020 NFL Draft, where his combination of speed, hands, and special teams ability made him an attractive prospect.
Devin Duvernay Career
Baltimore Ravens (2020–2023)
Devin Duvernay was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round with the 92nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He made his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns, recording a 12-yard reception in the 38–6 victory. His first career touchdown came in Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs when he returned a kickoff 93 yards in the 34–20 loss. Duvernay’s versatility was on display early, as he contributed both as a receiver and return specialist throughout his rookie season.
Duvernay’s role expanded significantly in 2021 due to injuries to other receivers. In Week 2 against the Chiefs, he recovered a fumble at the Kansas City two-yard line and scored a touchdown in the dramatic 36–35 win. The following week against the Detroit Lions, he recorded his first career receiving touchdown on a 19-yard reception in a 19–17 victory. In Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings, he made a highlight-reel one-handed catch for a 5-yard receiving touchdown in an overtime win. His exceptional season as a return specialist earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and Second-team All-Pro honors.
The 2022 season saw Duvernay become a more prominent part of the offense. With the trade of Marquise Brown, he was positioned as a full-time starting wide receiver alongside Rashod Bateman. He recorded his first multi-touchdown game in Week 1 against the New York Jets, finishing with four receptions for 54 yards and two touchdowns in the 24–9 win. The following week against the Miami Dolphins, he returned the opening kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown while also catching two passes for 42 yards. Duvernay suffered a severe foot injury during practice in December and was placed on injured reserve, ending his season. He finished 2022 with a career-high 49 catches for 407 yards and three touchdowns, earning his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection as a return specialist.
In 2023, the Ravens added several offensive weapons including Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor while drafting Zay Flowers, which shifted Duvernay back to primarily a return specialist role. He suffered a back injury in Week 14 and was placed on injured reserve. He was activated off IR on January 10, 2024, as the Ravens prepared for the playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2024)
On March 13, 2024, Duvernay signed a two-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The move gave him an opportunity to contribute in a new offensive system. After one season with Jacksonville, he was released by the team on March 12, 2025.
Chicago Bears (2025)
Duvernay signed with the Chicago Bears on March 19, 2025, agreeing to a one-year contract. He was released during final roster cuts on August 27 but was re-signed to the active roster the following day. During the 2025 season, Duvernay served as the Bears’ primary kick returner. His veteran experience and reliability in the return game provided stability for the special teams unit. In Week 11 against the Minnesota Vikings, after Minnesota scored the go-ahead touchdown with 50 seconds remaining, Duvernay returned the ensuing kickoff 56 yards to the opposing 40-yard line. That crucial return set up the Bears to drive downfield and kick the game-winning field goal, demonstrating his ability to make game-changing plays in pressure situations.
Arizona Cardinals (2026–Present)
On March 15, 2026, Duvernay signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. The move reunited him with his cousin, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray, though they would be playing for opposing teams. Duvernay brings his veteran experience and special teams expertise to a Cardinals franchise looking to build competitiveness.
Driving Style and Strengths
Duvernay’s game is built around elite straight-line speed and exceptional quickness. His primary value comes as a return specialist where his ability to read blockers, find creases, and accelerate through holes makes him a consistent threat to take kicks back for touchdowns. He possesses reliable hands as a receiver and runs crisp routes, though his size limits his role in jump-ball situations. His understanding of spacing and timing allows him to be effective in limited offensive touches, making the most of his opportunities when targeted.
Notable Events and Milestones
Duvernay’s career has been defined by his consistency as a return specialist. His 103-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Miami in 2022 showcased his elite speed and big-play ability. He has been selected to two Pro Bowls and earned First-team All-Pro honors, establishing himself among the league’s top return specialists. His ability to deliver in crucial moments, such as his 56-yard return that set up the game-winning field goal against Minnesota in 2025, has made him a trusted player in high-pressure situations throughout his career.
Devin Duvernay Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Duvernay has contributed across multiple phases of the game as both a receiver and return specialist. His career statistics include over 1,000 receiving yards, more than 4,500 return yards, and nine total touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility and value as a dual-threat player.
NFL Highlights
Duvernay’s most productive receiving season came in 2022 with the Baltimore Ravens when he caught 49 passes for 407 yards and three touchdowns while also serving as the team’s primary returner. His standout special teams performances have been his signature, with his Pro Bowl selections in 2021 and 2022 recognizing his excellence as a return specialist. His 93-yard kickoff return touchdown against Kansas City in 2020 provided an early glimpse of his potential as a game-changing returner in the NFL.
Other Achievements
Before his NFL career, Duvernay earned First-team All-Big 12 honors in 2019 after his exceptional senior season at Texas where he recorded 1,386 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His 109-yard kickoff return touchdown in high school remains a school record and foreshadowed his future as an elite return specialist at the professional level.
| Stat Category | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 107 |
| Receiving Yards | 1,003 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 6 |
| Return Yards | 4,515 |
| Rushing Yards | 222 |
| Total Touchdowns | 9 |
Devin Duvernay Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Duvernay comes from a football family with strong athletic bloodlines. He is the cousin of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray, who is also from the Dallas area and has known Duvernay since childhood. The two maintained their connection through college before both reaching the NFL. Duvernay also has a twin brother named Donovan, who played defensive back for the Texas Longhorns. Donovan later transferred to Northwestern State University for his senior season, following his own path in football.
Personal Life
Duvernay maintains a private personal life away from the football field. His connection to his cousin Kyler Murray has been well-documented, with both players achieving success at the highest levels of college football before reaching the NFL. The family relationship between two NFL players demonstrates the football heritage present in their family. Duvernay’s twin brother Donovan also pursued football at the collegiate level, with the two brothers sharing a bond through their shared athletic journey.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Duvernay’s transition to the Chicago Bears after beginning the year with Jacksonville. His signing with Chicago in March provided an opportunity to compete for a significant role on a team building around young quarterback Caleb Williams. After making the initial roster, Duvernay established himself as the Bears’ primary kick returner and contributed valuable veteran experience to the special teams unit.
Throughout the season, Duvernay’s reliability as a returner proved valuable for the Bears. His 56-yard return in Week 11 against Minnesota exemplified his ability to flip field position in crucial moments. The play set up a game-winning drive and demonstrated why he has remained a trusted return specialist in the NFL for multiple seasons. While his offensive role remained limited, his special teams contributions made him an important piece of the roster.
Looking ahead, Duvernay’s proven track record as a return specialist and his ability to contribute as a receiver when called upon make him a reliable veteran option. His 2025 season with the Bears reinforced his value as someone who can be counted on to execute in important situations. Whether in the return game or as a complementary receiving option, Duvernay continues to demonstrate the versatility and dependability that has characterized his NFL career.