Joel Wilson Bio
Joel Wilson (born June 21, 2000) is an American professional football tight end for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Central Michigan Chippewas. Wilson attended Petoskey High School in Petoskey, Michigan, where he played quarterback on the football team before committing to play at Central Michigan. Wilson went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft and has since played for multiple NFL franchises, eventually earning a roster spot with the Tennessee Titans.
Early Life and Background
Joel Wilson was born on June 21, 2000, in Petoskey, Michigan. He grew up in northern Michigan and attended Petoskey High School, where he was a dual-sport athlete. Wilson played quarterback for the Petoskey football team, developing the skills and football instincts that would later translate to his professional career. His performance in high school caught the attention of college programs, and he ultimately chose to continue his football career at Central Michigan University.
Path to the NFL
Wilson committed to play college football at Central Michigan, joining the Chippewas program in 2018. He transitioned from quarterback to tight end during his college years, a move that showcased his versatility and athleticism. The coaching staff at Central Michigan recognized his potential and developed him into a reliable receiving threat at the tight end position. His progression through the college ranks prepared him for the physical and mental demands of professional football.
Joel Wilson Career
College Career (2018–2022)
Wilson began his college career at Central Michigan as a freshman in 2018, appearing in games and recording one reception for five yards. His 2019 season was cut short due to a broken foot injury that limited his playing time, and he managed just one reception for seven yards along with one tackle. The adversity he faced during this period helped him develop resilience that would serve him well in his career.
Wilson bounced back in the shortened 2020 season with five receptions for 50 yards. His 2021 season marked a breakout year, as he recorded 31 receptions for 367 yards and six touchdowns. He scored his first career touchdown in a game against LSU in week three of the 2021 season. In the 2021 Sun Bowl, Wilson contributed three receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown, helping Central Michigan defeat Washington State 24-21.
Wilson continued his strong play into the 2022 season. He recorded 44 receptions for 445 yards and six touchdowns before suffering a season-ending injury in week ten against Northern Illinois. For his performance throughout the 2022 season, Wilson was named Third-team All-MAC. He finished his college career at Central Michigan with 82 receptions for 874 yards and 12 touchdowns across five seasons.
New Orleans Saints (2023)
After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Wilson signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2023. His opportunity with the Saints was short-lived, as he was released on May 13 after failing his physical. The experience taught Wilson valuable lessons about the business side of professional football and the importance of maintaining peak physical condition at all times.
Buffalo Bills (2023)
Wilson did not stay out of work for long. On May 22, 2023, he signed with the Buffalo Bills. He was waived on August 29 due to missing practice but was re-signed to the Bills practice squad. Wilson was eventually released by the Bills on November 7, 2023. The time spent with Buffalo allowed Wilson to continue developing his skills and learning different offensive systems within the NFL.
Green Bay Packers (2023–2024)
On November 28, 2023, Wilson was signed to the Green Bay Packers practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with Green Bay on January 22, 2024, indicating the organization believed in his potential. Wilson was released by the Packers on August 27, 2024, during final roster cuts. Despite the release, his time in Green Bay provided him with valuable experience in a storied franchise known for developing players.
New York Giants (2024)
Wilson continued his journey through the NFL when he signed with the New York Giants practice squad on September 24, 2024. His tenure with the Giants was brief, as he was released by New York on October 1, 2024. The rapid movement between teams is common for players trying to establish themselves in the league, and Wilson used each opportunity to refine his craft.
Chicago Bears (2024–2025)
On October 24, 2024, Wilson signed with the Chicago Bears practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with Chicago on January 6, 2025, securing his spot with the organization for the following season. Wilson was waived by the Bears on August 25, 2025, during training camp roster reductions. The experience gained with the Bears contributed to his continued growth as a professional player.
Tennessee Titans (2025–Present)
Wilson’s persistence paid off when he signed with the Tennessee Titans practice squad on September 15, 2025. He worked hard to earn opportunities and demonstrate his abilities to the coaching staff. On January 5, 2026, Wilson signed a reserve/future contract with the Titans, officially securing his place on the active roster for the 2026 season. This milestone represented the culmination of his journey through multiple organizations and exemplified his resilience and dedication to the sport.
Playing Style and Strengths
Wilson stands at 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 245 pounds, giving him the size and frame teams look for in a tight end. His experience playing quarterback in high school developed his football intelligence and passing-game awareness. He proved himself as a reliable receiver at Central Michigan, consistently making contested catches and finding openings in opposing defenses. His collegiate career demonstrated his ability to contribute as both a receiver and red-zone target.
Joel Wilson Career Wins
Wilson earned recognition during his college career at Central Michigan, earning Third-team All-MAC honors in 2022. He was a key contributor to the Chippewas offense during his final two seasons.
Central Michigan Highlights
Wilson saved his best statistical seasons for his junior and senior years at Central Michigan. In 2021, he recorded 31 receptions for 367 yards and six touchdowns. He followed that with 44 receptions for 445 yards and six touchdowns in 2022 before suffering a season-ending injury. His 2022 performance earned him Third-team All-MAC recognition. Over his five-year college career, Wilson totaled 82 receptions for 874 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Professional Milestones
After going undrafted in 2023, Wilson signed with the New Orleans Saints and has since played for the Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and Tennessee Titans. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Tennessee Titans on January 5, 2026, marking his official roster spot with the organization.
Joel Wilson Family
Family Background
Wilson was born and raised in Petoskey, Michigan. Details about his family background, parents, and siblings are not extensively documented in public sources. His upbringing in northern Michigan provided him with the foundation to pursue his football career at the collegiate and professional levels.
Personal Life
Wilson focuses primarily on his football career as he continues to establish himself in the NFL. He maintains an active presence on social media. Beyond football, his interests and activities are not widely publicized. His journey through multiple NFL organizations demonstrates his commitment to succeeding at the highest level of the sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant chapter in Wilson’s professional career. After his time with the Chicago Bears ended with a waiver in late August, Wilson signed with the Tennessee Titans practice squad in September. He spent the remainder of the season working within the Titans organization, developing chemistry with the coaching staff and fellow players. The opportunity allowed him to learn the Titans offensive system and showcase his abilities in practice.
His performance and dedication throughout the 2025 season earned him recognition from the coaching staff. On January 5, 2026, Wilson signed a reserve/future contract with the Titans, indicating the organization’s confidence in his potential. This contract secured his place on the Titans roster heading into the 2026 season.
The outlook for Wilson appears promising as he enters the 2026 season with a guaranteed roster spot. His journey from an undrafted free agent to an established NFL player reflects his resilience and determination. With the support of the Titans coaching staff, Wilson aims to contribute to the team’s success and potentially earn a more prominent role in the offense during the upcoming season.