Divaad Wilson

Divaad Wilson Bio

Divaad “Newt” Wilson (born January 26, 2000) is an American professional football cornerback who has played for multiple NFL franchises since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He played college football at both the Georgia Bulldogs and UCF Knights, where he developed into a defensive playmaker known for his coverage skills and ball instincts. Wilson has appeared in regular-season games with the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants, compiling double-digit tackles during his young professional career. His journey from Miami Northwestern High School to the NFL demonstrates his resilience and adaptability across different team environments.

Early Life and Background

Divaad Wilson was born on January 26, 2000, in Miami, Florida. He attended Miami Northwestern High School, where he competed in both football and track and field. His athletic abilities were evident early, as he excelled in multiple sports while developing his skills as a defensive back on the football field.

At Miami Northwestern, Wilson established himself as a highly regarded football prospect. He earned a four-star rating from 247Sports and was ranked as the number 26 defensive back nationally, the number 242 overall prospect in the country, and the number 46 prospect in Florida. ESPN also rated him as a four-star recruit, ranking him number 205 nationally and the number 26 cornerback in his class. His recruitment profile reflected his potential to compete at the highest collegiate level.

Path to Professional Football

Wilson’s recruitment culminated in his commitment to play for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, one of college football’s premier programs. His path from a Miami high school standout to a Power Five conference player demonstrated his ability to compete against top-tier talent. The experience he gained at Georgia provided a strong foundation for his defensive development.

After his time at Georgia, Wilson transferred to the University of Central Florida Knights, where he continued his football career from 2020 through 2022. This transition allowed him to take on an expanded role in the Knights’ defense and showcase his abilities in a different conference. His development at UCF ultimately became the springboard for his professional opportunities.

Divaad Wilson Career

College Career at Georgia (2018-2019)

Wilson redshirted his true freshman season at Georgia in 2018, using that year to adapt to the college game and the physical demands of SEC football. In 2019, he saw action as a redshirt freshman, appearing in 13 games for the Bulldogs. He earned starts in key games against Notre Dame and Kentucky, gaining valuable experience in high-pressure matchups against quality opponents.

College Career at UCF (2020-2022)

Wilson transferred to UCF for the 2020 season, his sophomore year. He contributed on special teams and defensive duties, recording 11 total tackles, nine solo tackles, and one pass deflection during the campaign. His adaptability allowed him to make an impact in multiple phases of the game early in his UCF tenure.

In 2021, his junior year, Wilson appeared in all 13 regular season games and started 12 times at the safety position. He earned third-team All-American Athletic Conference accolades from Pro Football Focus and led the team in interceptions for the season. Wilson finished fourth on the team with 72 tackles and 41 solo tackles, demonstrating his ability to be a consistent playmaker in the secondary.

During his senior season in 2022, Wilson transitioned to a versatile nickelback role and once again led the Knights in interceptions with three on the year. He also handled punt return duties at various points during the season. His performance earned him second-team All-AAC honors from Pro Football Network and third-team All-AAC recognition from Phil Steele. Additionally, Wilson was named to the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s top defensive player.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2023)

Despite an impressive college career, Wilson went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2023. The opportunity represented a chance to prove himself at the professional level despite not hearing his name called during the draft. He competed for a roster spot during training camp and the preseason.

Wilson was released by the Jaguars on August 29, 2023, during final roster cuts. The release marked the beginning of his journey through multiple organizations, a common path for undrafted players seeking to establish themselves in the NFL.

Arizona Cardinals (2023-2024)

Wilson signed with the Arizona Cardinals practice squad on September 4, 2023. He remained on the practice squad for several weeks, continuing to develop his craft and await an opportunity for advancement. The Cardinals provided him with a landing spot to continue his professional development.

His persistence paid off when Wilson was elevated to the active roster for Week 12 on November 26, 2023, for the game against the Los Angeles Rams. This elevation gave him the chance to make his NFL regular-season debut, and he recorded one solo tackle in that game. Wilson was signed to the active roster on January 5, 2024, securing his place on the Cardinals roster heading into the 2024 season.

He was waived by the Cardinals on August 27, 2024, during roster reductions but was re-signed to the practice squad shortly thereafter. The transaction reflected the competitive nature of the NFL roster-building process, especially for players at the cornerback position.

New York Giants (2024)

On December 11, 2024, Wilson was signed by the New York Giants off the Cardinals practice squad. The mid-season move provided him with an opportunity to continue his professional career with a new organization. Wilson joined the Giants’ defensive backs room and contributed in the secondary during the final stretch of the 2024 season.

Detroit Lions (2025)

Wilson signed with the Detroit Lions on June 2, 2025. The addition gave the Lions additional depth at the cornerback position as they prepared for the 2025 season. However, his tenure with the Lions began with complications. He was waived with an injury designation on June 4, 2025, and reverted to injured reserve after clearing waivers on June 5. On July 16, Wilson was waived with an injury settlement, ending his time with the organization for the time being.

Playing Style and Strengths

Wilson projects as a zone coverage cornerback with the versatility to play multiple defensive back positions. His experience at safety, nickelback, and cornerback during his college career demonstrates his positional flexibility. He displays good instincts for locating the football, evidenced by leading UCF in interceptions during two separate seasons. His background on special teams also provides value for NFL rosters seeking players who can contribute in multiple phases.

Notable Events and Milestones

Wilson’s most significant career milestone came during his senior season at UCF in 2022 when he was named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, placing him among the nation’s top defensive player candidates. His leadership and production that season, including his second consecutive year leading the Knights in interceptions, solidified his professional prospects. His NFL debut with the Arizona Cardinals against the Los Angeles Rams represented another key moment in his professional journey.

Divaad Wilson Career Statistics

Through the 2024 NFL season, Wilson has appeared in regular-season games with the Arizona Cardinals and contributed on defense and special teams. His career statistics reflect his limited playing time as a young professional, but his college production at UCF demonstrates his potential as a playmaker in the secondary.

NFL Career Statistics

Wilson has compiled 10 career total tackles and 1 pass deflection through the 2024 season. His solo tackle in his NFL debut against the Rams marked his first recorded statistics at the professional level. The majority of his defensive contributions have come during his time with the Cardinals, where he spent the bulk of his first two NFL seasons.

Divaad Wilson Family

Personal Life

Wilson grew up in Miami, Florida, where he attended Miami Northwestern High School. His nickname “Newt” is used by those close to him, including references in media coverage of his football career. He maintains an active presence on social media platforms.

2025 Season Performance

Wilson’s 2025 season began with his signing by the Detroit Lions on June 2, 2025. The move represented an opportunity to compete for a roster spot with a franchise that has shown commitment to building a competitive team. His versatility as a cornerback who can also play safety and nickelback provided the Lions with defensive backfield depth options. However, injuries during the offseason program led to his waiving with an injury designation. After clearing waivers and being placed on injured reserve, Wilson reached an injury settlement with the Lions in July, making him available to sign with another team during the 2025 season. His ability to recover and potentially secure a roster spot with another franchise will be a storyline to follow as the season progresses.