Jack Wilson Bio
Jack Wilson (born October 22, 1999) is an American professional football player who serves as an offensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). Wilson played college football for the Washington State Cougars while also maintaining an extensive college basketball career spanning four universities. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and joined the Colts organization later that season. Wilson stands at 6 feet 11 inches, a height that would make him the tallest player in NFL history if he sees playing time in an official game.
Early Life and Background
Wilson was born on October 22, 1999, in Montara, California. He attended Junípero Serra High School in San Mateo, California, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. Wilson was a highly decorated basketball player in high school, earning recognition as the number one-ranked center recruit in the West region and achieving four-star recruit status. His athletic potential drew significant attention from college programs across the country.
Rather than pursuing football initially, Wilson committed to continue his basketball career at the collegiate level. He accepted an opportunity to play for the Oregon State Beavers, one of the Pacific-12 Conference programs known for developing athletic talent. This decision would eventually lead him on an unusual path through four different universities before ultimately finding his way to professional football.
Path to the NFL
Wilson’s journey to the NFL differed significantly from most professional football players. Rather than following the traditional path from high school football to college football to the NFL draft, Wilson spent the majority of his collegiate career as a basketball player. He began his college basketball career at Oregon State during the 2018-2019 season, appearing in seven games before leaving the program.
Wilson transferred to the University of Idaho for the 2019-2020 season, where he was required to wait due to NCAA transfer rules before becoming eligible to play. He averaged 4.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while appearing in 18 games for the Vandals. Idaho head coach Don Verlin described Wilson as a high-character young man who demonstrated success both on the court and in the classroom.
The pivotal moment in Wilson’s athletic career came when he left the Idaho basketball program in January 2020. Initially planning to pursue a career as a strength and conditioning coach, Wilson began interning with the Washington State basketball program. During this time, he became acquainted with the strength and conditioning staff of the school’s football program. The football coaching staff recognized Wilson’s exceptional size and athleticism and offered him a walk-on position on the football team.
Jack Wilson Career
Washington State Transition (2020-2023)
Wilson was initially recruited to play as an edge rusher for Washington State but was soon moved to the offensive line. He redshirted for one year with the football program during the 2020 season while continuing to play basketball for the Cougars. This unique dual-sport participation made Wilson the first Washington State student to play both basketball and football since Brandon Gibson during the 2007-2008 season.
Wilson played two additional seasons with the Washington State football program from 2021 to 2023, appearing in a total of 25 games throughout his football career. He primarily contributed on special teams during his time with the Cougars. Standing at 6 feet 11 inches, Wilson became the tallest player in the history of the Washington State football program, a testament to his distinctive physical profile that translated from his basketball background.
Continued Basketball Development
While pursuing his football career at Washington State, Wilson continued playing basketball for the Cougars from 2022 to 2023. Seeking more playing time and a master’s degree in exercise science, he transferred to the University of Minnesota for his final basketball season in 2023-2024. Minnesota head coach Ben Johnson described Wilson as a strong, physical player who was a willing worker and good athlete. Wilson recorded 11 points and six rebounds in seven games during his time with the Golden Gophers, completing a college basketball career that spanned 50 total games across four universities.
Indianapolis Colts (2024-Present)
Despite his limited football experience compared to most NFL prospects, Wilson entered the 2024 NFL Draft but went undrafted. His exceptional size and athleticism, however, attracted attention from professional teams. The Indianapolis Colts signed Wilson to their practice squad on October 9, 2024, marking his official entry into professional football. He joined former college basketball player Mo Alie-Cox as one of the few players with concurrent basketball experience to play on the Colts roster.
Wilson’s trajectory continued with the organization when he signed a reserve/futures contract with the Colts on January 8, 2025. This contract indicated the team’s interest in developing his potential as an offensive tackle. At 6 feet 11 inches, Wilson possesses a unique physical profile that sets him apart from virtually every other player in professional football history.
Playing Style and Physical Attributes
Wilson’s background as a basketball player provides him with unusual mobility and footwork for someone of his size. Standing at 6 feet 11 inches and weighing 310 pounds, he presents a physical presence that defensive linemen rarely encounter. His experience playing on the offensive line during his time at Washington State, combined with his basketball-derived agility, gives him potential as a developmental prospect. His transition from basketball to football remains ongoing, and he represents a project player with unusual tools if properly developed.
Notable Milestones
Wilson’s career has been marked by several distinctive achievements. He became the tallest player in Washington State football program history during his collegiate career. If he appears in an official NFL game, he would become the tallest player to ever play in the league, surpassing all current and historical records for player height. His journey from basketball courts to professional football demonstrates the versatility and adaptability required to compete at the highest levels of team sports.
Jack Wilson Career Wins
As a developmental player who entered professional football with limited experience, Wilson has not accumulated traditional statistics such as wins or championships. His career milestones focus on his progression through collegiate athletics and his establishment within an NFL organization. In basketball, Wilson played 50 games across four universities, demonstrating sustained competitive ability at the Division I level.
College Football Highlights
During his three seasons with the Washington State football program, Wilson appeared in 25 games, primarily contributing on special teams. His first official season of game action came after redshirting during the 2020 season. The experience gained during these games provided foundational knowledge of professional-level football concepts and team dynamics that he continues to build upon with the Colts.
Professional Milestones
Wilson’s professional milestones include signing with the Indianapolis Colts practice squad in October 2024 and subsequently earning a reserve/futures contract in January 2025. These achievements marked his official transition from collegiate athletics to professional football, establishing him as a member of an NFL roster despite going undrafted.
Jack Wilson Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
Public records do not provide detailed information about Wilson’s family background or athletic lineage. His upbringing in Montara, California, and his attendance at Junípero Serra High School in San Mateo represent the available background information. The details of his parents’ athletic backgrounds, if any, have not been publicly disclosed.
Personal Life
Wilson pursued a master’s degree in exercise science during his time at the University of Minnesota, indicating academic interests beyond athletics. Initially, he considered a career as a strength and conditioning coach before deciding to pursue football professionally. His athletic transition from basketball to football at Washington State reflected his willingness to explore unconventional career paths within sports. Current information regarding Wilson’s marital status, spouse, or children is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents Wilson’s first full year within the Indianapolis Colts organization following his January signing. As a member of the offensive line, he continues developing his skills within the team’s practice squad environment. The Colts organization has shown continued interest in his development, providing him with opportunities to refine his technique and learn the complexities of professional football schemes.
Wilson faced a significant setback when the Colts placed him on injured reserve on July 28, 2025, after he sustained a pectoral injury. This injury interrupted his progress during training camp and prevented him from competing for roster advancement during the early portion of the season. The recovery timeline for such an injury typically requires several months of rehabilitation before a player can return to full contact activities.
The Colts’ continued investment in Wilson through his reserve/futures contract and his initial placement on the active roster despite the injury suggests the organization sees value in his physical tools and potential. His recovery and eventual return to the practice field will be important for his long-term prospects within the league. The 2026 season will likely serve as an important year for Wilson to demonstrate the progress he has made in his transition from basketball to professional football.