Irvin DeVonta Charles Bio
Irvin DeVonta Charles is an American professional football wide receiver and gunner who currently plays in the National Football League. He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Crimson Hawks. Charles signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and has continued to develop as a player through various contracts and roster promotions. Known for his special teams ability and versatility, he has carved out a role as a gunner while working toward establishing himself as a receiving threat.
Early Life and Background
Irvin DeVonta Charles was born on April 13, 1997, in Sicklerville, New Jersey. He grew up in the same region, approximately 23 miles from Philadelphia. His father shared his passion for football, and the family were devoted Jets fans throughout Charles’s childhood. This familial connection to the team would later play a significant role in his professional aspirations.
During his high school years at Paul VI in Haddonfield, New Jersey, Charles wore the number 15 in homage to his favorite player, Brandon Marshall. He developed into a highly regarded prospect, earning a four-star recruit rating from 247Sports.com. His combination of size, athleticism, and production made him an attractive collegiate prospect.
Path to American Football
Charles’s journey to professional football included stops at two major college programs. He initially enrolled at Pennsylvania State University, commonly known as Penn State, where he played for the Nittany Lions from 2015 to 2017. During his time there, he saw limited playing time on offense but contributed primarily on special teams. His collegiate career hit a significant setback when he was dismissed from the Penn State team for violating team rules prior to the team’s appearance in the 2017 Fiesta Bowl.
Following his departure from Penn State, Charles completed his degree and transferred to Indiana University of Pennsylvania as a graduate transfer. After a year away from football, he returned to the gridiron in 2021 and showcased his receiving abilities with the Crimson Hawks. He recorded 39 receptions for 792 yards and 12 touchdowns that season, demonstrating his potential as a downfield threat.
Irvin DeVonta Charles Career
New York Jets (2022-Present)
On May 6, 2022, the New York Jets signed Charles to a three-year contract worth $2.565 million as an undrafted free agent. The signing represented an opportunity for the New Jersey native to pursue his childhood dream of playing for his hometown team. He reported to rookie minicamp with the Jets shortly after signing.
Charles’s first NFL season involved considerable roster movement. The Jets waived him on August 29, 2022, but re-signed him to their practice squad two days later. He remained on the practice squad for the remainder of the season, using that time to adapt to the professional level and refine his skills.
The 2023 season marked Charles’s first sustained opportunity with the organization. On January 7, 2023, the Jets signed him to the active roster on a one-year, $705,000 contract. He successfully made the team’s final roster entering the regular season and appeared in 12 games. During that campaign, he recorded seven total tackles on special teams and received one target as a receiver without recording a catch.
Charles continued his trajectory with the Jets for the 2024 season. He recorded two special teams tackles and blocking a punt from Ryan Stonehouse during a 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. That blocked punt proved to be a pivotal play in the game and highlighted his contributions on special teams. However, his season ended prematurely when he sustained an ACL injury in Week 14 during the team’s loss to the Miami Dolphins.
On March 28, 2025, Charles signed an exclusive rights tender with the Jets, ensuring his return for the upcoming season. This signing reflected the team’s continued investment in his development and value on special teams units.
Driving Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 4 inches and 219 pounds, Charles possesses the size and length that NFL teams covet at the receiver position. His experience as a gunner on special teams demonstrates his speed, physicality, and willingness to pursue the ball. His size advantage allows him to create separation and win contested catches when opportunities arise in the passing game. The blocked punt against Tennessee illustrated his instincts and ability to read the opposing punter’s operation.
Notable Events and Milestones
The blocked punt against the Titans in Week 2 of the 2024 season stands as one of Charles’s most impactful professional moments. That play directly influenced the outcome of a divisional matchup and showcased his ability to make clutch contributions. His journey from undrafted free agent to roster staple with his childhood favorite team represents another meaningful chapter in his career narrative.
Irvin DeVonta Charles Career Wins
While individual statistics in the NFL vary significantly for players in backup and special teams roles, Charles has accumulated meaningful career data through his first seasons. His primary contributions have come on special teams, where he has demonstrated reliability and playmaking ability.
New York Jets Highlights
Through the 2024 season, Charles recorded 14 career tackles, all coming on special teams. His 12-game appearance in 2023 provided his first extended regular season experience. The 2024 season offered additional opportunities before his season-ending injury. Making the Jets roster as an undrafted free agent represented a significant achievement given the competitive nature of NFL roster construction.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his statistical contributions, Charles’s value extends to his versatility and special teams coverage ability. The blocked punt against Tennessee generated positive field position for the Jets offense at a crucial moment. His progression from practice squad player to active roster contributor demonstrates his persistence and ability to adapt to professional football’s demands.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a pivotal year for Charles as he works to return from the ACL injury sustained in 2024 and reclaim his spot on the Jets roster. Entering the season on an exclusive rights tender, he must prove he has recovered fully from the knee injury while demonstrating improved ability to contribute as a receiver.
Charles’s primary path to making the roster likely centers on his special teams value, particularly as a gunner. NFL teams consistently prioritize players who can contribute on multiple units, and his size provides an advantage in physical matchups against opposing gunners and returners. The Jets coaching staff will evaluate his recovery progress throughout the offseason program and training camp.
The outlook for Charles involves continued development as both a receiver and special teams contributor. His familiarity with the Jets organization and coaching staff provides continuity as he works toward a more significant role. If he returns to full health, he possesses the physical tools to compete for a roster spot and potentially expand his impact on offense as the Jets continue building their receiving corps around their quarterback situation.