Jordan Whittington Bio
Jordan Whittington is an American professional football wide receiver and kick returner for the Los Angeles Rams in the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 1, 2000, in Cuero, Texas, he played college football for the Texas Longhorns from 2019 to 2023. The Los Angeles Rams selected Whittington in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 213th overall pick. As a rookie, he made an immediate impact on special teams and earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors as a kick returner.
Early Life and Background
Jordan Whittington grew up in Cuero, Texas, where he attended Cuero High School. During his high school football career, Whittington proved to be a versatile playmaker, completing 14 of his passing attempts for 301 yards and two touchdowns. He also carried the ball 104 times for 1,100 yards and 18 touchdowns while catching 164 passes for 3,157 yards and 40 touchdowns.
In the 2018 State Championship game at AT&T Stadium, Whittington delivered a legendary performance by breaking Eric Dickerson’s 4A record with 334 rushing yards in a 40-28 victory against defending champions Pleasant Grove. He finished that game with 377 total yards and six touchdowns while also recording 11 tackles and one interception on defense. His outstanding performance earned him both offensive and defensive MVP honors in the championship game.
Whittington was rated as a four-star recruit coming out of high school. He received scholarship offers from major programs including Alabama, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, TCU, and West Virginia before ultimately committing to play college football at the University of Texas.
Path to the NFL
Whittington joined the Texas Longhorns as a highly decorated four-star recruit in 2019. During his true freshman season opener against Louisiana Tech, he caught two passes for 17 yards before suffering a torn adductor muscle that ended his season. He was redshirted that year but gained valuable experience at the collegiate level.
Whittington faced injury challenges throughout his college career but continued to develop as a player. In the 2020 season, he appeared in five games with two starts, catching 21 passes for 206 yards and adding 50 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground. His sophomore campaign in 2021 saw him play eight games with three starts, recording 26 receptions for 377 yards and three touchdowns, including a career-high seven receptions for 113 yards and a 14-yard touchdown against Oklahoma.
His breakout season came in 2022 when Whittington started 12 of the 13 games he played, catching 50 passes for 652 yards and one touchdown. His consistent performance and versatility made him a key component of the Longhorns offense. After the season, he announced he would return for one more year with Texas in 2023 to further develop his craft before pursuing his professional career.
Jordan Whittington Career
Rookie Season with Los Angeles Rams (2024)
The Los Angeles Rams selected Jordan Whittington in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 213th overall pick. He joined a Rams team looking to rebuild its roster with young talent. As a rookie, Whittington immediately contributed on special teams while also making an impact in the passing game.
Whittington played in 15 games during his rookie season, starting three of them. He caught 22 passes for 293 yards while serving as the team’s primary kick returner. He returned 16 kickoffs for 453 total yards throughout the season. His versatility and consistency on special teams caught the attention of coaches and fans alike. Following his impressive rookie campaign, Whittington was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team as a kickoff returner, recognizing his significant contributions to the Rams’ special teams unit.
Second Season with Los Angeles Rams (2025–Present)
In his second NFL season, Whittington continued to build on his rookie success. He appeared in all 17 regular season games, earning six starts. He caught 18 passes for 171 yards while continuing to serve as the team’s primary kick returner. Whittington returned 17 kickoffs for 434 yards, showing consistency in his special teams role.
His expanded role in the receiving corps demonstrated the coaching staff’s trust in his abilities. Whittington’s combination of reliable hands, speed, and special teams expertise made him a valuable asset on the Rams roster. His development as a dual-threat player—both as a receiver and returner—positioned him as an important piece of the team’s long-term plans.
Playing Style and Strengths
Whittington brings versatility to the Rams offense with his ability to line up at multiple receiver positions and contribute significantly on special teams. His speed and vision make him an effective kick returner, while his reliable hands and after-the-catch ability allow him to contribute in the passing game. His experience playing multiple positions in college helped develop his football IQ and adaptability to different offensive schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Whittington’s rookie season was defined by his special teams excellence, culminating in his selection to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. His ability to make an immediate impact as a sixth-round draft pick demonstrated his work ethic and readiness for professional football. He set the tone early in his career by earning recognition among the league’s top rookies despite being selected in the later rounds of the draft.
Jordan Whittington Career Statistics
Through his first two NFL seasons, Whittington has established himself as a reliable contributor on offense and special teams. His career totals reflect his dual-role contributions as both a receiver and kick returner for the Los Angeles Rams.
NFL Career Highlights
In his rookie season (2024), Whittington made an immediate impact by appearing in 15 games with 3 starts. He caught 22 passes for 293 yards and returned 16 kickoffs for 453 yards. His special teams production earned him PFWA All-Rookie Team honors as a kick returner. In his second season (2025), he appeared in all 17 games with 6 starts, catching 18 passes for 171 yards and returning 17 kickoffs for 434 yards.
College Career Highlights
At Texas, Whittington played from 2019 to 2023, appearing in 39 games with 17 starts across four seasons. His most productive season came in 2022 when he started 12 games and caught 50 passes for 652 yards and one touchdown. He finished his college career with 97 receptions for 1,235 yards and four touchdowns while adding rushing contributions and special teams play.
| Season | Team | Games | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Return Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Los Angeles Rams | 15 | 22 | 293 | 453 |
| 2025 | Los Angeles Rams | 17 | 18 | 171 | 434 |
| Career | Los Angeles Rams | 32 | 40 | 464 | 887 |
Jordan Whittington Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jordan Whittington comes from a football family with deep roots in the sport. He is the nephew of former NFL running back Arthur Whittington, who played for the Oakland Raiders during their dominant years in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Arthur Whittington was a key member of the Raiders team that won Super Bowl XV in 1980, capturing the world championship.
This family connection to professional football provided Whittington with inspiration and guidance throughout his development as a player. Having an uncle who achieved success at the highest level of the sport likely influenced his career path and goals from an early age.
Personal Life
Whittington maintains a presence on social media, where he connects with fans through his accounts on X and Instagram. He continues to represent his hometown of Cuero, Texas, with pride and often references his roots in the community where he began his football journey. His background growing up in a small Texas town and his family’s football legacy have shaped his identity as a player and person.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant step in Whittington’s development as a professional player. He appeared in all 17 regular season games for the Rams, earning six starts—double his rookie-season total of three. This increased role reflected the coaching staff’s confidence in his ability to contribute more heavily on offense while maintaining his special teams responsibilities.
Whittington caught 18 passes for 171 yards during the season, demonstrating his reliability as a possession receiver when called upon. His primary contribution continued to come on special teams, where he returned 17 kickoffs for 434 yards. His consistent availability and performance helped provide the Rams with a reliable option in the return game throughout the season.
The second-year receiver showed continued growth in his understanding of the Rams’ offensive system and built stronger chemistry with quarterbacks and coaches. His versatility remains his greatest asset, allowing the team to utilize him in various roles depending on game situations and opponent matchups. As he enters the next phase of his career, Whittington aims to expand his impact in the passing game while continuing his excellence on special teams.